When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi Book Summary

BOOK SCORE
4.5
TOTAL RATINGS
9,521
BOOK PRICE
$11.99

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • This inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question What makes a life worth living?

NAMED ONE OF PASTE’S BEST MEMOIRS OF THE DECADE • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • People • NPR • The Washington Post • Slate • Harper’s Bazaar • Time Out New York • Publishers Weekly • BookPage

Finalist for the PEN Center USA Literary Award in Creative Nonfiction and the Books for a Better Life Award in Inspirational Memoir

At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade’s worth of training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, and the next he was a patient struggling to live. And just like that, the future he and his wife had imagined evaporated. When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi’s transformation from a naïve medical student “possessed,” as he wrote, “by the question of what, given that all organisms die, makes a virtuous and meaningful life” into a neurosurgeon at Stanford working in the brain, the most critical place for human identity, and finally into a patient and new father confronting his own mortality.

What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life, flattens out into a perpetual present? What does it mean to have a child, to nurture a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles with in this profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir.

Paul Kalanithi died in March 2015, while working on this book, yet his words live on as a guide and a gift to us all. “I began to realize that coming face to face with my own mortality, in a sense, had changed nothing and everything,” he wrote. “Seven words from Samuel Beckett began to repeat in my head: ‘I can’t go on. I’ll go on.’” When Breath Becomes Air is an unforgettable, life-affirming reflection on the challenge of facing death and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a brilliant writer who became both.

When Breath Becomes Air Book Details

Book Name When Breath Becomes Air
Genre Biographies & Memoirs
Author Paul Kalanithi
Published 12 January 2016, Tuesday
Price $11.99
E-Book Size 7.74 MB

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi Book Reviews

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Seek great sound

Very moving. This was an extraordinary book. Such a prospective to have a physician as a patient , experiencing what madden medicine can achieve from the patient prospective.

LetterLass

Interesting. I liked this man, I’m sure he was a great doctor, and it’s clear he died nobly, reflectively, with great humanity and vulnerability. But yet I didn’t love this book. It was interesting but did not affect me as much as I expected it to. I didn’t think the writing was top notch (if he’d become a writer instead of a surgeon, the writing would probably have been less self-conscious and detached). He had a great story to tell & he told it well. But I don’t think this book rose to the level of literature.

Brennansgranmom

When Breath Becomes Air is Inspiring and engrossing. I’ve read this beautiful book twice now and it has become one of my top inspirational memoirs. Paul, a gifted neurosurgeon has just hit his stride when he’s diagnosed with cancer. His perseverance pays off not in a longer existence but rather a more meaningful one. A fascinating look at one doctor’s ability to accept his premature death and live in the present.

Bolognabone

WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR. BEAUTIFUL STORY❤️

Maria5441

Inspiring. Incredible book about the hardship of finding oneself again after a terminal illness diagnosis. Made me fall in love with medicine again.

NovicePhilosopher

Phenomenal. Absolutely life changing.

Barbiecapp

When Breath Becomes Air. I find myself reading this book over and over again. For him to write about so many of his personal triumphs ( including death; there is triumph in death as well)as well as his disappointments; made Paul very personable. I know from a nurses prospective that he would’ve been a fine and compassionate doctor.

Marzjoltom

Stunning. Beautiful, full of joy and hope account of a remarkable life filled with purpose, love and intentional living. Inspiring on many different fronts, especially what it means to find purpose, to love, and to die with dignity.

NurseBritt22

Amazing.. When I began reading this book it was only to earn extra credit in my microbiology class. After the first chapter I couldn’t put it down. Such a great read and reminder to always do what we love, among other things. Make sure you’ve got a tissue box near by, you’ll need it!

Craazydina

Poignant, essential, gutting.. An important and authentic conversation on what it means to live with death. I’m very humbled to have been able to learn from Paul and Lucy by way of this memoir. Thank you.

ElevateAddict

No connection. I just couldn’t connect with this book. And I have experienced cancer myself.

Ripudaman92

Meaningful! And a beautiful read. I won’t lie that I cried while reading this book. This book raises a question within you, are we leading a meaningful life? Life is short and death is inevitable. This book has left me in thinking about my purpose. I can’t stress more, must read!

Lulu chopin

Brilliant. I laughed and cried and had to look up words, the best reading experience.

BlakeBuilt

Letdown. 200 book/ yr reader and this is one of the highest rated letdowns of a book I’ve ever read. Dude tried to use big words to pull you in emotionally to a very anti climactic and unfulfilling story.

PaisleyParkuh

Beautifully Written. Emotional and powerful book, get ready for tears towards the end.

Kevthereader

Amazing. Sad but the best book I ever read .

Jonlittle615

10/10. This book is so great it’s a must read.

BarbiQ2

Fantastic. Highly recommended

Lane Christian

Simply amazing. Must read, unbelievable

Maligvts467

Wow. Beautiful and poignant.

Earth.nurse

Powerful. I couldn’t put this book down. Paul’s writing is descriptive and thoughtful. I would highly recommend reading this book and following him through his journey. Inspiring.

Big A little n

Great book. All I have to say is I cried for 30 minutes straight and the end of this book, and I don’t cry.

Sauntee

For everyone.. This is the best book.

Tcdickerson

Overwhelmingly Beautiful. Heart-wrenching and absolutely beautiful. Couldn’t put it down or stop crying. Thought provoking and life changing for me, personally.

DEClevidence

Meaningful. Human.. Thoughtful. Moving. Emotional. Human. A wrestling with life and death from a neurosurgeons, and thinkers, perspective. An exposition on the constant introspective challenges of how best to live ones life, what is meaningful, what do you value, and what is your legacy? Those answers change in context, and they’re not the same for everyone: here’s a great framework.

KCN43

Heartbreakingly beautiful!. Every word resonated, and tears flowed powerfully at the end!

Faith Munge

Phenomenal. Incredible book that deeply moved and inspired me. Paul left a legacy that will live on forever.

Gee323

Great book!. Inspirational and touching!

Loery

A well written book, makes you think about your own. A good read after a long time. Life’s fragile, time is the most important commodity we have, make the best of it.

Jrbdjdbj

When Breath Becomes Air. This book is an inspiration on how to live and die with grace.

Wildcat347

My favorite book. I love, love LOVED this book. Every person I recommend this book falls in love with it as well. It is truly one of those rare books that fully immerse you in the experience. It’s a book that you can’t stop thinking about. A book you can’t wait to get back and read. I can not recommend this enough. It was so inspiring, may the doctor Rest In Peace forever.

Olly1745

A EMTs Perspective. This book brought me to tears, from a human perspective and a healthcare worker perspective. Amazing book (don’t read the end on an EMS shift, you will cry till the sun comes up)

Cammie45

Accepting death.. This brave man, husband and physician gave the best last contribution to love, life and death we all face .

Iwantoleageareview

Amazing!!!. A must! Brought tears to my eyes, so lovely.

Up4ItToo

Illuminating. Like Martha Weinman Lear’s “Heartsounds”, “When Breath Becomes Air” is an enlightening, medical-insider’s view of life, death, and the period in-between an “I just want my life back” illness, terminal or not. Peppered with snippets of both familiar and esoteric poetry and philosophy, Dr. Kalanithi’s lovely prose will impel you to reinterpret the meaning of both the literature and your own life, and is worthwhile reading for anyone who has, is, or will face serious illness, whether as patient, recovered survivor, caregiver, or loved one. In short, for everyone. It will provide a lasting understanding that you are most definitely not alone.

Yumiengelking

Truly touching story. I am a pre-med student, and I come across this book online. I am attracted by the title and the author’s story. I am so happy I didn’t miss this book. I am impressed by Paul’ reflection about death and meaning of life as both a physician and patient. It makes me reflect on why I choose medicine the first place. Paul is an example of the physician I strive to be, a deep thinker, a tender caregiver and a fierce fighter. Amazing read.

DY Florida

DY Florida. As a nurse and a wife of a medical professional who passed less than two years ago, I found this book so insightful.

Andy Tre

Excellent book.. This was a beautifully written book that really hits home. I recently lost my father to stage IV pancreatic cancer. This book has provided me with some new insight and perspective. Some of the similarities are shocking and also familiar. It opened up old wounds, but allowed me to see clearer. I cried. I began to mourn again. It all caught up to me because of this book. Yet, there is the beauty of this creation. Paul wrote so eloquently. His prose is unmatched. His story is almost surreal. I wish I could have met this man and his family.

2004NurseSherri

Beautiful!. A nephrologist that I admire and respect profoundly, recommended this book to me. Well, it did not disappoint. It was beautifully written. I couldn’t stop reading it even with tears clouding my vision. Rest In Peace Paul.

CJ-Coleman

This book is… beautiful.. Interesting, informative and dramatic, this book is simply a beautiful gist from a beautiful man and his family. Like his life, it was over too soon.

All car parts

Best book I’ve had the chance to read in years. Crude meaning behind the importance of living a life well lived.

Elise taylor

loved the title. excellent, fast paced, emotional, thoughtful, informative.. can’t say enough good things about this book!!!

Nahyah123

Very emotional. This was an emotional book. I like how he educated us whilst telling his story as a patient and a doctor.

Kerosa

Stunningly beautiful…. … and poignant.

Caly56

Paul Kalanithi. An amazing memoir and so honestly written. One comes away with an awareness of the intensity of responsibility of becoming a medical professional. Viewing life and death so intimately. Took my breath away.

Grooviemomma

A beautiful reminder of what makes life worth living.. I am thankful Paul shared his words with the world.

Whim1954

A gorgeous. and bittersweet story. I’ve read it several times and enjoyed it every time.

Cpswank

Amazing. Hemingway said, “Write hard and clear about what hurts.” This book takes that axiom and turns it into soaring poetry. This is a story of death and dying that is both inspiring and lyrical.

Sweetpolly53

Riveting!. This book is so full of insight and awesome perspectives! It kept me so interested I had a difficult time putting it down. Paul was such an awesome doctor and human being, able to connect and truly care about his patients as people.

RhiannaB2641

Beautiful. This was a beautifully written piece. Emotional page turner.

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Fahedy

I usually don’t read but wow. I usually don’t read but I saw a linknd in post saying it’s a must read so I did while this covid stuff goes down. MAN was it good! Strongly recommend :)

Deb Jena

"Breath becomes air". One of the seminal works of literature that in my opinion merits the Nobel prize. The biography of a part of the Author's life where a neurosurgeon learns to grapple with life and death in a very personal way and from both ends of the table is simply put "beyond this world". As a surgeon myself, I have been deeply influenced by the thoughts and words reflected in this masterpiece. RIP Paul...

Nursenatasha

A masterpiece. This book is amazing, it is written so beautifully and thoughtfully, I am in awe of Paul’s writing. Furthermore the final chapter will make you cry buckets. Omg such a tragedy

Jjhj08

Beyond excellent. Raw, real, captivating, encouraging - are just some of the descriptors that come to mind. It is a highly recommended for various groups and for different reasons. Everyone will be able to take something meaningful away, but the group who should really encouraged to read and discuss its content are physicians, established and inspiring ones. Remember YOU are interacting and treating a person. Empathy is a must, not an afterthought.

Tika Nathan

When Breath Becomes Air. When Breath Becomes Air is a true testament to the admirable and purposeful life lived by Dr. Paul Kalanithi. Thank you Paul and Lucy for sharing your remarkable story.

Rodmart

Please, we don’t know each other, but you have to reas This book. Thanks for this amazing book. Thanks for sharing this part of your life. I will keep it in my heart .

NLH17

Amazing heartfelt book. I absolutely loves this book! What an emotional journey this book takes you on.

Fuciutdg

Incredible. I will not be attempting to write a review for this book that gives it justice. Proper words don’t exist to explain the profound thoughts this book provoked and the impact it’s had on my life.

MaryJolie614

Excellent!,,. This is the book that makes you think about what’s important in life and make you appreciate everything about it. Paul took us in his journey of his quest to become a doctor, the most difficult kind, a neurosurgeon and a scientist. With his love of literature in which he studied thoroughly before becoming a doctor, he was trying to understand the philosophy around death. Then the unimaginable happened. He got cancer at the end of his neurosurgery fellowship training. The fatal kind with tumors all over his lungs and brain. He got to be in a weird fate, the patient of whom he would have counsel for treatment. In this book he present the before, full of potential and our belief to defy death by making plans for the future we take for granted as most of have in youth. Then he present after diagnosis, how do you find meaning and purpose to live when you don’t know if tomorrow is going to come. It’s very intriguing with depth and his own thoughts facing death courageously right in the center. I don’t take for granted the time I have in this earth and I try my best to live in the moment. This book illuminates life in its fragility. It’s great that he had an awesome supporting wife and family. This makes the difference when cancer hits an individual.

TravyBoy12

Unbelievable.. This book is a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions. Happiness, sadness, anger, hope, joy, defeat, etc. Very inspirational and gives the reader an interesting point of view from both sides (patient and doctor)

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LemonadeSyrup

Moving, thrilling and sad.. This book will make you feel a lot of emotions, while also teaching you about medicine, life and suffering.

P__93

A MUST READ. This novel reveals so much about life in the face of death. It reveals the deep thought memories of a man going through different stages of life; choosing a profession, chasing it with zeal and purpose, pushing past the barries of death to present wisdom to all who read this book. Wisdom that came through the experience of mortality, letting us know that we don’t have to cave underneath the weight of certain death, but that we can forge a new life replete with love, meaning, and purpose. This is an amazing book. Highly recommend it for everyone, even more so to those who are in the field of medicine (don’t just choose a professional route because of your comfort, do so to make an impact on the lives of the people you serve.)

Johnmfreder

Heart-wrenching read. Unbelievably satisfying and gripping. What a true warrior.

EmreCakirSC

Beautiful Read. I read this book in one sitting. It truly is captivating and so beautiful. I truly felt like I was there with Paul during his battle with cancer. Thank you Paul for making me think about my own life and relationship with death.

NurseBritt22

Amazing.. When I began reading this book it was only to earn extra credit in my microbiology class. After the first chapter I couldn’t put it down. Such a great read and reminder to always do what we love, among other things. Make sure you’ve got a tissue box near by, you’ll need it!

Stardustdreaming

A man who has spent his entire adult life striving to delay death came face to face with the inescap. *This review was originally posted to my blog, {Books She Reads}. Portions of this review have been modified. When Breath Becomes Air starts with Paul Kalanithi viewing his own x-rays, revealing cancer that had taken residence in his body. It is clear on the very first page where this journey will end, but it is the journey itself that makes this book so inspiring. Kalanithi took me through the journey of his diagnosis, treatment, and acceptance of death. Along the way I found him to be incredibly brave. As a doctor, he knew the story being told by every x-ray and MRI he saw. A man who has spent his entire adult life striving to delay death came face to face with the inescapable reality of his own mortality. The more that I read, the more that I respected Paul Kalanithi. I was surprised by the amount of empathy that Kalanithi had as a doctor for his patients and the amount of respect he had for the mind and body. He would go above and beyond what was necessary to ensure he was making a positive difference in the lives that he touched. He understood, better than most doctors that I have met, the importance of truly listening to his patients and at taking a second look. Mr. Kalanithi reminds me that we never know what the future holds, we never know when our time on earth will end. We can plan, we can work as hard as possible, but nothing is guaranteed to us. When Breathe Becomes Air reinforces the importance of living in the moment we are in. Have goals, have dreams, make plans, but never forget that it can all be taken away at any moment. So while we plan and chase our dreams, we must not forget about the moment we are in. We must not take for granted the gift of today. Experiencing such a life-changing, out of control event is something one can never truly be prepared for. While Kalanithi had a head start in understanding the changes of his cancer, there was still a great deal to know and understand beyond that of a medical diagnosis and treatment plan. Kalanithi embraced his final journey, as well as anyone, could be expected to, he strived to maintain an open-minded, honest, and positive approach to the most terrifying and irreversible event of his life. His journey is one of the most inspiring stories I have ever had the pleasure to read. His courage and persistence to live life to his fullest potential while his body quickly died is a courage that all of us should strive to have more of in our own lives, in this very moment. These eight words put me into an emotional frenzy. Why do such horrible events happen to amazing individuals who have a passion for life and helping others? Please, don’t do this to him, to his wife, to his family. Let him stay. Let there be a miracle. I knew there was no miracle, I knew exactly the direction that this story was headed. It also didn’t matter. I was completely hooked on every word that Paul Kalanithi had to say. I was committed to following his heartbreaking journey all the way to the end. “Human knowledge is never contained in one person. It grows from the relationships we create between each other and the world, and still it is never complete.” -Paul Kalanithi I love this quote. I want this reminder to collaborate and listen to others printed and hung on my wall. I want my three girls to understand the value of their knowledge and experience and to value the knowledge and experience of others. I want them to seek out books like When Breath Becomes Air. A book of death, hope, and living. A book that will dive deep into your soul and make you cry, but also leaves you with a new found appreciation for life. Kalanithi’s perseverance and bravery are heroically inspiring. I hope I will have the ability to be as brave as he was if I ever come to battle with my mortality as he did.

Evelynr78

Inspiring. I loved this book. As a cancer survivor, I was able to understand his point of view. As a healthcare provider, I saw his struggle with the reality of death for himself and his patients. He wrote this book with intentions to help others understand life & death. Kalanithi was able to accomplish his goal as a writer & physician in conveying the struggle of a patient's understanding of this disease. Truly inspiring.

Scott's girl

Courageous soul. I purchased this book on a whim. The title struck me with a desire to witness the words between its pages. I am so glad I made the purchase. This book is written beautifully. From beginning to end I was interested in what the author had to say. His love for his wife and his profession touched me, his desire to write about his fate moved me, and his courageous soul engulfed me into his book.

Toppers13

Great Book. Read less than a year after having a brain tumor respected. This book is a must read for those that want to fully understand what it means to be human.

TMC hudomgia

Amazing read. This book is a must read. Provides insight and evokes emotion about life, death and illness. It brought me great joy to read as a cancer survivor, wife, mother and human. Thank you for writing and publishing this book. What a wonderful legacy to share with the world!

❤️❤️👽👽

Amazing!!. This book was really awesome and very deep! I could read it a million times over. And I can relate to this book which makes it even better.

A.lassan.m

A profound piece of literature. An amazing, emotional, inspirational read. I am glad I came across this book. Definitely one of the best books I have read so far. A must read. Highly recommend.

Snackinjackthecat

“What makes life meaningful enough to go on living?” -Paul Kalanithi. Life is very short - and it can all change without notice. Choose to embrace it.

Boulder Reader

When Breath Becomes Air - when a life shared becomes priceless. This book is a must. Of all the things you must do put reading this book at the beginning of the list. It will change the way you look at life. It will change the way you understand death.

AuntJannie

Most touching book I’ve ever read. It is a sad but beautiful story. Paul was an amazing human being. So much wisdom, such a generous spirit.

Dug e dug

Life Chaging. This book on his dying experience will change your living experience. Already read it 3 times, and I learn something new each time. Thank you Dr. K for touching my life!!

Jinjic

Tear jerker.. Finished it on my flight. Def had the sniffles reading it. A great read. Avoid crying on the plane if you can. Hold back the tears.

Red2184

Finally a book worth reading!. Excellent in all phases. It was a pleasure to reads such an intelligent and well written book about a brave man facing what we all will eventually face -our deaths. I believe I will remember this book forever. Thank you Paul and Lucy.

PugSwa

When Air Becomes Death. This is the first book that I have ever read and immediately read again. I needed to bathe in his words, again. Poignant, heartbreaking, brave, excellent in every way.

Karag8

When Breath Becomes Air. Inspired!

This is great!!!!!

When breath becomes air. This is a must read. touchy and heart felt. I dropped a few tears...

Zaner94

Great read. One of the best books I have ever read. Compelling perspective of mortality from someone who dealt with much of it. Highly recommend to all.

Aww1093

Heartbreaking yet uplifting. Truly a masterpiece of the most human experience. Difficult to read, but the way he wrote was beautiful and alluring.

Floridadoctorgirl

Some of the best writing ive ever read. Incredible literature, an honest voice, and angelic prose. Such a good read.

R a wood

When breath becomes air.. It lured me in to read it because I couldn’t imagine a more shocking discovery. To know that it’s happened to him and not one of his patients. Great story. God bless his family

Tongsd..

When Breath Becomes Air. Excellent book!! What a great philosopher and writer who explaining the life and death in a form that reader can comprehend. I cried because of lose of great contributor of healing world. I enjoyed reading and couldn't put it down. Sadden me as I can't no longer read anything else from him, Dr Paul K. Five stars and more.***********

Oceans tides

When Breath Becomes Air. I have read this book five times. One of my top three favorite books. Touching, thought provoking and beautiful. In hoping to help a few thousand during his lifetime he has reached millions in his death. His words are woven into a lovely tapestry of what it means to live fully while dying. This book should be required reading for all medical professionals.

NiaReads14

When Breath Becomes Air. I loved this book! I bought this book to read on an airplane and read it in a day! This book made me think and provided great insight to many things, I can’t list them all. This book makes you think and question what it means to be a patient, a doctor (for me a future PA, hopefully),what it means to be human, and what it means to be mortal. I feel inspired to continue to prepare myself and pursue not perfection, but the asymptote!! Dr. Kalanithi truly was an exceptional person and I just want to say thank you to the people that allowed his work to come into fruition because you gave me an opportunity to know him and in he process know a little more about myself.

Ehsan Alipour

Touching. Touching. A real piece of Art... nothing else to say

ROSHIV

Emotional and inspiring. Couldn’t put the book down! What an emotional and inspiring story to stare adversity in its face and still live with a smile on his face.

Artemis518

Poignant and elegant. This is the type of book you don’t want to end, although you know it will and it has to. Absolutely beautifully written. Yet I find myself wishing I never got the opportunity to read it, because that would mean this gracious, intelligent man would have been able to continue living. Truly bittersweet.

Nailah27

Life and Death.. This book is amazing, as a person not interested in epidemiology and getting past the details of surgery, Paul tells a compelling story and teaches an important lesson. He teaches readers to find purpose in your life and live a meaningful life, one that will be remembered. He gives new heights to the saying “Live everyday like it’s your last”. I feel very moved and privileged to have read this book and experienced (through words) a part of Dr. Paul Kalanithi’s life. Thank you Lucy.

Lynlouise

When breathe becomes air. Very important discussion of living and feeling and living!!

Bigben29

When Breath Becomes Air. This is one of the most touching, most inspiring, most thoughtful and most loving expressions of the human condition that I have ever been so fortunate to experience. Dr. Kalanithi was such a courageous and loving husband and father, a son and brother, and no doubt an incredible physician. Although nobody can truly walk in anyone else's shoes, Dr. Kalanithi shares his experiences in such an open and honest manner that it is impossible to not be moved by his courage, the love that he shared with his wife, and his child, and his family. This is an incredible book!!

Reba and Zoey

Literally takes your breath away. I never knew you could be overwhelmed by both a persons life and a book at the same time - they became one in the same. There are no words or comments I can adequately write to express how completely consuming this book is. Tonight, I will start to read it all over again.

Bukky*

Great read!. This book is a must read!! So insightful, sad and comforting at the same time. May Paul's legacy live on.

As if it needed another rating

Powerful. Powerful and somehow delicate at times.

ACK2019

Heartbreakingly beautiful. Dr. Kalanithi’s commitment to sharing his journey with us is beyond admirable. His writing is beautiful and his character even more so. He truly shows us what a life of integrity and meaning are. Thank you to he and his family for sharing this intimate memoir with us.

Kelgailshel

What an amazing true story. I know this line is used a lot for literary reviews, but I could not put this book down. Myself, being a light reader, read this in 2 days and was only disheartened that it was over. Such a wonderful story for the medical profession!

Dtothechan

Wonderful Novella About Death and Living. A friend told me he couldn't put it down once he started reading it. I did the same thing.

Jzhu2018

I am glad that I read it on iPad, but I nonetheless got a hardcopy.. I started, and finished very soon, the book after spending some time myself in hospital. The book offers a calm and calming meditation of life by providing an account of death, narrated by the author Paul, a neurosurgeon and writer who is capable of operating with the finest precision both in brains and words. The prose in the book is poignant, emotions honest, and sentiments long-lasting. The author blended and balanced some right amounts of sorrow, wisdom, and humor. It is clear that many thoughts in the book had their origins in philosophy, but they were streamlined, by the authors’ able hands, into sentences that are clear, crisp, and comprehensible. However, the book requires emotional investments, which promise to return enormous benefits. Reading the book on my iPad, I became oblivious of progress bar that indicates both the completion of book, as well as the completion of the author’s life. It was therefore painful to find that the book stopped an abrupt stop. Paul announced his goal of writing this book only in the very end: to let the readers “walk in the shoes” of death, and realize it is the only finality. “Sooner or later”, he says. As a neurosurgeon, his goal was to help his patients to navigate through the vast uncertain area of death. This goal is equally achieved for his readers, in this book.

Alison9860

When Breath Becomes Air. Compelling in every way - it's been a while since I have been moved to tears - but this story leaves you no option. As I read, I felt enlightened about the process of dying. Invaluable!

BBH2513

Beautiful and moving. Best book I have ever read.

Bee britches

When breath becomes air. Wonderful Dr.james roy appleton jr

Chelsjloveg

I couldn’t put this book down. Even through currents of tears. Such a beautiful and well written book that brings deep thoughts on the meaning of life, as well as tremendous appreciation for every breath. So much love and respect to Lucy and Paul’s family for sharing this beautiful story.

Mcguirkmusic

A profound calm. i just finished this book and I am filled with a profound calm . Paul’s story moved me . I feel like I made a new friend and now mourn his passing. I am grateful for his example of courage and determination, his heart to learn and to understand, to ask questions and to stay present until his present shifted into eternity. Lucy thank you for being faithful to your promise to publish this book. Cady your daddy was an extraordinary man and from what I have read , you are the apple of his eye . Blessings to your family and thank you for blessing mine .

Dr_Sam93

One of the finest collections. An autobiography of a neurosurgeon at Stanford and a fighter of stage IV lung cancer teaches us how to see the life beyond the two ends, beyond the science, helps to understand what makes human life meaningful, what defines our identity and most importantly understand death and face the mortality!

Jchelbi

Absolutely Amazing!. I like to read the first few sentences of a book before I buy it; when I came across this book in Barnes & Noble, I had read nearly 20 pages before I realized it.

CantFindAName1010101

Hands down, amazing.. I initially came across this book through a forum, about pre-med. Terminology I couldn’t understand. But written in a way I can comprehend. The book talks about patients, treatments, medicine. But really, the book is about morality and love. The ending does not develop until you’ve passed the halfway point of the book, maybe later, but it hits you like a truck. I couldn’t stop reading it, it’s just breathtaking and eye opening, the love between Paul and his wife and fighting through hell. 10/10 would recommend, read it all the way through. Your won’t regret it.

Bama YP

Inspiring & Challenging. I could not put this book down! I appreciate the epilogue it brought great closure!

Paul Kalanithi - When Breath Becomes Air Comments

5 Books like When Breath Becomes Air (Paul Kalanithi)

About Author "Paul Kalanithi"

Paul Sudhir Arul Kalanithi (April 1, 1977 – March 9, 2015) was an American neurosurgeon and writer. His book When Breath Becomes Air is a memoir about his life and illness with stage IV metastatic lung cancer. It was posthumously published by Random House in January 2016. It was on The New York Times Non-Fiction Best Seller list for multiple weeks. Early life and education Paul Kalanithi was born on April 1, 1977, and lived in Westchester, New York. He was born to a Christian family hailing from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, India. Kalanithi had two brothers, Jeevan and Suman; Jeevan is a computer/robotics engineer and Suman is a neurologist. The family moved from Bronxville, New York, to Kingman, Arizona, when Kalanithi was 10. Kalanithi attended Kingman High School, where he graduated as valedictorian.Kalanithi attended Stanford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English literature and a Bachelor of Science in human biology in 2000. Afte....

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