The memoir of the late surgeon Paul Kalanithi has been chosen as the book for the 2017 Roanoke Valley Reads. When Breath Becomes Air (Random House, 2016) includes the physician’s final reflections after his 2013 diagnosis with stage IV lung cancer. The book topped The New York Times Bestseller list and is frequently listed as one of the best books of 2016.
Roanoke Valley Reads, a program of Blue Ridge Literacy, will engage the region in community discussions and related events spanning the month of October.”The initial response has been very positive,” said Blue Ridge Literacy executive director Russ Merritt. “It’s an engaging book, and I think it will help the community have some important conversations.”
Planning is just getting underway. If you’d like to donate, volunteer or involve your organization, visit roanokevalleyreads.com.
Roanoke Valley Reads is in its sixth year. The other titles are
- A Lesson Before Dying, Ernest J. Gaines,
- Outcasts United, Warren St. John,
- Wish You Well, David Baldacci,
- Factory Man, Beth Macy, and
- The Submission, Amy Waldeman
BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke 