SCPL Online NonFiction Book Club discussion

Thank you for joining us for this month’s discussion. I’m just going to leave a few last questions for you to think about as we conclude When Breath Becomes Air.

Perhaps this is too personal a question, but what are your own thoughts about death? Is it something horrible, something to be feared, or something that is simply a natural part of life? Did this book change how you think or feel about death and dying?

Ultimately, how were you left feeling after reading this book? Did you find it depressing, hopeful, upsetting, inspiring? Do you think this is a book that will stay with you, or even have an impact on your life?

I’ve never feared death. That’s probably because of my deep faith and my belief in an afterlife but I feel like death is just the next big adventure. In a lot of way this book and Paul’s experience reaffirmed that for me. Everyone dies. Some earlier than others. What counts is how we live and what lives we touch while we were here. While the book certainly wasn’t a happy read I did find it encouraging. I waited to start university until I was 29 years old. Halfway through my second year I lost a dear friend who was the same age as me. She was also in school. Initially her death made my studies seem pointless. If all of the learning we acquire just evaporates when we die then what is the point? I really struggled with carrying on after she passed away but ultimately I realized that continuing my studies was a tribute to her because she wasn’t able to and because I don’t know how long I’ll live (hopefully for a very long time yet) there was no point in me stopping. I think Paul had a similar attitude. He knew he only had a little while but he did what he could while he had the time. I really like that. This book will definitely stay with me, and the conversations we’ve had here. Thank you again for this discussion!

Heidi, I am so sorry for your loss. I do think it is inspiring that you were able to carry on and achieve your goals in the face of loss, and to do so as a tribute to your friend makes it that much more of an achievement.

I don't know if I would say that I fear death, but I do feel a sense of unease due to my own uncertainty about what comes after. I think having a deep sense of faith (as Paul did too) probably helps one feel more peace with the inevitable, and I think that is an admirable thing.

I know this book will stay with me as well. In a world where people can sometimes get caught up in the superficial, this book is a reminder about what truly matters, and the importance of the legacy we will leave.