Rating by Nifemi Akingboye: 10/10

“This book is a memoir written by Neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi. It epitomised the fragility of human life and was really awe-inspiring as even though his physical health was rapidly deteriorating he was still able to appreciate beauty around him, while teaching others how to live a good and fulfilling life. He explains how through neuroscience he was able to gain cogniance of both life and death, extending the idea that Medicine helps us understand not only others but ourselves. 

While the book is unfinished as towards the end he became too weak to write, his message and story are encouraging and will undoubtedly stay with you long after you finish the last page.”

Rating by Nifemi Akingboye: 9/10

”This book is about the personal experience of Dr Adam Kay with the healthcare system of the UK. It is very honest and pretty funny. I would recommend it to someone unsure about a career in Medicine or just for a good read.”

Rating by Kathryn Chia: 9/10

“I really loved this book! It was genuinely interesting and very honest. It is about the life of a Senior Neurosurgeon, Henry Marsh and his final years practicing. He talks quite a bit about his interactions with the patients as well as what’s wrong with them. I thought there was a good balance of the science of neurosurgery as well as an insight into medicine.”

Rating by Lizzie Fu: 9/10

“In this memoir following his retirement from the NHS, neurosurgeon Henry Marsh reflects on his life, revealing the bittersweet thoughts that he faces in old age. Despite being a medic and informed about how the body generally works, Marsh finds himself falling prey to the stereotypical ideas of almost all old people, fearing dementia and death among other things. Being a young high school student who hopes to pursue medicine, it was incredibly inspiring and also devastating to read such a searing and honest narrative from a person on the other end of the medical career. Marsh’s account made me really reflect on how all of us view life and what really matters to us all in the end. I would highly recommend this book regardless of whether you are interested in medicine or not, as I think the themes apply to anyone!”