Last Lecture

Very mixed feelings 2009-10-18

Reviewer: Matthew Buckley-Golder

I have very mixed feelings about this book, and most of the feelings of constraint are sadly about not wanting to say anything too disparaging about the book after hearing about what the author has gone through.

The book has a few interesting points, but they are disjointed and not particularly revealing. I struggled to find an interwoven thread. I also struggled to find a reason that I should take the messages onboard. Who am I listening to? I don't really know. The author said he wrote the lecture for his kids. It will have far more value to them. But why do we need to see or hear it?

Underlying all of this is my concern about what the author is really famous for. He is not famous for the content of his book, but for the fact that he died of cancer. The fact that he wrote the lecture for his kids makes it a bit more disturbing and almost voyeuristic. Though I don't want to disparage the author, this state of affairs epitomizes our current cultural state: famous for being famous, or famous for performing a natural bodily function. Though he does not come across as attention-seeking, the machine that is selling this lecture is somewhat cheapening it by correctly anticipating that society will buy it.

In the end, though, I find it difficult to rid myself of the book. And I can't help but feel manipulated because of that... not by the author himself, but of the sentimental marketing machine around his lecture.

great gift! 2009-10-01

Reviewer: Pageturner

This little gem is an easy read, but enlightening in ways you might not expect. The author is an academic giving real advise that is relevant to any walk of life...almost Mitch Albom-esque. I received it as a "secret Santa" present at work, and since have bought it as a gift for a friend starting her teaching career! Inspiring!

A bit disappointing 2009-09-16

Reviewer: Susan

I bought this book after a relative died of pancreatic cancer, the same disease the author suffered. I found it more personal than universal, something that his wife and family will cherish, but too specific to his life to really speak to others' experiences.

An Important Book for Young Parents, Profound and Touching 2009-09-15

Reviewer: Pearl Dacks

I am a grandmother with two young (37 & 40 year old married children ). I also work as a Palliative Care Volunteer in a dedicated Hospital Unit which I have done for 15 years, our Unit generally serves a 'geriatric'group of patients but now and then we do have Patients under 55...this book struck 'home' with me and made me think about the younger patients and their family members (both their own parents and their own young children) that I've worked with over the years. This kind of volunteering is probably (for me) the most difficult and this book brought to mind most painfully and vividly that which happens to other Familys is one which can only be one step away from your own. Randy's book was a perfect vehicle with which to share with my own kids that 'they' are not invincible and that this could (hopefully not) be their own story. I gave each of them a copy and simply inscribed it with the words "some Life Lessons". Grown up children simply do not believe, for the most part that they, as well as us, are indeed fortunate to greet each day while others do not have that same luxury.

A quick and easy read 2009-06-26

Reviewer: David

A collection of essays about motherhood issues written from the life experience of a dynamic and focussed middle-aged but terminally ill man, to give to his three small children the guidance which he would be unable to provide in person. A quick and easy read.