When Breath Becomes Air
by Paul Kalanithi
I may have found this year’s best read in When
Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. When a reader connects to a story, either
through great writing and/or connection to the topic, that’s a success. The book is the real-life story of the
author, a neurosurgeon trained at Stanford and Yale, who experiences the most
tragic of fates as he serves his residency at Stanford University: learning
that he has terminal cancer at thirty-six years old. The story opens my own family wounds, losing
my sister to cancer just a few years ago.
Linda was at the top of her field as a tile maker, in many ways similar
to the skills needed to be a surgeon: precise and tactical in approaching the
work. Dr. Paul, only a year from
completing his residency, is a workaholic, gaining accolades for his work. After learning of his diagnosis, Paul decides
to use the disease to teach himself and others the struggles one faces with each
step of fighting cancer, including the decision of whether he and his wife
should have a child (which they do). This is a book that teaches the lessons of
life, a life no one wishes on anyone.
Life is never what we think it will be and reminds us how fragile life
can be and that we should do all we can while we are able. Each decision, the highs/lows and the importance
of a support system (family/wife) are captured. Cancer is ugly, no matter the
fighter and no matter the outcome as the unknown always sits in the mind of the
patient. How courageous that Paul leaves
us with the gift of “how to determine” what makes a meaningful life along the
way of his battle. Family, work, life
and death all rolled into one truly thoughtful and reflective book.
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