Some universities have the tradition of a 'last lecture' series, in which professors deliver a lecture as if it were their last — imparting what they believe to be important knowledge, wisdom or advice. In the case of Computer Science Professor Randy Pausch, his 'last lecture' really was his last lecture.

Diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, Pausch delivered his last lecture at his alma mater Carnegie Mellon University on 18 September 2007 to an audience of 400 with less than an estimated six months to live. The lecture, which was entitled 'Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams', was filmed so that his young children can watch it when they are older.

The footage found its way onto the internet, where over six million people found hope, inspiration and guidance in Pausch's words. Expanding on the lecture, Pausch, with the help of journalist Jeffrey Zaslow, wrote 'The Last Lecture' so that his children would have some idea about how he lived his life, how much loved them and what he would teach them if he had the chance.

"I lectured about the joy of life, about how much I appreciated life, even with so little of my own left. I talked about honesty, integrity, gratitude and other things I hold dear. And I tried very hard not to be boring."

Boredom is not something you are likely to experience when reading Pausch's homage to love, family, friends, work, and the simple beauty of existence. His enthusiasm and energy bounces off the pages as he delivers his unorthodox and inspiring philosophies about what really matters in life.

Like 'Tuesdays with Morrie', this is a book which will leave its mark on your life. More importantly, it is a book which will change your outlook on life. Randy Pausch is instantly likeable. He is someone you wish you knew a little better. He is the kind of guy who sets off a chain-reaction of positivity simply by being himself. He is testament to the fact that the philosophies transcribed in his book actually work.

Sure, the book is also sad — Pausch died on 25 July 2008 — but the sadness is tinged with the sweetness of a life well lived. Pausch's reflections on death are a celebration of life and you will rarely find a better guide on how to live your own.