A review by 3littlewordz
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

I picked this up because Dr. Kalanithi's wife was interviewed for another book I recently finished, Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn. I've also seen it recommended several times. My God! I was crying while driving and listening to the audiobook. For such a young life full of potential to be taken so soon... as Lucy, Paul's wife said in the epilogue: "Paul's death was tragic, but he is not a tragedy." Even before his diagnosis, he thoughtfully pondered what it would feel like to be on the receiving end of either great, collaborative care, or the care that unfortunately seems to be the standard in the US (far too short, not collaborative and open between doctor and patient, etc). Because of his deep love of literature, Paul's writing was deep and reflective, approaching his terminal diagnosis and death with nuance rarely seen. 

I mourn for the contributions Dr. Kalanithi could have made to neurosurgery, science and literature. He deserved more years! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings