leasummer's review against another edition
4.0
Without over-analyzing the writing and cohesiveness, just taking this book as it is, it's amazing and uplifting. Pausch writes as he's dying, his advice on how to live because of how he lived given with mere months to live. It is inspiring and heartbreaking.
hiltzmoore's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly, I haven't had a book affect me this way in a long time. I should have known, as an adult who lost a parent at age 7, that reading this book about a parent facing terminal cancer would be emotional for me. I think that after all the press this book had gotten, I had made myself believe that this would be more of an advice book written by someone with a unique perspective on the fragility of life. The book has great advice written with humor and humility, but when it is all said and done, this is a goodbye story from a father to his young children, and I wasn't quite prepared for that. I kept reading it as though my mother was speaking to me and my siblings, so needless to say, I was actually crying (not tearing up, but crying) when I was reading the last chapters. Randy Pausch was a well spoken, highly intelligent man who found a way to speak in a special way to all of us in the special club of children who lost parents too soon. I volunteer to help children like this now, and I hope that others who read it may hear the voices of their own parents, saying the things that were never spoken. This has made it to my "Always Keep" bookshelf. Great, great book.
booksforjake's review against another edition
3.0
Moving story about a teacher, father, and husband who is diagnosed with terminal cancer at a young age. The author’s self-assuredness and cockiness doesn’t make him the most relatable protagonist, but his story is tragic and engaging.
pennymine's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me cry, a lot. Just the thought of the loss of a father and also preparing for your own death when you are leaving small children and a wife behind. I was deeply moved by this book. It made me appreciate again how blessed I am with my own children and husband and our health. I hope to be able to live a long life with my family, but if we lose one, I hope to handle it with at least half of the grace that Randy did. A truly amazing man. I'm going to stop writing now and go spend time with my family...
momofwestnpop's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! It wasn't what I was expecting, it was way better! Amazing advice, funny, interesting and I even cried!?!? For a short book it has a lot of impact. In rarely say this but I would read it again!
rosiesbees's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
3.25
pandacat42's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the advise in this book and I love the way this man lived his dreams. I think he is somewhat pompous in the way he presents his material. He kind of reminds me of my brother in that way. Maybe I'll recommend it to my brother.