When Breath Becomes Air

Why I'd hand it to you

Paul Kalanithi was nearing the end of his training as a neurosurgeon when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in his mid-thirties. In this short book he writes about medicine, literature, faith and what makes life meaningful when time runs short, including the decision he and his wife made to have a daughter. He died before finishing it, and his wife Lucy wrote the epilogue. It is short and deeply moving. Know that it is unfinished by necessity, and it can be very hard reading for anyone in the middle of grief. Have tissues nearby.

— Matt Jordan