Against Medical Advice: A True Story

by Hal Friedman, James Patterson, Cory Friedman

Book Overview

Cory Friedman woke up one morning when he was five years old with the uncontrollable urge to twitch his neck. From that day forward his life became a hell of irrepressible tics and involuntary utterances, and Cory embarked on an excruciating journey from specialist to specialist to discover the cause of his disease. Soon it became unclear what tics were symptoms of his disease and what were side effects of the countless combinations of drugs. The...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316024759
• ISBN13: 9780316024754
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Little Brown and Company
• Length: 283 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

a book i will not forget

this has to be one of james pattersons best books ever times i felt sorry for the boy and times i dont know how the parents got through it. could not put it down just hope there is one like it coming out great book dave

Heartbreaking and Inspirational

This is the story of a young man and his incredible struggle with Tourette's Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Anxiety. Although the subject matter does not sound exciting, it certainly is in 'Against Medical Advice'. Authored by James Patterson and the father of the boy in the story, Hal Friedman, this reads like a novel. Undoubtedly that is due to Patterson's exceptional writing ability along with a compelling story. This book follows Cory Friedman from age four, when he first exhibited symptoms of Tourette's through age seventeen. It chronicles an incredible journey filled with horrendous physical symptoms, cruelty of other children, and even the insensitivity of teachers and doctors. At times, it appears that Cory is a 'guinea pig' for the medical establishment. Although most of them were undoubtedly trying their best, it is quite obvious that they really did not know what to do with him. Rather, they experimented by prescribing countless medications (some multiple times). This may very well be a real eye opener to many about the limitations of the normally revered physician class. The sheer number of medications given to Friedman is astounding. As it goes along, it becomes quite apparent that this is a good deal of his problem. The toxicity of the medications in his system appears to have exacerbated many of his symptoms. The best part of this is the way that he overcomes his trials. It is inspirational and really full of hope. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who is plagued with Tourette's Syndrome, OCD, or any other physical or mental health challenge. Along with that group, I think that almost anyone would enjoy this story. Highly recommended!

God bless Cory and his family

As the mother of a son with TS, I found this to be the most emotional read of my life. Cory's family's frustrating experience with the medical process mirrored our own. And like Cory's parents, my husband and I often felt very alone in our fight for our son's health and well-being. Please don't be tempted to think that Cory's struggle has been over-dramatized. I don't know Cory but I do know what it's like to see someone fight TS and it is thoroughly horrifying. I found Cory's letter to be the most profound part of the book, for it was truly in his own words and marked the beginning of his healing. I admire him and his parents beyond words and pray that they are deeply blessed by their willingness to share their personal story. Not everyone has the strength to bless others with their struggles. Cory and his family have done that brilliantly.

Incredibly familiar

This book was a phenomenal retelling of the life of someone with Tourette Syndrome. As a mother of three boys who all have the same diagnosis as Cory, I feel like I can adequately say that I am more of an authority on the subject than most. As I read through his life struggles, weeping through a great many of the pages, I could identify with much of the grief and pain that he and his parents have gone through. I believe that everything in the book was very accurately portrayed, from the lack of understanding of the educational system to the medical roller coaster ride of trial and error, not to mention the misery inflicted by social situations. I feel like the book was tastefully written to not bash the people who do not understand this condition, (including medical/mental health professionals) but to portray the frustration and mental anguish caused by this lack of understanding. I highly recommend this book to all, but especially to those who have the fortunate opportunity to touch the life of someone with Tourette Syndrome. As is obvious in Cory's case, these children are incredible. They have to overcome so much more than the rest of us would ever dream of imagining just to live, let alone succeed. Thank you Cory, for sharing your life with us.

What a powerful story!

This is a wonderful book about a strong young man with a similarly strong family. I personally do not know anyone with Tourette's syndrome and can only imagine how moving this book will be for them, given the effect it has had on me. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to read this book about a truly remarkable young man named Cory Friedman and his wonderfully supportive family. It is a tale that has inspired me and humbled me. Reading about Cory's life makes me realize how incredibly strong some people REALLY are, how incredibly powerful their will to live is, and how incredibly powerful some families' bonds are. If you want to read a book that will uplift your spirit and open your eyes to something beyond outstanding, then do not hesitate to read this book - you will hang on every page and probably finish it in several hours like I did!