Torn Apart: The Heartbreaking Story of a Childhood Lost

Editorial Reviews

"A work of naked truth, as disturbing as it is important-Against Medical Advice turns Tourette's Syndrome inside out and shows us what it is like to be trapped inside a brain that has a nightmarish mind of its own. This true story of Hal Friedman's son, Cory, is a gift of honesty, huge courage, and hope, and a reminder that against all medical advice and odds, human beings can prevail." - Patricia Cornwell

"In the tradition of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Patterson and Friedman manage to get deep inside debilitating illness, and show us what life looks like from that perspective. Against Medical Advice is an amazing story of courage, fortitude and a family's love, simply told." - Terri Cheney, author of Manic: A Memoir

"Against Medical Advice is both harrowing and heartbreaking, but is also 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

"Inspiring...a testament to the importance of family and the resilient nature of the human spirit." - George Pelecanos, author of The Turnaround

"Against Medical Advice is a true story that reads like the most riveting of pageturners. Read it and feel at gut-level what it's like to be a child whose life is almost destroyed by a hellish array of nightmare medical symptoms. Best of all, watch what happens when an entire family stands together against all odds, armed with strength, perseverance, and love for one another." - Lisa Scottoline, author of Lady Killer