When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air was written by Paul Kalanithi - a training neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. He died in March 2015 and the book was completed by his wife, Lucy Kalanithi. Published posthumously, it was the number 1 bestseller of The New York Times and The Sunday Times. I have read numerous books and whenever someone asks me what my favourite book is, this is the one I always name. I've been a fan of true stories - reading things such as A Child Called It and Belonging - since my early teenage years. These true stories all hold different meanings for me. Out of all of these books, When Breath Becomes Air has undoubtedly had the most significant impact on me. I read it shortly before starting medical school after receiving my A level results. The lessons I learnt from the words of Paul Kalanithi will always stay with me.

This story shows the vulnerability of doctors. It shows that at the end of the day, doctors are humans and like everyone else on this earth, face disease and death. There is a swapping of roles as Paul Kalanithi, a doctor, becomes a patient. He reflects on the numerous patients he's operated on and the impact he had on those patients. More importantly, he writes about his experience as a patient, having to make important decisions about his treatment, career and personal life. This book made me question the invincibility that people often associate with doctors. Their knowledge and experience isn't a barrier against disease. They aren't able to hide from disease and death but when it does come, it seems that much more unbelievable. This book focuses on the inevitability of death but more importantly, it focuses on life and the purpose of living.

It seems that however much I try to praise this book, I can't do it justice. I cannot find the words to explain how meaningful this book is. The lessons it holds and the questions it makes you ask yourself are invaluable. As a medical student, it made me think about the doctor I wanted to be. It made me think about my purpose as a future doctor but also as a human being. Paul Kalanithi has touched many people with his words as an incredible neurosurgeon and an incredible human being.

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