Patterson tries his hand at non-fiction and pulls it off! (Against Medical Advice - James Patterson)

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	Against Medical Advice - James Patterson
Date:	26/01/09 (76 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Incredibly moving and well written

Disadvantages: None really

James Patterson has written a lot of books, all of them fast and fervent tales, often crime thrillers, occasionally involving a fantasy or sci-fi element to allow a little bit of variety in his publications. 'Against Medical Advice' takes the thriller author on a different literary journey as he teams up with Hal Friedman to chronicle the true story of Hal's son, Cory, and his battle with Tourette's Syndrome.

What is clear and apparent from the start is that, although Patterson's usual crime thriller plot is not present in this book, his inimitable style of fast paced writing and short chapters is retained throughout. The tale itself is very moving, and well written, obviously with Hal Friedman providing the facts for Patterson to write the story about. Fans of the crime thriller author will experience something completely different here, and I found this to be an extremely moving tale. I have had experience with a friend who has Tourette's, and the uncontrollable utterings and involuntary jerks can be extremely wearing.

Cory has a severe case of Tourette's, and it is through seeing how he and the people around him cope with it for a number of years in his life. It is an emotional tale, and will tug at the heartstrings. Normally, Patterson glosses over detail, keeping the tale fast-paced and often frenetic. This style doesn't leave much room for detail, but this time, his style has relinquished and, with the help of Hal Friedman, Patterson has given us a solid and memorable account of someone's life, which drills home how serious and debilitating in so many ways Tourette's can be for the person with the condition and those around him or her.

It is a very touching tale, and I am always impressed when a well known fiction author tries his or her hand at non-fiction, none moreso than Patterson's effort here, and the acknowledgment to Hal and Cory by putting Hal as co-author is equally impressive. Patterson does often co-write with other authors, but I'm sure this one means more than the others in many ways.

I do recommend reading this. You will recognise Patterson's style of writing, but the tale is more descriptive and deeper than his usual thrillers and other novels. The true story element is never forgotten throughout, and much time and care has obviously been taken over this book, including heartfelt details and conversations throughout it. A good read indeed.

Summary: Very well written true story