When Breath Becomes Air

In this memoir by Paul Kalanithi death is met head on- that is by a brain surgeon who faces terminal cancer.  When people write about dying they often express a newfound optimism.  The intensity of living the rest of your life within only a few weeks creates simultaneous panic, grief, and clarity.  Although I knew what was coming the end of this book I still found myself acutely saddened when Lucy, his widow, posthumously completed his writing.  Overall not as moving as some other near- death books I've read.  Still a good book for the novelty of the topic.