When Breath Becomes Air

Prepare for heartbreak but also for compassion and self reflection. Neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi's story is tragic in that not only did he die young, but there's a sad irony in realizing that the esteemed doctor had become the patient shortly after a decade of medical school.

Paul takes this opportunity to examine life's meaning. When faced with his own mortality, after years of balancing and caring for the mortality of his patients, he turns all that lived experience inward. And there is profundity here. He died before he finished and his wife, also a doctor, wrote the epilogue. That is also a heartbreak, but thankfully it gives the reader some much needed catharsis.

I can definitely say that while this was a great book that had me thinking deeply about my purpose and how we look at death here in this country- I'd be lying if I didn't say I am READY for the two Christmas themed reads I have cued up next!