Books similar to "When Breath Becomes Air"
Discovering your next great read has never been easier! If you like "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi, you're in the right place. Our curated list features books that share similar themes, styles or vibes.
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Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
by Atul Gawande
Authored by Atul Gawande, "Being Mortal" explores the concepts of aging, death, and what it means to live a dignified life. The book blends Gawande's experiences as a surgeon with stories from his patients, much like Kalanithi's intertwining of his journey with his medical insights. Both authors confront the inevitability of death with empathy and wisdom, prompting readers to contemplate the quality of life and the importance of understanding mortality.
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The Last Lecture
by Randy Pausch
Written by Randy Pausch, "The Last Lecture" is both a memoir and an inspirational speech, delivered by the author, a professor diagnosed with terminal cancer. Like Kalanithi, Pausch reflects on his life, achievements, and dreams, offering insights into facing mortality with courage and purpose. Both books emphasize the importance of living meaningfully and cherishing the moments one has.
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Tuesdays with Morrie
by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie" chronicles the lessons learned from a dying professor named Morrie Schwartz. The book revolves around the conversations between Albom and Schwartz, which cover various aspects of life and death. Similar to "When Breath Becomes Air," this work delves into existential questions and offers wisdom from those standing near the end of life.
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The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying
by Nina Riggs
Nina Riggs' "The Bright Hour" is a poignant memoir detailing her life with terminal cancer. Riggs, facing her mortality, writes with humor and grace about her experiences, similar to Kalanithi's reflective style. The book explores themes of love, family, and the small joys in life, making it a profound meditation on living well even in the face of death.
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Dying: A Memoir
by Cory Taylor
"Dying: A Memoir" by Cory Taylor is a candid exploration of the author's thoughts as she faces terminal illness. Taylor's deeply personal narrative is reminiscent of Kalanithi's openness in confronting her own mortality. Her musings on life, creativity, and the process of dying offer readers a perspective that blends acceptance with reflection.
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The Year of Magical Thinking
by Joan Didion
Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking" is a candid memoir that deals with the sudden loss of her husband and the critical illness of their only daughter. While focusing on grief rather than illness, it provides insightful reflections on life, memories, and the emotional journey of coming to terms with loss, akin to the intimate narrative style of Kalanithi's work.
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The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life
by Katy Butler
Katy Butler's guide delves into the crucial stages of aging and dying, offering advice on living well despite illness. The blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights mirrors Kalanithi's approach to sharing personal experiences to shed light on broader truths about life and death. This book offers practical insights that align with "When Breath Becomes Air’s" contemplative nature.
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Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death
by Irvin D. Yalom
Irvin D. Yalom's "Staring at the Sun" explores the fear of death and ways to transcend it, blending psychological insights with personal stories. Like Kalanithi, Yalom draws upon a wealth of experience to offer a comforting perspective on mortality, encouraging readers to embrace life's impermanence with bravery and understanding.
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Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
Co-authored by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant, "Option B" offers an insightful exploration of grief and resilience following personal tragedy. Much like Kalanithi’s memoir, the book shares deeply personal experiences that underscore human vulnerability and strength, providing valuable lessons about adapting to and finding meaning in life's most challenging moments.
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Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory
by Caitlin Doughty
Caitlin Doughty's "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" offers a humorous yet profound look at the death industry through Doughty's eyes as a young crematory worker. Similar to "When Breath Becomes Air," it broaches the often-taboo subject of death with sincerity and humor, using personal experiences to explore themes of mortality, the afterlife, and our cultural perceptions of dying.