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4.41 AVERAGE
4.41 AVERAGE
A highly necessary read. But it was also one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read, though it's not a book so much as a vast collection of anecdotes that showcase every aspect of Adam Kay's experience as an OB/GYN, from the uplifting to the humorous to the horrifying. Kay has a witty way of writing which makes all of this come together seamlessly (actually, it can be quite jarring, but in situations where that's exactly the point). Making the book centered around his hospital diaries, which either gloss over his personal life or give clinical descriptions of it, was an excellent choice that really drove home how overworked and unavailable he was to both himself and the important people in his life.
I laughed a lot (uncontrollably). I also cried a lot (not unexpectedly). And now I'm filled with a deep sense of despair and foreboding. I'm frankly amazed at how the US and the UK have both managed to create such horrific healthcare systems. I had always highly respected the NHS until reading this (not for much reason beyond them seeming like a competent public health service, which is an easy feat to accomplish when competing with the nonexistent American one), but that respect has come crashing down and I've realized I'm really ignorant about all of this.
Finally, I'm left questioning my sanity for still wanting to go into this profession (as the only major difference across the ocean is the paycheck, which I'm sure can make up for a lot of things, but not the important ones). Though it's exhilarating that one day I will also be able to work to help patients and tell stories like this, it's unsettling to know that that will also be when I will consider all of this normal and par for the course.
I laughed a lot (uncontrollably). I also cried a lot (not unexpectedly). And now I'm filled with a deep sense of despair and foreboding. I'm frankly amazed at how the US and the UK have both managed to create such horrific healthcare systems. I had always highly respected the NHS until reading this (not for much reason beyond them seeming like a competent public health service, which is an easy feat to accomplish when competing with the nonexistent American one), but that respect has come crashing down and I've realized I'm really ignorant about all of this.
Finally, I'm left questioning my sanity for still wanting to go into this profession (as the only major difference across the ocean is the paycheck, which I'm sure can make up for a lot of things, but not the important ones). Though it's exhilarating that one day I will also be able to work to help patients and tell stories like this, it's unsettling to know that that will also be when I will consider all of this normal and par for the course.
funny
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
fast-paced
As doctor misery lit seems to be the in thing, I decided to give this book a go, having read Max Pemberton's similar account years prior. While the anecdotes were entertaining, I have to say the first half of the book didn't really appeal to me much. It's definitely not Oliver Sacks nor Atul Gawande (not that it's trying to be, I know) but personally I got tired of all constant swearing, it didn't add much for comedic effect and became pretty repetitive and annoying, but as I say, that's personal taste. Since a lot of the humour relied on this though, I found many of the jokes falling flat.
Where it got much stronger was with the more serious cases, with real pathos and grit coming through, but it was a shame it only came at the end and then everything just tailed off. I get that this book is primarily meant to be a comedic take, it's just a pity the humour didn't really ring with me. Definitely a fun read if you want to kill a few hours, but if you're looking for a more reflective, analytical take on the state of junior doctoring, you may be disappointed.
Where it got much stronger was with the more serious cases, with real pathos and grit coming through, but it was a shame it only came at the end and then everything just tailed off. I get that this book is primarily meant to be a comedic take, it's just a pity the humour didn't really ring with me. Definitely a fun read if you want to kill a few hours, but if you're looking for a more reflective, analytical take on the state of junior doctoring, you may be disappointed.
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced