Against Medical Advice, James Patterson
Against Medical Advice, James Patterson
13 Rating(s)
List: $18.99 | Sale: $13.29
Club: $9.49

Against Medical Advice

Author: James Patterson, Hal Friedman

Narrator: TBD

Unabridged: 5 hr 13 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/20/2008


Synopsis

In this inspiring true story, a child struggles with Tourette's syndrome-and overcomes extraordinary challenges with the help of his loving parents.
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 only certainty is that it kept getting worse. Simply put: Cory Friedman's life was a living hell.
Against Medical Advice is the true story of Cory and his family's decades-long battle for survival in the face of extraordinary difficulties and a maddening medical establishment. It is a heart-rending story of struggle and triumph with a climax as dramatic as any James Patterson thriller.

About James Patterson

James Patterson is a world-renowned mystery writer that has dominated the New York Times Bestseller list for decades. In fact, he holds the New York Times AND Guinness records for most best-selling, hardcover, fiction titles by a single author, an astonishing accomplishment of 76! Patterson is possible best known for his Alex Cross series, which has held the top selling detective series for the past ten years. His books have sold approximately 300 million copies worldwide and he is the first author to achieve ten million eBook sales. There have been nine files - seven made for TV movies and three major motion pictures that were adapted from Patterson novels. Unlike many of his counterparts, Patterson is a fan of collaboration and works with several ghostwriters and co-authors to keep the mysteries coming for his demanding readers. While he has received his share of criticism for this practice, it hasn't mattered to his devoted following and as he continues to top the charts with each new release. In addition to adult novels, Patterson has recently become the bestselling author for the young adult and middle grade categories.

Patterson is also well known for his philanthropy. The James Patterson Teach Education Scholarship has been established to support the next generation of teachers at 19 different universities across the country. Patterson co-hosts a webcast with Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade. ONE ON ONE: Fundamentals with Dwyane Wade and James Patterson highlights the importance of reading for success in life. He also has a website dedicated to helping parents and educators ignite the reading spark in students. The website has specific book recommendations aimed towards the child's ability. ReadKiddoRead.com also features book reviews, messages from James, a Facebook community, and contributions from other authors and celebrities that believe in the power of reading.

James Patterson was born March 22, 1947 in New York and graduated summa cum laude from Manhattan College with a B.A. in English, and summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University with an M.A. in English. He has won multiple awards for his work and has entertained and inspired millions. Patterson can occasionally be seen guest starring as himself on an episode on NBC's 'Castle'. He has a wife, Susan and a son, Jack an currently resides in Palm Beach, Florida.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Barbara on May 05, 2023

3.5 stars Cory Friedman had an uneventful childhood until he was nearly five years old, when a combination of Tourette's Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Anxiety Disorder upended his life for 13 years. Cory's story - written by Hal Friedman (Cory's father) and James Patterson - is......more

Goodreads review by Sherri on November 13, 2008

I was in the middle of reading another book when I saw this in the store. I'm a big fan of James Patterson and it looked interesting so I picked it up and started reading. In no time I had read the first four chapters and decided that I had to buy the book and read it now. I know that Patterson's bo......more

Goodreads review by Julie on December 07, 2008

I listened to this on CD since my professions find me in my car most of the time. Having a son with sever ADHD, and upon the recommendation of Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck, I bought this on CD. A fascinating book...so many of the struggles this young man faced with Tourette's, anxiety disorder and O......more

Goodreads review by Kelli on December 29, 2008

There's always something kind of weird in the tone of a book written by an adult, *for* adults, but in the voice of a child/adolescent. It just kind of struck me as odd throughout the book. The story was interesting but I felt that there could have been more information/detail on the actual conditio......more

Goodreads review by Deborah on May 19, 2009

What an amazing read! I couldn't put this book down! James Patterson and Hal Friedman did an amazing job of portraying illness through a child's eyes. Cory became a strong survivor as the story progressed. He is an example to all that no matter what hurdles are put before us, they can be overcome. Ou......more


Quotes

"A disturbing story but ultimately an inspiring one that affirms the power of families to overcome adversity."—Arizona Republic

"A work of naked truth, as disturbing as it is important...a gift of honesty, huge honesty, and hope, and a reminder that against all medical advice and odds, human beings can prevail."
Patricia Cornwell, author of Portrait of a Killer

"A true story that reads like the most riveting of page-turners."
Lisa Scottoline, author of Lady Killer

"Harrowing and heartbreaking . . . a story of astonishing courage. This book stands as a testament to the amazing power of one family's unconditional love for each other."—Tess Gerritsen, author of The Bone Garden