Review: "This Is Going To Hurt" by Adam Kay.

*Disclaimer: I won't refer to too many spoilers, but be aware there may be elements of the story I refer to, so please continue at your own risk*

I don't usually do non fiction, but this book has been on my radar for a little while as one to definitely read. I've heard and read various reviews but never like to establish my own thoughts until getting my own hands on it. Alas, shopping in ASDA one evening after a gruelling 10 hour shift on my feet, I decided that I needed a laugh.

TIGTH is a real emotive perspective during Adam's years as a qualified clinician and the book reads as his diary passages from his time on the front line. It's a beautiful mix between laughing along with his experiences, trundling on his emotional trip and I found myself exasperating along with him during exhausting shifts.

I laughed aloud, I gasped, I was shocked and embarrassed for some of these patients. I had no idea of some of the things that really goes on in clinics and it was really beneficial on having a play by play, on the medical lingo too.

Adam in himself is quite likable. Doesn't take himself too seriously and has a strong narrative voice that carries through. Towards the end, there's a natural shift in perspective and we can almost feel his exhaustion and passion for the job slowly subside.

There are a couple of elements I would have liked to have known about. What happened to to Ron, Simon and H? How did Adam get into comedy script writing? Does he have any regrets in spending all those years to train, to move on?

The ending was a mixture of both climatic and anti-climatic which I think does make a good end for the story. We don't expect happy endings and rainbows when we're talking about reality and the stress of holding a life in your hands everyday, but at the same time we really wish there was more to lull us into this sense of security. It was nice to know what Adam went on to do next and how he evolved from these experiences; but it was obvious he left an empty, shell of a man and we can't but stop and wonder, how many previous medical professionals also have felt the same way after life in the NHS.

Overall: I loved this book and I found it to be a hilarious read that really took me out of the current world climate and into the world of Adam and the overworked, under paid workers of the NHS. if there's ever a book to describe the woes of our current medical system, here you go.