A review by theverycraftyvegan
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

challenging emotional sad medium-paced

5.0

I cannot stress this enough, if you’re reading/listening to this book be fully prepared to cry. A friend recommended I not listen to this audiobook while driving because I would need to pull over and cry. I heeded that advice and I listened at home—alone—and I openly wept. 

Paul’s words were very clinical at times but never cold or without emotion. This was his life’s story about his education, career, and personal life but most importantly it’s about how he continued to live even though he knew he was dying. 

Lucy’s epilogue absolutely wrecked me. 

Paul: ”I’m ready.” 

Lucy: “I climbed into the last bed we’d share.”

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Medical trauma, Terminal illness, Grief, Chronic illness, Death, and Medical content

Moderate: Infertility and Pregnancy

Minor: Vomit