When Breath Becomes Air
When I saw that this book was suggested for
readers who like Anne Lamott, I knew I had to read it because Lamott is
my favorite author. Her writings have inspired me and helped me get
through some very difficult times through the years. Little did I know,
though, that when I picked up "When Breath Becomes Air" and began
reading it, I wouldn't be able to put it down until I was finished. Yes,
it's that good.
When Breath Becomes Air details Dr. Kalanithi's
life as a neurosurgeon and his fight against advanced lung cancer. Even
in his short life he achieved noteworthy recognition as a scholar, a
surgeon, a scientist and now - posthumously - as a writer. The book is a
tale of tribulations and frank reflections. Ultimately there's not much
triumph in it in the traditional sense but there is a dogged, quiet
resilience and a frank earthiness that endures long after the last word
appears. The tribulations occur in both Dr. Kalanithi's stellar career
and his refusal to give in to the illness which ultimately consumed him.
The book was also sad because it was so clearly not finished. It felt like the solid beginning of a book and as I neared the end I was a little let down. But Lucy Kalanithi's Epilogue saved it for me. Lucy is a talented writer in her own right. Lucy's Epilogue gave the book the balance and the ending that it needed. Lucy writes, "Although these last few years have been wrenching and difficult - sometimes almost impossible - they have also been the most beautiful and profound of my life, requiring the daily act of holding life and death, joy and pain in balance and exploring new depths of gratitude and love."
Lucy signs off her epilogue, "I was his wife and a witness." I loved this book for allowing me to witness Paul's journey. I was honoured to witness his death from afar. I hope this book reminds us all what an honour it is to witness life, and death in particular, and to embrace that more.
The book was also sad because it was so clearly not finished. It felt like the solid beginning of a book and as I neared the end I was a little let down. But Lucy Kalanithi's Epilogue saved it for me. Lucy is a talented writer in her own right. Lucy's Epilogue gave the book the balance and the ending that it needed. Lucy writes, "Although these last few years have been wrenching and difficult - sometimes almost impossible - they have also been the most beautiful and profound of my life, requiring the daily act of holding life and death, joy and pain in balance and exploring new depths of gratitude and love."
Lucy signs off her epilogue, "I was his wife and a witness." I loved this book for allowing me to witness Paul's journey. I was honoured to witness his death from afar. I hope this book reminds us all what an honour it is to witness life, and death in particular, and to embrace that more.
Product Details
- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Random House; 1 edition (January 12, 2016)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 081298840X
- ISBN-13: 978-0812988406
- Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 7.9 inches
- Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (643 customer reviews)
When I saw that this book was suggested for readers who like Anne Lamott, I knew I had to read it because Lamott is my favorite author. He...
