“I had come to see language as an almost supernatural force, existing between people, bringing our brains, shielded in centimeter-thick skulls, into communion. A word meant something only between people, and life’s meaning, its virtue, had something to do with the depth of the relationships we form.”
―Paul Kalanithi
A gal I follow on Instagram posted a video about how much she loved this book. She was in tears and said it was “so, so important”. I tend to appreciate the same kinds of things she does so I ordered it. Anybody out there heard of/read it before? I’m hoping to start it tonight.
Which reminds me- I tried out Instagram Live the other night. I was just kind of curious how it worked, and ended up having SO much fun chatting with the folks who hopped on. We covered everything from adoption to microblading, and tons of other topics in between. Just another fun way to bring our brains, shielded in centimeter-thick skulls, into communion, I guess. 😉
Layla
PS- I’m @LetteredCottage on Instagram if you’d like to chit-chat live one night!
I listened to the audiobook, and it was really good. And in case you haven’t seen his wife’s home makeover, it’s a really sweet one 🙂 http://cupofjo.com/2016/03/lucy-kalanithi-home-tour-makeover/
Incredible book. Loved it. Having lost my own dad quite young, it was especially meaningful to me, but I would bet almost everyone who reads it finds some angle that makes it feel special for them.
I’ve read the book. It’s excellent. Sad, but very inspiring.
I read this last year in one long reading into the wee hours of the morning. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep until I knew the ending. I hesitantly gave it to my 84 year old dad to read because I didn’t want to depress him but I thought he might relate to some of the wisdom and reflections. He called it one of the best books he’s ever read… and he reads at least one book every week…
This book made me cry, yes…… but….. this book reminded me that no matter who you are and no matter how much you know or how well connected you are you are one lousy moment away from bad news which could alter your life and the lives of everyone around you. Take no day for granted. Do not put off til tomorrow what you want to do or say today because there is no guarantee there will be a tomorrow for you or the people you love….
I hope you give it a review when you’re finished, Layla….
Wow, yes, please review it when you’re done, Layla! Sounds like I might have to carve out some time to read it.
I am aware of this book, and have read excerpts of it, but I am not ready to read it. I lost my parents, both of them, within weeks of each other, from old age but still it was hard. I was with each of them at the moment they died. It was very moving, but a lot to deal with. I would like to read this book in its entirety one day. But I’m not ready.
I loved that book. The author had a real way with words. He must have been an incredible human being.
Such a good book but deeply thought provoking and possibly tear inducing…Paul Kalanthi was married to the sister of a blogger I closely follow (A Cup of Jo) so it was heartbreaking when he finally passed away. It is a beautiful message of life and love that truly resonated with me.
Yes! This book is so deep…..the kind of deep that we all need!
It is on my personal top 10 list, it’s just that good. He was masterful with words. It’s real life, it’s not scripted. If it were Kalanthi wouldn’t have died.
It left me feeling that death is really messy & beautiful. After reading this my feelings about death are much less harsh.
Read it!
Lovely book. The author’s sister-in-law runs a great blog called cupofjo.com
I read it as soon as I read about it on Cup of Jo’s blog (the authors sister in law). Incredibly poignant, moving, and wise way of looking at life … and death. Highly recommend.
Yes! And we had an amazing book club discussion about it.
One of the best books I’ve ever read. I finished it in less than a day because his writing is so beautiful and raw. Prepare to be moved and changed.
I just read it last week. Not a long read (as in it really doesn’t take that long to get through it) and a great story. I did shed a few tears (even though I knew what was going to happen). I’m sure that you’ll enjoy reading it.
Hi Layla, This book is.so.incredible! I’m a library book type of girl, but I actually bought this book so I can read it again. And again. You pick something up that you didn’t get before each time you read it. Have a box of tissues nearby – His observations on relationships and life in general can be life changing. No exaggertion. His unselfishness and generosity of writing this book as he knew his life was going to end……..no words.
This book was given to me by my HS BFF who knows I am an avid reader. I BAWLED. This book is powerful, poignant and written with such grace and enveloped in hope, even though the topic is filled with sorry. It begs to questions if you know you are dying, how do you live? I read this book in 3 days and then cried for my father whom I lost to renal cell carcinoma. You will not regret purchasing and reading this book.
It’s a beautiful, poignant, moving book that will get you thinking. Be sure to have a box of tissues and nothing urgent to tend to as you will want to read it from start to finish. Let us know what you think.
1) after seeing a few others comments on this book, I think I might order it myself! Thanks!
2) after seeing an Insta video you posted of your little guy, I’d love to know what/how you are styling it. My little guy comes home from Haiti SOON and I’m trying to gather up info on every subject from cacooning to hairstyles!.
I’ve been following Paul’s sister in law blog (A cup of Jo) for years, and I read the post in which she wrote about his illness, when they had just discovered it. And then, I read about the sad end of this painful journey. I read the book because, in some way, I felt related to Paul’s story and it was like knowing him. Great man, great book.