This book is highly recommended by trainees preparing for the American Board Exam in Otolaryngology. However, as a comprehensive review book, it should also appeal to trainees preparing for the Intercollegiate Specialty Exam in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery or the European Board Exam.

The third edition has been rearranged and updated, and follows the syllabus for the Board Examination for Otolaryngology. The text is structured into 7 sections covering 56 core topics. The simple ‘question and answer’ format allows readers to test their knowledge and revise effectively in a short time. The style includes simple one-line answers, true and false items, and (my favourite) fill-in-the-blanks questions, for which you either know the answer or you don't. This prevents guessing, a problem with multiple-choice questions.

On the down side, the monotonous black and white presentation does not do justice to the histopathology slides or the clinical photographs. Referencing remains poor and, in the vivas, one would be reluctant to quote some of the figures mentioned in the book (e.g. what percentage of patients have erosion of the scutum with cholesteatoma – 42 per cent). However, this problem could be reduced by using the book in conjunction with a reference textbook.

When it comes to exam preparation, the existing options are limited. This book offers an alternative to Bruce Jafek's ENT Secrets (Elsevier). With more than 3800 questions, Pearls of Wisdom: Otolaryngology Board Review is an excellent resource and will definitely help candidates prepare for the written component of any ENT exam.