Something For The Pain, One Doctor's Account Of Life And Death In The Er (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
Not all books need to be 5 stars to be good. Paul Austin's quick, matter-of-fact, and bravely honest memoir is not a work of art, and it's won't be added to any Must Read Before You Die lists. It isn't written particularly well, and some themes and metaphors are a bit clumsy. Still, that doesn't mean you can't find value in spending a day (seriously, it's a quick read) with an ER doctor/firefighter/construction worker; seeing what his life is like, listening to his work stories and insights gained from balancing career, family, and hobbies, admiring his work ethic, and, if you're me, think about how awful it would have been if you'd gone to med school (EW BONE! EW PUS! EW BRAINS! EW PEOPLE! Also I'm 90% sure I'm having a heart attack right now! EW HYPOCHONDRIA!). Generally a good insight to what goes on in the ER. Written simply and succinct, this is an easy read suitable for anyone.However i'd have to agree with Ellen that the content is lacking details of patients after they have left the ER. An extension of how Mrs Kelly responded, for example, would have added a lot more value to this book for the views of the patient's family, and not just the ER doctor, would be exemplified.3 Stars, but worth a read.
What do You think about Something For The Pain, One Doctor's Account Of Life And Death In The Er (2000)?
With our Doug becoming an ER doctor, it is fascinating to read books about what happens in the ER.
—Alexandra
An insider ok at a tough job, honest and straightforward, I read it in a day.
—lili17
Subtitle from another edition: "Compassion and burnout in the ER"
—jjtan1989
Great! I can't get enough of this type of stuff!
—Angel
