When Breath Becomes Air

Dr. Paul Kalanithi, an intelligent, philosophical man, loved literature, medicine and science. He earned a BA and MA in English Literature from Stanford and a master’s in the history and philosophy of science and medicine from the University of Cambridge before studying medicine at Yale.

Near the end of his neurosurgical residency, at age 36, Kalanithi received a fatal diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer. His moving, beautifully written memoir documents his journey from doctor to patient, from saving lives and making life-or-death decisions to grappling with his own mortality. As his eloquent writing shows, Kalanithi faced death with fortitude and courage.