When Breath Becomes Air is a first person account of life, illness, and death written by Paul Kalanithi, a Stanford neurosurgeon who also earned a degree in English Literature. Dr. Kalanithi was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in his 30's at the height of his career.
The book chronicles his struggles; both as a young doctor losing his ability to practice and then as a patient confronting a serious diagnosis. Dr. Kalanithi was also starting a family at the time during his struggle with cancer.
Many people with a terminal diagnosis write; either as a life review or a legacy (or both). However, this book wonderfully addresses many of our existential questions about life's meaning and purpose. All of us asking these questions would benefit from reading this book. It is simply the best of its genre.