The First Wave: Life of a Covid Warrior

What I genuinely love about this book is Dr. Prashant Nayak talking about the amount of stress he had as a doctor in a dedicated Covid hospital, away from his family- and he found his way back to art.It taps into the unique perspective of a healthcare professional. The way the book is written, you realize that there are real life humans behind this term ‘healthcare professional’. Humans with families, friends, and hope. The bit about him almost not being able to go back home to his family because of hospital staff truly is heartbreaking. This is one of the most unique books to come out lately and if you like reading slice of life wholesome stuff, this book is for you.

Dr. Prashant Nayak does a fantastic job of bringing forth the emotional, mental and physical toll that the pandemic had on doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. While there are many good things in the book, my favorite is the journey that the author describes at the end of the book- I could feel the tension in my neck worrying if he would actually be able to go home. The description of the entire journey is so picturesque, I felt like I was in the car with him and his co-passengers!

This book is a memoir of a healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of us were indoors, watching and listening to the horrors unfolding in the world through our TVs and radios, the doctors, nurses, hospital professionals were there- witnessing it first hand. Dr. Prashant Nayak does not only paint a picture of how it was in the hospitals, but also does a good job of narrating his own emotional and psychological turmoil.I think this is going to be an important book when looking back at the COVID-19 pandemic and how we lost so many people, how art helped people, and how much the healthcare professionals have sacrificed during those times.

This book offers a poignant glimpse into the personal struggles of a doctor during the initial surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The author, a frontline COVID warrior, skillfully narrates the dichotomy of his isolation and tireless dedication to patients. The narrative unveils the emotional and physical toll of this challenging period, navigating the hurdles of loneliness and quarantine protocols. Dr. Nayak's rediscovery of writing and singing amidst chaos adds a humanizing touch to what was an incredibly tough period for one and all. The climax, where he recounts the obstacles faced while crossing interstate borders, is heart-rending. The book stands out for its genuine portrayal of the author's resilience and the stark realities faced by healthcare professionals during the pandemic, making it a compelling and insightful read. I loved it. You will too. Give it a go.

I lost many loved ones to COVID, so I was a little apprehensive to pick this book up. But I'd like to thank the author about the kindness with which he has treated this book. I can't imagine what it would be like to stay away from my family and face something like this. The way Dr. Prashant Nayak describes the incidents from the hospital and the choices that hospital managements were making sent a chill down my spine. I highly recommend everyone to read this book.

Man, this book is something else! Technically, this book is strong with its flow and personal storytelling method. But it is the content of the book that truly inspires awe. Dr. Nayak is a wonderful storyteller!His rollercoaster of emotions, balancing work and personal stuff – wow. It's crazy relatable, and I finished it in one sitting. Who knew a book about a pandemic could be so captivating? But, seriously, it's eye-opening. You get this inside look at a COVID warrior's life – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It made me appreciate those frontline folks way more. Props to Dr. Nayak! His resilience and passion for helping people are next-level inspiring. A must-read for everyone.

This book presents a soul stirring account of Dr. Prashant Nayak's experiences as a frontline COVID warrior during the first wave of the pandemic in India. The narrative skillfully balances the personal and professional aspects of his life, portraying the emotional and physical toll of the crisis. The author's journey, from a carefree pre-COVID lifestyle to facing the challenges of isolation and heightened responsibilities in a COVID hospital, adds depth to this revelating account.The book does not only provide a gripping personal account of the pandemic but also offers valuable messages about the importance of a strong mind, dedication to one's profession, and positive planning. Overall, Dr. Nayak's narrative skill and the book's thematic richness make it a compelling read that resonates with the challenges and triumphs of navigating the COVID-19 landscape.