When Breath Becomes Air Hardback - 2017 - 2nd Edition
by Paul Kalanithi
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a powerful and poignant memoir about the author's battle with lung cancer, reflecting on what makes life meaningful in the face of death. This moving book will appeal to readers who appreciate introspective and thought-provoking narratives that explore the complexities of life and mortality.
Summary
Reader reviews for When Breath Becomes Air
Review summary
Readers largely saw this memoir as a brief but powerful meditation on mortality, meaning, and medical care. Many praised Paul Kalanithi’s fusion of clinical candor and literary reflection, valuing the doctor-turned-patient perspective for its humanity and clarity. The epilogue by his wife, Lucy, was widely singled out as the most affecting and polished section—some felt she merited co-author credit. Despite its slim length, the book provoked deep introspection and frequent tears. Dissent focused on style and vantage point: critics found the prose sometimes mannered or quotation-heavy, the tone self-regarding, and the narrative cushioned by professional privilege that rendered death unusually tidy. Others wanted more scene-driven storytelling and bristled at language that seemed to glorify overwork in medicine. Even so, the prevailing view deemed it emotionally resonant and worth reading.
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From the publisher
Details
- Title When Breath Becomes Air
- Author Paul Kalanithi
- Binding Hardback
- Edition number 2nd
- Edition 2
- Pages 240
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Vintage, London
- Publication date 2017
- ISBN 9781784701994 / 1784701998
- Weight 0.37 lbs (0.17 kg)
- Dimensions 7.76 x 5.04 x 0.51 in (19.71 x 12.80 x 1.30 cm)
- Category Biography / Autobiography
- Dewey Decimal Code B
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