Reviews

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

siggy89's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

Read this in one sitting - a book of the philosophy of life and death. An emotional read but a worthy one to understand the power of living and the beauty of life in dying. 

scarletshore's review

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5.0

This isn't your typical book review. Instead, I'm sharing how deeply this memoir resonated with me, and what I feel while reading this book.

This book swept me into its world with its raw beauty and heartfelt honesty. Paul Kalanithi's reflections on life and mortality touched me in ways I didn't expect. His journey from surgeon to patient brought a profound perspective on what truly matters in life. As I turned each page, I found myself drawn into his narrative, experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions from admiration to heartache.

When Breath Becomes Air isn't just a book you read, it's an emotional journey. It invites you to contemplate life's uncertainties and the meaning we find in our brief time here. His writing is so genuine and moving that it's hard not to feel a mix of sadness and inspiration with each turn of the page.

This memoir is a powerful reminder to embrace life fully and appreciate its fleeting beauty. It's a book that stays with you, urging you to reflect on your own path and the legacy you wish to leave behind.

autumusprime's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

4.5

amrutha's review against another edition

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4.75

I finished it in one day. Left me unbearably sad but equal parts hopeful. This will sit with me for days.

duaa's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

jesvio's review against another edition

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5.0

I really can't tell anyone just how beautiful this book is. It's full of my highligting and notes as I too, at 18, am figuring out how to make life meaningful. Dr. Kalanithi was smart and courageous, just as he was also a good soul. His wife's epilogue brought me to tears. I may not know how many lives this book has impacted, but it certainly did mine.

laiamorgan's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

wani0187's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

bez9918's review against another edition

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5.0

This had been on my to be read shelf for a bit now and it’s a shame it stayed there for as long as it did. This was intensely powerful, and incredibly emotional. The depths this book goes on the topic of death, morality, and what brings meaning to a life is astounding in its ease of comprehension. This piece felt like a conversation, and its conclusion is heartbreaking in its poignancy. Well worth the read

spchamb's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was recommended to me by a date lol. I picked it up and finished it within a few hours on a rainy day. Very reminiscent of Tuesdays with Morrie! Would recommend