When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

The book you're describing is "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi. It's a memoir that documents Kalanithi's journey from being a neurosurgeon to becoming a patient after being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at the age of thirty-six. The memoir explores profound questions about life, meaning, and mortality, reflecting on Kalanithi's experiences as he transitions from treating the dying to facing his own mortality.

Kalanithi wrestles with existential questions such as what makes life meaningful in the face of death, how to find purpose when the future is uncertain, and the significance of parenthood juxtaposed with the prospect of dying. His reflections are deeply moving and offer insights into the human condition and the complexities of identity.

Despite his untimely death in 2015, Kalanithi's memoir continues to resonate with readers, praised for its honesty, emotional depth, and profound philosophical insights. "When Breath Becomes Air" has been celebrated as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a poignant exploration of life's most profound questions.