This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay is a poignant, witty, and brutally honest memoir that takes readers behind the scenes of the medical profession. Written by a former junior doctor in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), this book offers a glimpse into the often-harrowing, frequently absurd, and sometimes hilarious realities of working in healthcare.
Through a series of personal anecdotes, This Is Going to Hurt shares Kay’s experiences as he navigates the challenges of being a young doctor in a high-pressure, emotionally taxing environment. From long shifts to life-and-death situations, the book reveals the highs and lows of medical practice, the sacrifices doctors make, and the moments of humor that help them cope with the overwhelming stresses of the job. Kay's sharp wit and unflinching honesty create a narrative that’s both humorous and heart-wrenching.
While the book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, it also provides an unflinching look at the toll that medicine takes on its practitioners, making it both a compelling and eye-opening read for anyone interested in the realities of the healthcare system.
Why This Is Going to Hurt is a Must-Read:
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Honest and Humorous:
Kay's writing is refreshingly candid and darkly humorous, offering both laughs and tears as he recounts his time in the NHS. His witty observations and unique perspective make the book highly entertaining while tackling serious topics.
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Insight into the Medical Profession:
The book offers an inside look at the life of a junior doctor, providing readers with a better understanding of the pressures and challenges that healthcare professionals face every day. It’s an eye-opener for anyone interested in the human side of medicine.
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Emotional Depth:
While humorous, the book doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll that working in healthcare can take on doctors, patients, and families. It’s a balance of levity and gravitas, making it a highly relatable and thought-provoking read.
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A Powerful Reflection on Healthcare:
Kay’s memoir shines a light on the flaws in the healthcare system, the strains on doctors, and the human cost of medical work. It’s a heartfelt, candid critique of a profession that’s often taken for granted.
Memorable Quotes from This Is Going to Hurt:
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"Being a doctor is a lot like being in a relationship with a pet. It’s just that when the pet bites you, it gets to tell you how it feels."
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"It’s like being on a rollercoaster, but the rollercoaster is on fire and no one has told you when it’s going to end."
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"You don’t go into medicine for the money, you go in for the stories."
Book Details:
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ISBN: 9781509858637
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Publisher: Picador
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Published Year: 2017
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Number of Pages: 352
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Binding: Paperback
Availability:
This Is Going to Hurt is available at major online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and in bookstores worldwide.
Physical Store Location:
Visit us at our physical store in Colombo 6, Wellawatte – 180 W.A. Silva Mawatha to grab your copy of This Is Going to Hurt and explore other insightful and engaging reads.
This Is Going to Hurt is a must-read for anyone interested in the medical profession or those seeking a blend of humor and depth in their reading. Adam Kay’s candid, witty, and sometimes heartbreaking memoir gives a voice to the doctors working tirelessly behind the scenes and reveals the personal and emotional costs of working in the NHS. It’s an unforgettable read that will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps view the healthcare system in a whole new light.
