Against Medical Advice - by James Patterson & Hal Friedman (Paperback)

About the Book

In this nonfiction work with the pace of a thriller, #1 "New York Times"-bestselling author Patterson tells the extraordinary and dramatic true story of one family's struggle with an agonizing medical mystery.

Book 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.

Review Quotes

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

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

"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

"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

About the Author

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women's Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots,  and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.