When Breath Becomes Air

by Paul Kalanithi

ISBN: 978-1-847-92367-7

First published 12th January 2016

225 pages

Cover design: Liz Cosgrove

5/5 stars

What makes a medic tick? What drives a surgeon? In this case a neuro-surgeon slash neuro-scientist. What drives him?

Paul Kalinithi explains he was driven to understand death. To meet death and save life. To confront death and save life.

And then, at 34 he contracts lung cancer, striving through options A – pills (Tarceva), then option B – chemotherapy, and, finally, option C – experimental.

A realization dawns upon Paul that “this is it”.

In some ways Paul counted himself as fortunate, he knew, almost, how much time he had remaining to him. He could arrange his affairs, say good-bye to his loved ones, make amends, write with a purpose. Write this book.

And when death came he could accept it gracefully. His final words were accepting:

“I’m ready”.