68 pages 2 hours read

Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a memoir chronicling his journey from childhood to becoming a neurosurgeon, and his profound struggle with terminal cancer. The book reflects on his experiences from medical school to residency, his diagnosis, and how he grapples with questions of life, death, and purpose. His meditations blend professional expertise with personal vulnerability, culminating in the birth of his daughter and his eventual passing. The narrative deeply explores themes of illness, mortality, and finding meaning in life's final chapter.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is lauded for its poignant and introspective narrative, capturing the author's transition from doctor to patient. Readers appreciate its eloquent prose and philosophical depth. However, some critiques mention a rushed ending and an incomplete sense of closure. Overall, it is a profoundly moving memoir that sparkles with emotional and intellectual insight.

Who should read this

Who Should Read When Breath Becomes Air?

Readers who will appreciate When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi are often drawn to deeply personal memoirs and the intersection of medicine, mortality, and meaning. They may also enjoy Atul Gawande's Being Mortal or Abraham Verghese's Cutting for Stone for their insightful and poignant exploration of life and death.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Health / Medicine

Themes

Life/Time: The Future

Life/Time: Mortality & Death