When Breath Becomes Air

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does Paul Kalanithi’s journey from a medical professional to a cancer patient alter your perspective on the doctor-patient relationship?
• How do you think Kalanithi’s reflections on mortality, purpose, and identity challenge conventional views on the meaning of life? 
• How does Lucy’s epilogue shape your understanding of Kalanithi’s legacy and the impact he hoped to leave through his memoir?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• How has When Breath Becomes Air influenced your perception of life and mortality? Did it make you think differently about your priorities? 
• In what ways did Kalanithi’s journey through his illness resonate with your own experiences or those of people you know? How does his story of balancing hope with acceptance of reality impact your perspective on facing challenging situations, health-related or otherwise? 
• How do you relate to Kalanithi’s passion for both medicine and literature? Do you find meaning in both science and the arts? 
• Kalanithi and Lucy’s decision to have a child, even knowing his time may be limited, is a pivotal moment in the memoir. How do you view the idea of bringing new life into the world under such circumstances? 
• At the end of his life, Kalanithi finds happiness in the present moment, particularly in spending time with his daughter.