Reviews

This is Going to Hurt, by Adam Kay

khg93's review against another edition

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5.0

A great read. A realistic representation of life as a junior doctor, told in a funny and captivating way. Recommended it to my friends and family!

inkandplasma's review against another edition

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4.0

Credibility - 8
Authenticity - 8
Writing - 9
Personal Impact - 10
Intrigue - 6
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 9

Rating: 8.14 / 4 stars

ciararosney's review against another edition

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4.0

Filled with hilarious stories and some shocking that make you physically cringe while laughing out load, this book is definitely one to read. Although it is full of humour, it really puts into perspective how much help the NHS needs and how much pressure is put on everyone who works for them without much reward.

lydiahephzibah's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a powerful, hard-hitting book with a very accessible style - dry and sarcastic, and at times a little too judgmental for my tastes - and necessary reading for every Brit.

juliadejong's review against another edition

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5.0

This was so good! It made me laugh out loud hysterically, it taught me a bunch about the nitty-gritty of obstetrics with a delightful dose of sarcasm, but also made me think a lot about the NHS in the UK and how doctors in the UK are fucked over (mostly by the government) in the most horrendous ways. So yes, I would highly recommend this book!

maireador20's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5/5 eye opening but humorously written this searingly honest memoire from a junior doctor in the NHS gives some fascinating insight into the challenges faced by hospital staff on a daily basis.

hannatg's review against another edition

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funny informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

ljwrites85's review against another edition

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5.0

So yes it feels like I’m the last person to read This Is Going To Hurt but I saw it in the library and I thought better late than never!

This was a brilliant book, funny, sarcastic but with some touching and emotional moments too.

I don’t think I’m ever going to complain about a rude doctor ever again after reading what these junior doctors go through!

Adam Kay worked as a gynaecologist, delivering babies on the front line of the NHS and boy did he have some horror stories! I always thought when I was having my son that I had the hardest birth ever, after reading this book it turns out that I had a super easy time and I don’t know what I was complaining about!

There was a minor issue but in the version I had it was full of Americanised spellings and few typos which I have to be honest was a little annoying.

I would highly recommend This Is Going To Hurt and I’m very much looking forward to reading Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas.

healnotslay's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely hilarious until the last chapter when he's talking about why he left & it made me realise the worst day of my life is 1) yet to come and 2) will probably be my fault of some sort

jesseirl's review against another edition

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5.0

Five Stars All the Way

This book was an enjoyable and unique read from start to finish. So much I learnt and so many humorous takes on the work as a doctor.

”This is going to hurt: Secret diaries of a junior doctor” is a touching and entertaining memoir by Adam Kay, a former junior doctor in the NHS in the UK. The book is a collection of diary entries that Kay wrote during his time as a junior doctor, documenting the often grueling and emotionally taxing experiences he faced while working in the NHS.

The feature that stands out most in the book is its honesty and authenticity. Kay doesn’t shy away from sharing the difficult, often disgusting, and sometimes downright absurd experiences he faced. His writing is raw, emotional, and often utterly hilarious.

One of the themes that emerges throughout the book is the incredible amount of pressure that junior doctors face, both in terms of the demands of the job and the expectations placed on them. Kay writes candidly about the long hours he worked, the sacrifices he made, and the toll that the job took on his personal life.

Despite the challenges he faced, Kay's love for his job and his patients shines through in every page of the book. He writes about the rewards of the job, including the sense of accomplishment and pride he felt in helping others and saving lives.

Overall, "This is Going to Hurt" is a thought-provoking and highly enjoyable read that offers a unique and valuable perspective on the life of a doctor. It's a must-read for anyone who hasn’t worked in the healthcare industry, or is interested in healthcare or just looking for a moving and entertaining memoir.