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OT: When Breath Becomes Air - Printable Version

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OT: When Breath Becomes Air - 2006alum - 12-26-2016

A bit far afield from our usual Cardboard discussions, but as part of my Christmas observation yesterday I took a day off all screens and had the chance to read the late Stanford Alum Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air. I couldn't put it down once I started it, and just as the NY Times review promised, it's stayed with me. Among my more mundane responses, it made me very proud of Stanford's commitment to the liberal arts and interdisciplinary studies even among the many grads who go on to pursue more tech/science-oriented careers. Although a neurosurgeon/neuroscientist by training, Kalanithi's prose was lucid but lofty, wildly evocative, and deeply philosophic. I wasn't at all surprised to learn he was a SLE alum. Not sure if I have any particular point to this, other than to note another significant contribution made by an alum that made me proud of my alma mater.

Anyone else read it and have similar or other reactions?

OT: When Breath Becomes Air - 2006alum - 12-26-2016

A bit far afield from our usual Cardboard discussions, but as part of my Christmas observation yesterday I took a day off all screens and had the chance to read the late Stanford Alum Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air. I couldn't put it down once I started it, and just as the NY Times review promised, it's stayed with me. Among my more mundane responses, it made me very proud of Stanford's commitment to the liberal arts and interdisciplinary studies even among the many grads who go on to pursue more tech/science-oriented careers. Although a neurosurgeon/neuroscientist by training, Kalanithi's prose was lucid but lofty, wildly evocative, and deeply philosophic. I wasn't at all surprised to learn he was a SLE alum. Not sure if I have any particular point to this, other than to note another significant contribution made by an alum that made me proud of my alma mater.

Anyone else read it and have similar or other reactions?

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - JJJ - 12-26-2016

It's the next book I want to read. Have read excerpts and various articles about him over the last few years. Thanks for the gentle nudge so I'm reminded to get a copy.

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - JJJ - 12-26-2016

It's the next book I want to read. Have read excerpts and various articles about him over the last few years. Thanks for the gentle nudge so I'm reminded to get a copy.

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - Erika - 12-26-2016

I loved this book.  I loved his honesty and vivid descriptions of becoming a patient in an arena that he used to command.  Heartbreaking and devastating but beautiful too. What a loss.

My favorite part was the description of his small rural high school in Arizona (drop out rate of 30%) and how his mom influenced the whole school.  When his close friend was told by the guidance counselor to join the army, he said F that and got into Yale.

Highly recommended.

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - Erika - 12-26-2016

I loved this book.  I loved his honesty and vivid descriptions of becoming a patient in an arena that he used to command.  Heartbreaking and devastating but beautiful too. What a loss.

My favorite part was the description of his small rural high school in Arizona (drop out rate of 30%) and how his mom influenced the whole school.  When his close friend was told by the guidance counselor to join the army, he said F that and got into Yale.

Highly recommended.

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - Hurlburt88 - 12-27-2016

Just purchased! 

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - Hurlburt88 - 12-27-2016

Just purchased! 

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - North Woods - 12-28-2016

Thanks for the recommendation. I had seen great reviews but your additional endorsement pushed me to get it. I agree it's thought provoking and well worth reading.

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - 2006alum - 12-30-2016

Absolutely. Really a one-of-a-kind book. His wife was on Charlie Rose and I thought her interview was also quite powerful.

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - Hurlburt88 - 11-14-2017

My wife got her book club to read this and I just had the pleasure to sit as a guest as they discussed it.  Everyone loved it, and a great debate about the tough decisions of proceeding with “life” in the face of terminal illness.    For any who have not read this yet, grab it. 

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - Hey - 11-15-2017

One thing I remember from the book was that I kept wishing he took time off from work. It seemed like his health issues spanned a long period of time, but he still kept working the long hours. I hope this comment doesn't rub people the wrong way. His work ethic is inspiring.  I just think his body was telling him it needed a break and he didn't listen.

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - gocard14 - 11-15-2017

(11-15-2017, 01:13 AM)Big Brother link Wrote:One thing I remember from the book was that I kept wishing he took time off from work. It seemed like his health issues spanned a long period of time, but he still kept working the long hours. I hope this comment doesn't rub people the wrong way. His work ethic is inspiring.  I just think his body was telling him it needed a break and he didn't listen.

I would generally agree with you, but he had dedicated ridiculous hours for the prior 11 years of his life to achieving his goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. To give up that close to the finish line would be a different sort of brutal.

Signed, someone who is in year 8 of 10 on a similar path.

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - Hurlburt88 - 11-15-2017

Our group meandered from that topic to a discussion about why Paul did not seek medical attention sooner, particularly given his medical expertise.  Led to a discussion about denial in general. 

Re: OT: When Breath Becomes Air - cardfan77 - 11-15-2017

Incredible and powerful book.  It's been a while since I read a good book. Someone should start a CARDboard book club.