When Breath Becomes Air
The ultimate moving life-and-death story
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Vintage Publishing
Published:5th Jan '17
Should be back in stock very soon
This powerful memoir explores the journey of a neurosurgeon turned patient, reflecting on life, death, and the meaning of existence in When Breath Becomes Air.
In When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi shares his extraordinary journey from medical student to neurosurgeon, and ultimately to patient. Diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer at the age of thirty-six, he navigates the profound questions of life, death, and what it means to lead a meaningful existence. Through his experiences, Kalanithi explores the delicate balance between being a healer and becoming a patient, offering insights into the human condition that resonate deeply with readers.
The narrative is both heart-wrenching and enlightening, as Kalanithi reflects on his training and the privilege of caring for patients while grappling with his own mortality. His eloquent prose invites readers to consider the essence of life and the impact of illness not only on individuals but also on their families and loved ones. This poignant memoir serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.
Despite his diagnosis, Kalanithi's commitment to his craft and his desire to impart wisdom shine through in When Breath Becomes Air. The book stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on all who read it. Kalanithi's legacy endures through his words, offering guidance and solace to those facing similar struggles, and encouraging us to reflect on the meaning of our own lives.
A vital book about dying. Awe-inspiring and exquisite. Obligatory reading for the living. -- Nigella Lawson
Rattling. Heartbreaking. Beautiful. -- Atul Gawande, author of BEING MORTAL
A great, indelible book ... as intimate and illuminating as Atul Gawande’s “Being Mortal,” to cite only one recent example of a doctor’s book that has had exceptionally wide appeal ... I guarantee that finishing this book and then forgetting about it is simply not an option ... gripping from the start ... None of it is maudlin. Nothing is exaggerated. As he wrote to a friend: “It’s just tragic enough and just imaginable enough.” And just important enough to be unmissable. * New York Times *
Powerful and poignant. * The Sunday Times *
Less a memoir than a reflection on life and purpose… A vital book. * The Economist *
Extraordinary...Remarkable... luminous, revelatory memoir about mortality and what makes being alive meaningful ... Lyrical, intimate, insistent and profound. Kalanithi had the mind of the polymath and the ear of a poet. * Daily Telegraph *
Powerful and poignant… Elegantly written posthumous memoir… Should be compulsory for anyone who intends to be a doctor… A profound reflection on the meaning of life. * Sunday Times *
A stark, fascinating, well-written and heroic memoir. -- Stefanie Marsh * The Times *
Exceptional. -- Katie Law * Evening Standard *
When I came to the end of the last flawless paragraph of When Breath Becomes Air, all I could do was turn to the first page and read the whole thing again. Searingly intelligent, beautifully written, and beyond brave, I haven't been so marked by a book in years. -- Gabriel Weston, author of DIRECT RED
- Short-listed for Wellcome Book Prize 2017 (UK)
- Short-listed for Pulitzer Prize for General Non-fiction 2017 (UK)
ISBN: 9781784701994
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 16mm
Weight: 181g
256 pages