When Breath Becomes Air Audiobook By Paul Kalanithi cover art

When Breath Becomes Air

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When Breath Becomes Air

By: Paul Kalanithi
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Sunil Malhotra
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About this listen

The New York Times number-one best seller.

At the age of 36, on the verge of completing a decade's training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, the next he was a patient struggling to live.

When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi's transformation from a medical student asking what makes a virtuous and meaningful life into a neurosurgeon working in the core of human identity - the brain - and finally into a patient and a new father.

What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when life is catastrophically interrupted? What does it mean to have a child as your own life fades away?

Paul Kalanithi died while working on this profoundly moving book, yet his words live on as a guide to us all. When Breath Becomes Air is a life-affirming reflection on facing our mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.

©2016 Paul Kalanithi (P)2016 Random House AudioBooks
Biographies & Memoirs Grief & Loss Physical Illness & Disease Relationships Sociology
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Critic reviews

"Finishing this book and then forgetting about it is simply not an option.... Unmissable." ( New York Times)

What listeners say about When Breath Becomes Air

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Such an inspiring and emotional book

I was so touched by this book. To understand life we need to accept death. I'm grateful for this book

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Memorable read

I have never felt so positive about life and yet end up feeling sad when this book ends. Clearly, it inspired me to have a bigger purpose and meaning to everything I do. And my biggest takeaway is - there is nothing you gain by worrying about anything beyond …. Lunch.

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Deep

The book has so much depth and makes you reflect on life and what we hope for

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Touching!!!!

Very good interesting and touching book!! Must listen atleast once!!!

Story was very much touching

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When breath becomes air

Excellent , very inspirational. Very open and honest account of his life with cancer .

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A beautifully written book.

This book and the lovely voices will live with me long after the last word.

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Heart Touch

I cried A lot
My friend suggested me to read this... Goodbwork by kalanithi... Luved it

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moving

one of the most moving books I have ever read. Paul must have been an amazing person 

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What a Memoir!!!


From myself as a cancer patient's the book is a raw and honest portrayal of the emotional and physical struggles that come with a terminal illness. I can relate to the fears, uncertainties, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality . The book delves into themes such as the complexities of identity, the pursuit of knowledge and purpose, and the importance of human connections and compassion. Kalanithi's perspective as a medical professional turned patient provides a unique insight into the healthcare system and the challenges encountered by both doctors and . i find solace in the author's reflections on life, mortality, and the value of living with intention. Kalanithi's poetic and philosophical writing style allows me to contemplate the deeper meaning of my own live and how I navigate my personal-health challenge.
Overall, "When Breath Becomes Air" offers a thought-provoking perspective on life, death, and the human experience from the lens of a cancer patient.

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Thanks thanks thanks Paul

Life doesn’t give you second chances. Life is now. Live the present. LIVE now. Thank you!!!

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