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When Breath Becomes Air

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST - This inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question What makes a life worth living?

NAMED ONE OF PASTE'S BEST MEMOIRS OF THE DECADE - NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR B...show more

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Average rating: 7.85

540 RATINGS

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18 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

brittshank91
Mar 25, 2024
It’s weird to start a book knowing that the author of that book is no longer living. It’s even weirder to start a book knowing that he wrote the book while he was dying; his final words in it from when he realized he would no longer practice medicine, and the final words of the book from his wife, Lucy, who reflects on the life Paul lived and the legacy he carries.

There’s something unique about death and the journey toward it. I’d imagine you f...read more
reneete
Feb 22, 2024
10/10 stars
The first part gave me the same “I should’ve become a doctor” feeling as watching Grey’s Anatomy did, only better. The rest had me desperately choking back tears on a plane (and failing).
CarrieAnn17402
Jan 18, 2024
7/10 stars
Good book for medical professionals. Slow to start.
margardenlady
Dec 27, 2023
8/10 stars
Wonderful combination of memoir, literary commentary and training plan for bedside manner or any sort of walking together with someone through difficult times. This one will resonate with me for a long time.
steffymarti
Aug 30, 2023
9/10 stars
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