Death and Dying: Sociological Perspectives

In this second assignment, provide a review of Kalanithi’s book When Breath Becomes Air as a general statement about the dying process and as a statement that also had a personal impact on you.  I will leave the organization up to you—and for the most part, let you provide what you think is the most important focus in regard to the book. However, I do ask that you consider the following:

1. Provide, in your own words, a summary of this book.
2. What do you regard as the most poignant things about Dr. Kalanithi’s story?
3. What, in your assessment, did he need to learn as he was dying?
4. How does the experience of dying change Kalanithi?
5. How does Kalanithi use literary allusions to discuss his death?
6. What do you see as the main value of this book?

Sample Solution