When Breath Becomes Air

This extraordinary memoir came out a few years ago and kept coming up on best-of lists. Yet, every time I heard the description, I thought to myself, why do I want to read something so depressing?

Judging a book by its cover, I know. While perusing non-fiction audiobook selections a week ago, I saw this title and thought, just read it already!!

And I was pleasantly surprised. This wasn't a book that got pity acclaim only, but deservedly earned respect for being well-written and truly open.

Knowing the end of the story made it harder to listen to passages describing how long he ignored symptoms or attributed them to a grueling work schedule, especially as someone who has done just that (although my diagnosis is different). The author's writing is lovely and is a clear product not only of his intelligence, but also his love of reading.