Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor's Soul

I just finished reading "Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor’s Soul" by Robert Macaulay, and wow, it’s one of those books that sticks with you. It’s not just for doctors or nurses—it’s for anyone who’s ever wondered about the bigger stuff in life, like what makes us human and how we find meaning in tough times. Macaulay, a pediatrician and palliative care doctor, shares stories from his career that are both heartbreaking and uplifting. It’s about kids who faced serious illnesses with incredible bravery and, in the process, changed him as a person. Here’s my take on what makes this book so special, from its emotional punch to its easy-to-read style.

The book starts with a moment that grabbed me right away: Macaulay is at a cocktail party when his colleague Dave asks, “Why’d you pick palliative care?” It’s a question that feels simple but opens up a window into Macaulay’s life—his career, his past, even his childhood struggles. From there, he takes us through the stories of kids he’s cared for, each one teaching him something new. Every chapter feels like meeting someone new, and each story makes you think about life, love, and what it all means.

The first chapter, “In the Beginning,” introduces kids like Hannah and Nicky. Hannah is a five-year-old who’s stuck in the hospital after surgery, and her innocence gets to you. Then there’s Nicky, a teenager dealing with Hunter syndrome, and his mom, Lorraine, who’s fighting right alongside him. Their stories hit hard, but what I loved most was how honest Macaulay is. He doesn’t just talk about his patients—he opens up about his fears and doubts as a doctor. That rawness makes the book feel so real, like you’re sitting down with him over coffee as he tells you these stories.

Macaulay’s writing is straightforward and warm, like he’s talking right to you. He doesn’t throw around fancy medical terms, so anyone can pick this up and get lost in the stories. Each chapter stands on its own, yet they all come together to show how Macaulay grew as both a doctor and a person. He blends the medical stuff with big emotions and deeper thoughts about life without ever feeling heavy-handed.

"Because I Knew You" is a rollercoaster of a read that’ll have you chuckling one second and reaching for tissues the next. Forget just medicine—this book is a raw, beautiful dive into finding hope and connection when life feels like it’s crumbling. I was glued to every page, and it left me replaying those tiny, heart-stopping moments that make life shine. If you want a story that grabs your heart, shakes up your soul, and makes you rethink what matters, this is your next must-read.