Book description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST * This inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question What makes a life worth living?
NAMED ONE OF PASTE'S BEST MEMOIRS OF THE DECADE * NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review * People * NPR * The Washington Post * Slate * Harper's Bazaar * Time Out New York * Publishers Weekly * BookPage
Finalist for the PEN Center USA Literary Award in Creative Nonfiction and the Books for a Better Life Award in Inspirational Memoir
At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade's worth of training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, and the next he was a patient struggling to live. And just like that, the future he and his wife had imagined evaporated. When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi's transformation from a naïve medical student "possessed," as he wrote, "by the question of what, given that all organisms die, makes a virtuous and meaningful life" into a neurosurgeon at Stanford working in the brain, the most critical place for human identity, and finally into a patient and new father confronting his own mortality.
What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life, flattens out into a perpetual present? What does it mean to have a child, to nurture a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles with in this profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir.
Paul Kalanithi died in March 2015, while working on this book, yet his words live on as a guide and a gift to us all. "I began to realize that coming face to face with my own mortality, in a sense, had changed nothing and everything," he wrote. "Seven words from Samuel Beckett began to repeat in my head: 'I can't go on. I'll go on.'" When Breath Becomes Air is an unforgettable, life-affirming reflection on the challenge of facing death and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a brilliant writer who became both.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • This inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question What makes a life worth living? NAMED ONE OF PASTE’S BEST MEMOIRS OF THE DECADE • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • People • NPR • The Washington Post • Slate • Harper’s Bazaar • Time Out New York • Publishers Weekly • BookPage Finalist for the PEN Center USA Literary Award in Creative Nonfiction and the Books for a Better Life Award in Inspirational Memoir At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade’s worth of training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, and the next he was a patient struggling to live. And just like that, the future he and his wife had imagined evaporated. When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi’s transformation from a naïve medical student “possessed,” as he wrote, “by the question of what, given that all organisms die, makes a virtuous and meaningful life” into a neurosurgeon at Stanford working in the brain, the most critical place for human identity, and finally into a patient and new father confronting his own mortality. What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life, flattens out into a perpetual present? What does it mean to have a child, to nurture a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles with in this profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir. Paul Kalanithi died in March 2015, while working on this book, yet his words live on as a guide and a gift to us all. “I began to realize that coming face to face with my own mortality, in a sense, had changed nothing and everything,” he wrote. “Seven words from Samuel Beckett began to repeat in my head: ‘I can’t go on. I’ll go on.’” When Breath Becomes Air is an unforgettable, life-affirming reflection on the challenge of facing death and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a brilliant writer who became both.
CuriousCoder
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable.
Barbwire
Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Mechani-Man
This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks.
Freesia
Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Pepper Prada
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Maple Destroyer
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Hyper Kong
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. 💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Dorothy Solitaire
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖 The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Toe
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. 🚶♀️📖 Discovering new worlds on my daily walks – this app is my travel companion! 🌍🎧 Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
ByteBard
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
PixelPilgrim
This app is not just about convenience – it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way.
Bambi Wings
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧 My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
HighBomber
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
ButterQuest
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. 🎉📚 Rekindling my passion for books – this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! 🔥📖 CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Snout Pixie
This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset.
Despair
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥
Pepper Legs
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true – no more hassles! Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening.
Achilles Mountain
I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
PixelPioneer
🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side.
Snow Hound
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. 🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧 The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience