This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Young Doctor
by Adam Kay

I really didn’t know what to make of this book as I was reading it.

On the surface, it is a snarkily-written diary of a young doctor, his trials and tribulations as he navigated his way through the bureaucracy of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) all while trying to have a life outside of medicine.

While I mention that the writing had a snarky edge, it was well-written and kept my interest.

But my problem with the book is that the author comes off as being quite unlikeable. It certainly isn’t necessary to like the person who is writing the book, whose life you are following as a reader, but it helps.

As for whether I would recommend this book: If you are interested in how the NHS seems to screw over its doctors, then definitely read this book. If you are interested in what it takes to become a doctor, this book would be of interest.

In short, I can recommend this book, just not with enthusiasm.

3.5 stars