Book

BREATH TAKING

The Power, Fragility, and Future of Our Extraordinary Lungs

We take an average of 7.5 million breaths a year and some 600 million in our lifetime, and what goes on in our body each time oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide expelled is nothing short of miraculous. “Our lungs are the lynchpin between our bodies and the outside world,” writes Dr. Michael Stephen. And yet, we take our lungs for granted until we’re incapacitated and suddenly confronted with their vital importance.

In Breath Taking, pulmonologist Michael Stephen takes us on a journey to shed original and much-needed light on our neglected and extraordinary lungs, at a most critical societal moment. He relates the history of oxygen on Earth and the evolutionary origins of breathing, and explores the healing power of breath and its spiritual potential. He explains in lay terms the links our lungs have with our immune system and with society at large. And he offers illuminating chronicles of pulmonary research and discovery―from Galen in the ancient world to pioneers of lung transplant―and poignant human stories of resilience and recovery―from the frantic attempts to engage his own son’s lungs at birth to patients he treats for cystic fibrosis today. Despite great advances in science, our lungs are ever more threatened. Asthma is more prevalent than ever; rising stress levels make our lungs vulnerable to disease; and COVID-19 has revealed that vulnerability in historic ways. In this time, Breath Taking offers inspiration and hope to millions whose lungs are affected and vital perspective to us all.

Praise

“Wide-ranging . . . Our breath ties us to one another and to the world around us . . . And yet, Stephen argues, we have consistently overlooked the importance of our lungs.” ―The New Yorker

“Brains and hearts preoccupy science writers, so this rare exploration of lungs fills a need. Pulmonologist Stephen cannot conceal his enthusiasm for his favorite organ as he mixes evolution, medical history, autobiography, and vivid stories of patients with a skillful account of how lungs operate and how we might take better care of them . . . Valuable popular science.”―Kirkus Reviews

“At a crucial time―not just because of COVID-19 but as lung disease rises generally―pulmonologist Stephen’s Breath Taking explains the evolutionary beginnings of breathing, the connection between the lungs and the immune system, and new research and treatment of pulmonary disease.”―Library Journal

“This richly detailed, engrossing work will have you appreciating the majesty of one of our most vital organs. COVID-19 has taught us all how vulnerable our lungs are and the more we know about them the better we can protect them. Intimately written with the authority of a pulmonologist but the lyricism of a captivating narrator, Breath Taking reveals surprising notes about our origins, collective human experience, and future on this planet.”―Sanjay Gupta, MD

“A deep exploration of the biology and cultural dimensions of breath, the life force that sustains us all from the moment we enter the world until our departure. It is beautifully written―clear, accessible, often poetic. Dr. Stephen weaves together science, history, philosophy, religion, and clinical vignettes to present a tapestry that will engage the reader from the first page to the last.”―Jerome Groopman and Pamela Hartzband

“Surely this is exactly the right moment to appreciate and understand our lungs, and Michael Stephen’s Breath Taking is scientifically fascinating, calling our attention to the almost literally invisible processes that keep us alive, while explaining passionately and even lyrically the many complexities of lungs and breath and breathing.”―Perri Klass, MD, author of A Good Time to Be Born: How Science and Public Health Gave Children a Future

“Breath is life and breathing is a fundamental human right, one which we often take for granted. Breath Taking is an important work which explores the science of our lungs, and emphasizes the urgency for lung health not just for us as individuals, but also for our planet, our environment, and the human race.”―Mallika Chopra, author of Living With Intent and Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement, and More