When Breath Becomes Air

When Breath Becomes Air is a memoir by Paul Kalanithi. It was published in 2016. Kalanithi tells the story of his battle with cancer while being a practicing neurosurgeon. The book is organized chronologically, following the trajectory of his life from childhood to death, and is laced with deep philosophical thought and literary prose. His meditations combine the expertise of a professional with the experience of a patient, resulting in a book that communicates extremely profound meaning about life and death.

Kalanithi grew up in Arizona, closely acquainted with nature and moments of solitude. He’d always loved reading and, upon entering college, studies biology and literature. It is during these years that he realizes the need to not only study but to live, to immerse himself in his surroundings. His master’s program in English literature proves unfulfilling, and he decides to pursue medical school.

Some of his clearest memories of medical school involve the study of cadavers. It is at this point that Paul first experiences the duality of practicing medicine. As he continues to learn and grow through his studies, he realizes the ways in which he becomes calloused to moments that might otherwise be traumatizing.