This month I focus exclusively on writings by and about the writer-neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi, who died last year at age 37.I didn’t know him, and I only met his wife briefly years ago. So this isn’t personal or coyly promotional. It’s just admiration and awe for a life, the small oeuvre of a gifted writer, and some of the writings he inspired.

If you haven’t read him yet: do. You may cry, but you won’t be sorry. And if you cry, only some of the tears will be because of the story. Others wi...