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When Breath Becomes Air: The powerful and moving memoir of a doctor, the global bestseller

When Breath Becomes Air: The powerful and moving memoir of a doctor, the global bestseller

Author:
Paul Kalanithi
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
105
Narrator
37
Release Date
March 10, 2016
Duration
5 hours 28 minutes
Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.

THE NEW YORK TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER

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.

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

© Paul Kalanithi 2016 (P) Penguin Audio 2016
Reviews
Profile Avatar Ted E. Feb 2019

Sweet sorrow about the early death of a dedicated and introspective physician. But way too explicit details of medical school. I have a medical degree. But I fast forwarded several parts. Epilogue was lovely

Profile Avatar Nitesh S Nov 2017

One of the best books to read. Shows how we go through ups and downs of life and face the ultimate end.

Profile Avatar Karen C Apr 2017

Really enjoyed. this is book a powerful.

Profile Avatar Olivia M. Apr 2026

Highly recommended

Profile Avatar Amy D. Mar 2025

I don't know what I can say about this book that has not already been gushed. It's all true.

Profile Avatar Anna Hawkins Sep 2024

Excellent poignant and bitter/ sweet navigating life’s ambitions with what then comes in his way …. Thought provoking and memorable

Profile Avatar Scott B. Jun 2024

Awesome and very powerful

Profile Avatar Rebecca M. Jun 2020

Very touching and inspiring book. The narration made a great listen. Recommend

Profile Avatar Niralini T Oct 2017

Breathtaking! Such an inspiring story from a neurosurgeon.

Profile Avatar Milind Chitnis Mar 2017

Thoroughly enjoying listening to the audio edition of this deeply philosophical autobiography of a highly intelligent young, bright American Neurosurgeon, who could easily have been a Professor of Literature and/or Philosophy at any prestigious Univ in the world. Paul's soul can rest in peace to know that his story, words and thoughts are and will touch millinons of lives in the years to come. A must for ALL medical students, doctors everywhere in the world. Will certainly buy the print copy to read it again and again. Narration is superb! Highly recommended.

Profile Avatar Peta Beaton Mar 2017

Beautifully written and very insightful. I really enjoyed this book and I'm so glad Paul had the strength to write as long as he did. I think he'd be happy to know that his story is touching people's heart the way it is. The narrator did an excellent job too. Great all round. :)

Profile Avatar Xilin Brandsma Mar 2017

It is the first audio book I had, and I really appreciate it . It is truly moving, genuine and deeply thoughts provoking book! Paul was such talented, inspirational doctor with tremendous humility. I wish him RIP. His strong, uncompromising spirit will live on.

Profile Avatar Tali Sahar Mar 2017

DEEPLY INSPIRING BOOK, a book the i'll cherish to th rest of my life. Excellent narratiom!

Profile Avatar Jing Kang Jan 2017

Touching book. Narrator did a good job too!

Profile Avatar Beth Pastore Dec 2016

Well written, insightful book with narration that made it a great listen!

Profile Avatar Anais Cuchilla Castillo Dec 2016

Deep, emotional and raw. Excellent audiobook and highly recommended!

When Breath Becomes Air: The powerful and moving memoir of a doctor, the global bestseller

When Breath Becomes Air: The powerful and moving memoir of a doctor, the global bestseller

Author: Paul Kalanithi
Read by: Lucy Kalanithi
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