Paul Kalanithi, the brilliant author of the book “When Breath Becomes Air”, died of lung cancer at the young age of 36. I read his work of brilliance in 24 hours — yes, could not put it down. Period.
The son of Indian parents — a Christian father, and a Hindu mother — who eloped to make a life for themselves in America, Paul was one of those rare, brilliant minds whose flame was extinguished too soon. He earned a Masters in English literature from Stanford. While struggling to find the meaning of life, and death, Paul studied medicine at Yale and became a neurosurgeon. Not for money, but because it was his calling. Ever heard of an English Major become a neurosurgeon for money? NEVER!
His life’s work was focused on understanding the delicate balance between life and death, between science and humanity, between medicine and empathetic caring. The roles reversed and crystallized for him, as he went from brilliant surgeon to vulnerable patient, fighting for each breath, and for life. We never really understand pain, till we feel it. Till we live it. My sense is that the anticipation of death, is worth than death itself. I saw that with Alan, my best friend, who also died of lung cancer.
This is no book review — it is a brief insight into a human tragedy of a young man who died way before his time, and left behind his grieving widow and baby girl. If you enjoy reading, this is a MUST READ. Bill Gates claimed this book as being his favorite non-fiction book of all time. I am no literary genius, but sincere, brilliant writing that tugs at the heart strings, is rare. I secretly wish this was a work of fiction — at least Paul would have been alive.
I read the last hour of the book with wet eyes, blinking back the tears, and grieving for his close knit family. When I finally closed the book, I called my daughter to tell her I love her, and hugged Rohini with purpose.
Life is so fragile, and so unfair, and can be so cruel sometimes……
About Hemant Rustogi