Very beautifully written and heartfelt. A little too wordy at times.

This book was truly heartwarming and very relatable as a medical professional dealing with a similar health crisis. I could see my thoughts in some of Paul’s, which made me feel less alone in my situation. His tenacity for life was evident and it is amazing that he shared his truth and story with us. Highly recommend for anyone!

I put off reading this one longer than I should have because I wasn’t sure I was in the right emotional headspace. However, this book is about so much more than cancer and a life cut short. It’s actually really about life!
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I love how, from early on, Paul Kalanithi is interested in the human experience. I think it’s interesting how he explores this from so many different perspectives—literature, medicine, neurosurgery, etc. I also enjoyed hearing about his experiences in medical school and his discoveries (through his roles as BOTH a doctor and a patient) about the importance of building relationships.
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Kalanithi’s vulnerable account of his diagnosis and journey with cancer is extremely reflective and really explores what it means to live a full and meaningful life. While it’s too bad that he was unable to finish this book, I really think the ending, written by his wife, is the perfect touch to end this book. It instills a message of hope and allows everything he embodied to live on.
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This book reminds me a lot of The Last Lecture. I read that one many, many years ago, and it may be time to revisit it because these two would make great companion texts!
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One of those books that make you reevaluate what’s important in life.