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The Big Prick: Surgery, Surfing, and Survival in 1980’s San Diego
In the face of a new and terrifying pandemic, Dr. Nick Jordan and his young colleagues must find the strength to save their patients and themselves.
It's June 1986, and Nick Jordan has just graduated medical school in New Orleans and is headed west to sunshine-blessed San Diego to start a one-year surgical internship. Medical science has no answers for the newly discovered Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which will wreak havoc among his patients. An accidental stick from a knife or a needle could mean infection and an agonizing death for the young doctor.
The specter of this new and incurable disease haunts Nick's internship with fear and uncertainty sooner than he anticipates. The heaviness of this reality is counterbalanced by the excitement, exuberance, and goofiness of Nick's fellow interns - all young adults who have suddenly been given real responsibility and power to effect change in their patient's lives. Working alongside Holly Spencer, a gorgeous colleague who might just be the love of his life, Nick faces his patient's dire circumstances with trepidation and grace.
As he rotates through various hospital services, including his desired head and neck surgery path, Nick encounters the extremes of human behavior and experience. The venture is often surreal - simultaneously bizarre, devastating, and sometimes even funny. Overwhelmed by the rigors of medical training in this stressful and dangerous time, Nick must develop the skills to persevere or quit.
Nick and his fellow interns' empathy, patience, physical endurance, and emerging medical skills are tested beyond reason. Through the crucible of a terrifying new pandemic, they forge friendships that help them find the strength to continue. Their journey is one of romance, humor, and courage. Together, they struggle to survive and find the emotional strength to heal their patients in the face of misanthropic supervisors and overwhelming odds.
The Big Prick will transport you to a time of joy and horror—and may even teach you how to surf….
"Riveting! Godin hits an out-of-the-park home run with his debut novel. I'm eagerly awaiting more from the charismatic Nick Jordan." - Ashley Farley, USA TODAY Bestselling Author
It's June 1986, and Nick Jordan has just graduated medical school in New Orleans and is headed west to sunshine-blessed San Diego to start a one-year surgical internship. Medical science has no answers for the newly discovered Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which will wreak havoc among his patients. An accidental stick from a knife or a needle could mean infection and an agonizing death for the young doctor.
The specter of this new and incurable disease haunts Nick's internship with fear and uncertainty sooner than he anticipates. The heaviness of this reality is counterbalanced by the excitement, exuberance, and goofiness of Nick's fellow interns - all young adults who have suddenly been given real responsibility and power to effect change in their patient's lives. Working alongside Holly Spencer, a gorgeous colleague who might just be the love of his life, Nick faces his patient's dire circumstances with trepidation and grace.
As he rotates through various hospital services, including his desired head and neck surgery path, Nick encounters the extremes of human behavior and experience. The venture is often surreal - simultaneously bizarre, devastating, and sometimes even funny. Overwhelmed by the rigors of medical training in this stressful and dangerous time, Nick must develop the skills to persevere or quit.
Nick and his fellow interns' empathy, patience, physical endurance, and emerging medical skills are tested beyond reason. Through the crucible of a terrifying new pandemic, they forge friendships that help them find the strength to continue. Their journey is one of romance, humor, and courage. Together, they struggle to survive and find the emotional strength to heal their patients in the face of misanthropic supervisors and overwhelming odds.
The Big Prick will transport you to a time of joy and horror—and may even teach you how to surf….
"Riveting! Godin hits an out-of-the-park home run with his debut novel. I'm eagerly awaiting more from the charismatic Nick Jordan." - Ashley Farley, USA TODAY Bestselling Author
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2023
12 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 17, 2023
Dr. Godin has a gift for storytelling. His ability to capture the atmosphere of the 1980's, focusing on the excitement of a new career, the fear of the unknown, and the desire for meaningful relationships, is remarkable, and it is as relevant today as it was back then. The fact that the stories appeal to both medical professionals and those of us who are not is particularly impressive, suggesting that Dr. Godin must have an excellent bedside manner. I finished this book with a better understanding of what those who want to help people must endure, as well as a keen interest in what happens next to Dr. Nick Jordan!
April 16, 2024
The title snagged me, the content kept me. Hellacious read!
Like so many others {as stated by the narrator early in the story} I also remember the moment when I first learned what AIDS was and how during those early days, it was tantamount to a death sentence. That being said, the beauty of this tale is how atypical a story it is especially given the when and where. The humor contrasting with the pathos? Freaking genius!
Eagerly anticipate reading more of Nick's story when the next book becomes available.
Like so many others {as stated by the narrator early in the story} I also remember the moment when I first learned what AIDS was and how during those early days, it was tantamount to a death sentence. That being said, the beauty of this tale is how atypical a story it is especially given the when and where. The humor contrasting with the pathos? Freaking genius!
Eagerly anticipate reading more of Nick's story when the next book becomes available.
January 16, 2024
A quick read of a scary time in the 80's when AIDS was diagnosed. A young intern, Nick, is faced daily wondering if he will get pricked when working on a patient. We follow him for a long hard, trying year as he works 36 hour shifts. Interesting information provided concerning surgeries.
September 11, 2024
Loved it. It probably helped that I was in that same age range and worked 22 years in the hospital in the Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Knowing plenty of doctors it was relatable. The AIDS worry was real and a death sentence at the time. Definitely recommend.
March 27, 2024
A quick and funny read that confronts serious issues. Dr. Godin is an excellent writer who strikes a balance between humor and controversy.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews