CHECK OUT: When Breath Becomes Air

Dear Friends,

I recently finished a book that I think you would find deeply moving and thought-provoking, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. The book is When Breath Becomes Air by Dr. Paul Kalanithi, and it’s a poignant memoir that examines life, death, and the search for meaning through the lens of both a doctor and a patient.

Dr. Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon, was in the prime of his career when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. What makes this book so compelling is the way Kalanithi weaves together his experiences as a medical professional with the raw vulnerability of being a patient facing his own mortality. He reflects on his transition from the doctor who diagnoses patients to the patient who receives diagnoses, offering an intimate look at the human side of medicine. His eloquence in describing what it’s like to grapple with life’s meaning while also confronting death is profound.

One of the most powerful parts of the book is when Kalanithi writes about the tension between wanting to continue his work as a neurosurgeon and knowing that his time was limited. He says, “I wanted to be a doctor because I wanted to cure people. But when faced with my own death, I learned that the most important thing is to make sure that, in the end, the people we love are taken care of." This line really stuck with me because it underscores the idea that, ultimately, our relationships and our impact on others are what give our lives meaning.

Another moment that I found particularly moving was when Kalanithi and his wife, Lucy, are contemplating starting a family even though he knows his time is running out. The way they navigate that decision is a heart-wrenching reminder of how precious time is, and how decisions about life and death are deeply personal and complex. I think this will resonate with you, especially given how it explores the themes of love, legacy, and what it means to live fully—even in the face of an impending end.

The book is a meditation on how we find meaning in the brief, fragile lives we lead. It’s not just about death, but about what makes life worth living, and the ways in which we deal with loss, both in ourselves and in others. Dr. Kalanithi’s writing is both intellectually rich and emotionally raw, and it offers insight into the human condition that you won’t soon forget.

If you’re looking for a book that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally poignant, When Breath Becomes Air is absolutely worth reading. It’s a beautiful exploration of the intersection of life, death, and the meaning we find in both. I know you’ll find it as moving and impactful as I did.

Let me know if you decide to read it—I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

Sincerely, 

Julie