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A review by readandfindout
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
On first read in 2017: This has to be one of my favorite non-fiction books of all time now. I often find that, though I will enjoy a memoir, it doesn't really resonate with me. But this certainly did.
The entire time that I was reading this book, I was noting the similarities between my thinking and Paul's. I wish that we had been able to meet, because I think we could have had some very interesting discussions about mortality and meaning. I also found myself awed by his integrity, throughout his life as well as when he was facing death.
On 2023 reread
Overall rating: 4.75 stars
Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 5 stars
Perspective: 5 stars
The entire time that I was reading this book, I was noting the similarities between my thinking and Paul's. I wish that we had been able to meet, because I think we could have had some very interesting discussions about mortality and meaning. I also found myself awed by his integrity, throughout his life as well as when he was facing death.
On 2023 reread
Overall rating: 4.75 stars
Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 5 stars
Perspective: 5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Grief, Medical trauma, Cancer, Death, and Medical content
Minor: Vomit and Suicide