Reviews with content warning for Death - When Breath Becomes Air

super obvious observation, but you could tell paul was really intelligent and thoughtful from his writing alone. it's kinda crazy that he wrote this in the later stages of his cancer, when it's a struggle just to breathe, let alone write a memoir. it tickled the part of my brain that is interested in science and medicine, and i appreciate that this memoir merged those two interests. i learned a lot about neuroscience and the brutal work life of neurosurgeons. and i admire that paul was so passionate about writing and literature. i think because of how intelligent he is, he lost me at some parts that got more technical and descriptive. i think he occasionally strayed from his central point and went on tangents. but the epilogue made me cry hard and feel existential. i think memoirs like this are really thought-provoking and i'd like to dive into other works in this vein.

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berryradical's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

4.25

I was able to read this book in a day. Definitely cried. The briefness we have on this planet makes you question things like what to let go of or what to pursue based on what you value. Paul going from a surgeon being paged to patient status places his viewpoints in perspective. He leaves behind a legacy of trying to help others in a vulnerable state.

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smkelly1997's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

5.0

Beautifully written. I wish their could have been more but I guess that somewhat reflects life and one of the many messages of this book. Overall, incredible. I think it’s important for all health care providers to read.

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readandfindout's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.75

On first read in 2017: This has to be one of my favorite non-fiction books of all time now. I often find that, though I will enjoy a memoir, it doesn't really resonate with me. But this certainly did.

The entire time that I was reading this book, I was noting the similarities between my thinking and Paul's. I wish that we had been able to meet, because I think we could have had some very interesting discussions about mortality and meaning. I also found myself awed by his integrity, throughout his life as well as when he was facing death.

On 2023 reread

Overall rating: 4.75 stars

Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 5 stars
Perspective: 5 stars

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isaarusilor's review

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emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

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