In his biography, WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR, Paul Kalanithi invites us into his journey to find meaning in career, family, in life itself. “Throughout college, my monastic, scholarly study of human meaning would conflict with my urge to forge and strengthen the human relationships that formed that meaning. If the unexamined life was not worth living, was the unlived life worth examining?” “99 percent of people select their jobs [based on] pay, work environment, hours… Putting lifestyle first is how you find a job – not a calling.” Kalanithi was called to neurosurgery as his life’s career.
After that one doctor visit, doctor became patient and meaning became complicated. What does a terminal diagnosis mean for a recently married couple and the possibility of children? For continuing in a job? For assessing what is really important? How does one facing end of life nurture a new life? How does one with astute body awareness (even before it is confirmed by the doctor) find the courage to stay positive? In WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR you are drawn into the living of medical professional – emotions, knowledge, doubts, compassion. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.