Title: This is Going to Hurt
Author: Adam Kay
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Link to book: This is Going to Hurt
This was one of the funniest, most heartwarming and heartbreaking books I’ve read. Through tears and laughter, Kay paints a vivid portrait of the relentless challenges faced by junior doctors in the NHS. His words are a raw, unfiltered journey into the sacrifices, the heartaches, and the triumphs of those who dedicate their lives to healing.
The narrative structure is based on Kay’s diaries during his time as a junior doctor, creates an immediacy that pulls us into the chaotic rhythm of life on the ward. The anecdotes are vivid, the characters are both endearing and exasperating. This makes us feel like the challenges faced by Kay and his colleagues become our own. It’s a masterful storytelling technique that transforms the book from a mere memoir into a shared experience.
Not only is this one of the funniest books I’ve read, it is also incredibly heartwarming. I feel like at some point in their life everyone thinks about becoming a doctor. As a kid, a doctor was definitely one of my dream jobs! (Yes, I also wanted to become a fighter pilot, animal farmer, sound engineer, cafe owner, at some point…) Kay explains “there’s no feeling like knowing you’ve saved a life. Not even that, half the time; just knowing you’ve made a difference is enough.” This most certainly reignited my dream of wanting to become a doctor again.
From the outset, Kay’s writing is unflinchingly candid. He lays bare the physical and emotional toll exacted by the demanding, often thankless, world of medicine. Each page unfolds like a tapestry woven with the threads of sacrifice, dedication, and a genuine passion for healing. As readers, we find ourselves laughing at the absurdities of hospital life, only to be blindsided by the poignant moments that remind us of the profound human connections forged in the crucible of healthcare. It was such an emotional rollercoaster.
Yet, for all its gravity, the book never loses its humor. Kay’s wit and comedic timing act as a salve, providing moments of relief that prevents us from descending into despair. It’s a delicate balancing act, expertly executed by Kay. The book is peppered with hilarious entries, mostly from his stay in OBGYN (you can imagine). Patients are having foreign objects up their butt, asking questions like how many morning-after pills should one take if one was intimate with three people… What?!?!
Amid the laughter and camaraderie, the book doesn’t shy away from addressing the systemic issues within the healthcare system. Through Kay’s eyes, we witness the bureaucratic hurdles, crazy hours, and emotional strain that often eclipses the idealistic pursuit of healing. With that in mind, the narrative becomes a call to action, urging us to confront and address the realities faced by those at the frontline of healthcare.
Kay showcases the resilience of the human spirit, a celebration of compassion in the face of adversity. He invites us not only to witness but to empathize with the individuals behind the white coats. The ending of it was heartbreaking, truly, as he explains why he stopped being a doctor. By the final page, we not leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges within healthcare but also with a profound appreciation for the unsung heroes who navigate its tumultuous waters daily.
All in all, this book was a captivating, brilliant read that lingers in the heart and mind.
“…the hours are terrible, the pay is terrible, the conditions are terrible; you’re underappreciated, unsupported, disrespected and frequently physically endangered. But there’s no better job in the world.”