Grief and “When Breath Becomes Air”

This isn’t technically a request for a book suggestion but rather for some feedback about reading the book.

I’ve seen When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi suggested several times, and this past weekend while visiting my parents I found it on the free shelves at the library so I took it. I’ve always wanted to read it.

I recently lost a very dear friend, however, completely unexpectedly. No illness, disease, addiction, car accident, just … the fragility of life. For reference we’re in our early 40s. I’m devastated and, to be honest, still in shock, I think.

My question is, should I read this book now, while this is so new and so raw or would it be better to wait until I’ve gone through the grieving process, or at least am a bit further along? Some books are helpful in a time like this (The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion comes to mind) but others are a bit overwhelming and too difficult. Both types are equally worth reading, but I’m not sure if this is the exact right time to read this or possibly the exact wrong time. I don’t want to start it, realize it’s too much, and then possibly not want to return to it.

For anyone who’s read it, I’d appreciate your feedback and thoughts on this. Yes, grieving is a process and we all go through it differently, but I’d like to get a sense of what those of you who’ve read it think in this case.

Thanks all.