When Breath Becomes Air is a fantastic book and I highly reccomend that everyone reads it. Paul Kalanithi was a nurosurgeon, or just on the verge of finishing his training to become one, when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. This book, written by him, choronicles his journey from doctor to patient and how he coped with his diagnosis. He delves into such quesitons as “what makes a life a meaningful one” and “what makes life worth living” in the face of death.
The book is profound and beautifully written. Before going into medicine, Kalanithi studied English literature, which is why the book is so well written. It’s heartwarming, heart-breaking and life affirming all at the same time. I read most of it through a sea of tears, but enjoyed it nonetheless This book will really make you think, and make you re-evaluate your life and realize what’s really important.
Paul died while still working on the book, and it was published less than a year after his death. Through this book, he is talking to the reader from beyond the grave, urging you to re-think your life and how you’re living it as you never know what’s around the corner. 5 stars from me!
You can buy When Breath Becomes Air from Amazon, and I highly recommend that you do!