When Breath Becomes Air

Synopsis

THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER

'A vital book about dying. Awe-inspiring and exquisite. Obligatory reading for the living' Nigella Lawson

At the age of thirty-six, 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 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.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE WELLCOME BOOK PRIZE 2017

About the Publisher

Vintage

Vintage is a highly respected paperback publisher of contemporary fiction and non-fiction, publishing writers like Philip Roth, Martin Amis and Toni Morrison. There are many Booker and Nobel Prize-winning authors on the Vintage list such as Kingsley Amis, A S Byatt, J M Coetzee, Ismail Kadare, Ian McEwan, Salman Rushdie, Anne Enright, Iris Murdoch, Roddy Doyle and Ben Okri, to name a few.

Summary

When Breath Becomes Air

Chapter 1- Beginnings

In the first chapter of his book, When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi tells of his life growing up in a small Arizona town and how his academic success in school eventually led him to pursue a career in neuroscience and ultimately to a career as a surgeon. He recounts particular moments throughout his childhood that shaped his outlook on life and his own morality, as well as his interest in medicine. In particular, he tells the story of a scuffle he had with another boy in the sixth grade, which allowed him to learn the power of forgiveness and humility. This is a real-life example of how our past experiences can have a lasting impact on our lives.

Chapter 2- Bridging

This chapter tells the story of Kalanithi's transition from academic learning to the realities of clinical medicine. He reflects on the challenges he faced in adjusting to a medical residency with its long hours and steep learning curve. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of balancing academic pursuits with respect for patient lineage and powerful stories of struggle and healing. He recounts an instance of learning empathy in surgery from a patient's inspiring story of recovery after a difficult surgery. This is a real-life example of how we can learn to be more compassionate by understanding other people's struggles and stories.

Chapter 3- The Stoic

This chapter dives into Kalanithi's personal philosophy and provides insight into his outlook on life and death. He talks about his belief in Stoicism and the importance of living life with virtue and principle, even when faced with death. He weaves together stories of his own life experiences as well as those of the patients who had made an impact on him. He also speaks to the power of human connection and the value of moments shared with others. This is a real-life example of how a particular philosophy can provide a framework for life and can be a source of comfort in moments of despair.

Chapter 4- Becoming a Marine

In this chapter, Kalanithi tells the story of his journey to becoming a Marine. He recounts his initial struggle with the decision to serve, the feelings of duty and responsibility he developed, and the reward of helping others. He shares accounts of his deployment and his experience of understanding fear and dread. This is a real-life example of how serving in the military can be a rewarding and humbling experience that changes the way a person looks at the world.

Chapter 5- Injured

In this chapter, Kalanithi describes his experience of being injured while serving in the Marines. He talks about the physical and psychological toll of his injury, as well as his difficulty in adjusting to life at home. He recounts the support he received from friends and family and the healing he experienced from having the opportunity to tell his story. This is a real-life example of how trauma can be both physically and psychologically damaging, and how the support of loved ones can help in the process of recovery.

Chapter 6- The Diagnosis

This chapter tells of Kalanithi's experience with cancer when he was presented with a terminal diagnosis. He talks about the shock he felt, the physical pain of his treatments, and the emotional toll it took on him and his family. Through sharing his story, he speaks to the importance of facing death with courage and grace, even when it is overwhelming. This is a real-life example of how having a terminal diagnosis can be devastating, but also how it can provide an opportunity to live life to the fullest.