When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a profoundly moving memoir that explores life, death, and what makes life meaningful. As a young and brilliant neurosurgeon, Kalanithi was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer just as he was about to complete his training. Facing his own mortality, he reflects on his journey from medical student to doctor, grappling with the mysteries of the brain, the soul, and what it means to be alive. His perspective shifts from that of a healer to a patient, and he finds new meaning in his relationships, his work, and his legacy. In poetic and heartfelt prose, Kalanithi’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, inviting readers to contemplate their own purpose and live with intention.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • This inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question, What makes a life worth living?

“Unmissable . . . Finishing this book and then forgetting about it is simply not an option.”—Janet Maslin, The New York Times

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, People, NPR, The Washington Post, Slate, Harper’s Bazaar, Time Out New York, Publishers Weekly, BookPage