The Last Lecture

The Last Lecture

by Randy Pausch

Non-fiction

5/5

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If you had less than six months to live, how would you live the rest of your life? The Last Lecture has you thinking about your loved ones and you just want to hold them a little closer to your heart. Randy Paush, a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon, was diagnosed with ten tumors on his liver and was given only three to six months to live. With a wife and three children from the ages of 5yrs- 1yr, Randy wanted to leave something behind. A legacy for his family and for his children to one day know him. As he stated. If he could sing, he would write a song. If he could write, he would write a book. But he was a lecturer and that is was he was inspired to do. To lecture. Giving his last lecture on " Really achieving childhood dreams," Randy does not talk about dying but living! His lecture has become a phenomenon. Giving hope to those suffering from complications of cancer to the families who love them. This book has really touched my heart given my own families experiences with the heartache of cancer and my friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. I never knew what to say or what to do for those who I love and have lost someone so close. Material things don't matter and sometimes awkward silence is frightening. The last lecture has helped me understand time is all I have and one day there may not be as much as I took for granted left. Live your life to the furthest depth no matter the length of time.

Three cups of Tea

Three Cups of Tea
by Greg Mortenson
Non-fiction
4*/5

Three cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson is truly an inspiring story about one mans mission to change the lives of others and to combat terrorism through education. After his sister Christa's death and his failure to finish the K2 climb in honor of her, Mortenson found himself exhausted and alone. Saved by the people of the impoverished community Korphe, he vowed to help build schools for their children and give them a chance for a decent education. It also gave him the opportunity to honor his sister in a more profound way. I was in awe at his determination and his sacrifices. Greg was determined to keep his promises. He slept in his car for over a year, aka: LaBamba, took showers in a gym, and attempted to raise money one hand typed letter at a time. After five hundred letters were sent out to every celebrity he could think of, only one came back. I found his story uplifting and hopeful. A must read for those who believe in the dedication of humanitarian aid.