When Breath Becomes Air. Book Summary

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Paul Kalanithi

What’s inside

When Breath Becomes Air is a profound and poignant memoir written by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in his mid-thirties. The novel documents his journey from being a doctor treating the dying, to a patient struggling to live. It explores themes of life, death, and what makes life worth living.

You’ll Learn

  • Gives insight into the life of a medical professional
  • Teaches how to deal with life-altering changes
  • Offers philosophical perspectives on life and death
  • Inspires to live life to the fullest

Key Points

  • Life Before Diagnosis
  • The Shock of Sickness
  • The Transition from Doctor to Patient
  • Facing Mortality
  • Searching for Identity
  • The Meaning of Life
  • Leaving a Legacy

Who’s it For

  • Medical professionals
  • Life Philosophy Enthusiasts
  • People dealing with terminal illness
  • Memoir lovers

About the author

Paul Kalanithi was an Indian-American neurosurgeon and writer. After graduating from Stanford University with degrees in English Literature and Human Biology, he earned an MPhil in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine from the University of Cambridge.