Tuesday, August 22, 2017

When Breathe becomes air by Paul Kalanithi

At first, I got to know about this book by gatesnotes. In a special and surprising way, I recieved this book as gift.

Paul Kalanithi was a neuro surgeon. He decided to write a book before he passed away as he was suffering from terminal illness- cancer. He's a graduate in Literature as well as medicine. It's interesting how he chose diverse courses and how he got inclined to neuro medicine.

Writing about his childhood and whereabouts, he mentioned about his loved on poetry. The poetic style is depicted in his writing. The book is poetic and I like his style of writing. 

Reading about his experience with patients and cancer, I got a glimpse of what it really takes to be a neurosurgeon. 

I found it amusing to see his clarity of thought of service and job. Now a days,  most of the poeople are considering 'Doctor' profession as mere 9-5 job but, not as service. In this capitalistic world, without any doubt, I say there are people who opt to service. I wish I meet them rathere than people who consider it as mere job. 

The confession he listened of his fellow doctor about 'wishing for metastases' is so human and I'm intrigued about such wishes of mine at times.

He wrote about death being objective. I wish for a death where it doesn't let others suffer. 

Paul passed away before finishing the book and it seemed unfinished but, Lucy ended it in a best way.  I loved what she wrote. Instead about putting herself in paul's shoes, she wrote being herself and gave the book the best epilogue.

I'm very grateful to Elizabeth who presented me this book as gift. God bless Liz.

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