When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a memoir that falls into the genres of biography, autobiography, and non-fiction. The book tells the poignant story of Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the age of 36. As both a doctor and a patient, Kalanithi offers a unique perspective on life, death, and the intersection of medicine and personal experience.

Key themes and elements of the book include:

1. Mortality: Kalanithi grapples with his own impending death, reflecting on what it means to live a meaningful life in the face of terminal illness.
2. Identity: The memoir explores Kalanithi’s journey from a literature student to a neurosurgeon, and how his identity evolves with his diagnosis.
3. Medicine and Humanity: Kalanithi provides an insider’s view of the medical profession, discussing the challenges and ethical dilemmas doctors face, and how they cope with the emotional aspects of their work.
4. Love and Relationships: The book delves into Kalanithi’s relationship with his wife, Lucy, and how they navigate their love and partnership amidst his illness.
5. Legacy and Purpose: Kalanithi reflects on what he hopes to leave behind, both through his work as a doctor and his writing.

Kalanithi's writing is deeply moving, combining a clinical perspective with poetic reflection, making the memoir a profound meditation on life and death.