Questions About When Breath Becomes Air

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Answered Questions (55)

More of a comment than a question. Did anybody find this book poetic? I read this book in about 3 hours. His descriptions of life and death, search for meaning, suffering and pleasure were very poetic that will paint clear images for the readers. He was able to share a little piece of the truth. Very good book to read.

Theresa Ward I'm about half-way through at this point and find myself re-reading passages as I'm going along. Beautiful yet simple use of language, very engaging a…moreI'm about half-way through at this point and find myself re-reading passages as I'm going along. Beautiful yet simple use of language, very engaging and touching narrative, wholly lacking in self-pity. (less)

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It looks a little depressing, what did you think?

Bruce Katz I'll throw my two cents in. Personally, I found it deeply moving and life-affirming. There were times I felt tears forming in my eyes, and other times…moreI'll throw my two cents in. Personally, I found it deeply moving and life-affirming. There were times I felt tears forming in my eyes, and other times I read a passage several times to ponder what the author was expressing. I can't think of another book that brought me so close to the soul of another person. Might some readers find it depressing? I'd have to say yes, depending on what life experiences and attitudes they bring to it. But I think most will find it rewarding and touching and well worth the risk of the emotions it might elicit.(less)

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Do you recommend giving the book to a cancer patient? Would it be too emotional and heart shattering for them?

Margaret I am a cancer patient, so when it was added to the list of our book club I became very anxious about reading it. I finally picked it up, then couldn’t…moreI am a cancer patient, so when it was added to the list of our book club I became very anxious about reading it. I finally picked it up, then couldn’t put it down. I dog-eared so many pages. I nodded in agreement as I turned the pages, having had similar medical experiences as the author.
We all know how his story ended. I decided that’s not my story, and chose to understand his process and perhaps assist me on my journey. I’m so very glad that I read it and had a very robust conversation with my book club. He captures the “new normal” of those with cancer and some of the new decisions we have to consider that others never need to think about. It’s a great book for both cancer patients and those who love them. (less)

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Is this an age appropriate book for a 13 year old to read? Is it too sad and or complicated/hard to read for someone of that age?

Joanna Yes. I think it's a book for all ages. We all need to realize that we should live in the moment. Savor life and health while we still have it. 13 is n…moreYes. I think it's a book for all ages. We all need to realize that we should live in the moment. Savor life and health while we still have it. 13 is not too young to learn this lesson. A great book for discussion within families.(less)

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Is the entire book as powerful as it's title?

Isabella I log all the quotable sentences in books that I read, and this one had a handful, but not as many as other books I've read of this same length. I fel…moreI log all the quotable sentences in books that I read, and this one had a handful, but not as many as other books I've read of this same length. I felt that the meaning and beauty of this book was more at a paragraph-level than at a sentence-level. It is a beautiful, powerful read! (less)

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