Quick Take

Cory Friedman was an ordinary fun-loving little boy, until one day, he started to feel very different. It started with an irresistible urge to shake his head, and before long, his body became a volatile, explosive and unpredictable force. Overtaken by physical urges, tics and compulsions, the bright young boy started to feel and look like a puppet on a string. Cory had developed a rare combination of Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder and other neurological conditions. His desperate family embarked on a fifteen year search for help which took them beyond breaking point. Cory was seen by thirteen doctors who in total prescribed sixty potent medicines. He was mistakenly sent to a psychiatric ward and, on the brink of utter despair, he and his family decided on a form of intervention that had never been tried in cases like Cory's: he was sent to a wilderness survival camp in a bitter, unforgiving snowy Utah winter. This felt like their final chance. Throughout it all, Cory battled against the extraordinary events that were unfolding, and would take him on one of the most terrifying personal journeys ever recorded.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Torn Apart

Introduction

"Torn Apart" by James Patterson is a heart-wrenching and inspiring true story of a young boy named Cory Friedman, who develops a rare combination of Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and other neurological conditions. This book chronicles Cory's journey from an ordinary fun-loving child to a boy struggling with physical urges, tics, and compulsions. Cory's family embarks on a fifteen-year search for help, facing numerous challenges and setbacks along the way. This article will provide an overview of the book, analyze the views of readers, and summarize the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About James Patterson

James Patterson is a world-renowned author known for his bestselling novels, including the Alex Cross series, the Women's Murder Club series, Michael Bennett series, and Maximum Ride series. He has also collaborated with notable figures like Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton. Patterson has received numerous awards, including an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, and the National Humanities Medal. His writing style is characterized by its readability and ability to captivate readers.

Analysis of Views

Moving and Inspiring: Many readers found "Torn Apart" to be an incredibly moving and heartwrenching story. They were deeply touched by Cory's struggles and the resilience he displayed throughout his journey. The book left a lasting impact on them and inspired them to appreciate the challenges they face in their own lives.
Realistic Account: Readers appreciated the realistic portrayal of Cory's experiences with Tourette Syndrome and other neurological conditions. They found the book to be a realistic account of one boy's struggles with controlling his body and trying to have a "normal" childhood. The book provided insight into the daily challenges faced by individuals with these conditions and highlighted the importance of understanding and empathy.
Inspiring Triumph: The book showcased Cory's triumph over his disorders, which resonated with many readers. They were inspired by his determination to overcome his challenges and his ability to persevere through the hardships he faced. Cory's story served as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope and resilience can prevail.
Eye-Opening: Readers found the book to be eye-opening in terms of understanding the severity of Tourette Syndrome and other neurological conditions. They were amazed by the level of detail provided in the book and gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by individuals with these conditions. The book opened their eyes to the importance of support and understanding in helping individuals navigate their journey.
Empathy and Understanding: The book fostered empathy and understanding among readers. They empathized with Cory's struggles and appreciated the efforts made by his family to support him throughout his journey. The book highlighted the importance of love, compassion, and understanding in overcoming adversity, which resonated with many readers who have faced similar challenges in their own lives.

Reasons for Recommendation

Inspiring Story: The book's inspiring story of Cory's triumph over adversity makes it highly recommended. Readers found Cory's journey to be heartwrenching and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on them.
Realistic Portrayal: The realistic portrayal of Cory's experiences with Tourette Syndrome and other neurological conditions resonated with readers. They appreciated the authenticity of the storytelling and found it to be a valuable resource for gaining insight into these conditions.
Inspiring Triumph: The book's focus on Cory's triumph over his disorders made it a recommended read for those seeking inspiration and motivation. Cory's resilience and determination served as a source of inspiration for many readers, who found themselves cheering for him throughout his journey.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Unrealistic Expectations: Some readers felt that the book set unrealistic expectations for individuals with movement disorders or psychiatric conditions. They believed that Cory's recovery process was too seamless and did not reflect the complex nature of these disorders. They expressed concern that this book might set an unrealistic standard for others seeking treatment.
Lack of Depth: A few readers felt that the book lacked depth in certain areas, particularly in terms of exploring the emotional impact of Cory's condition on his family members. They felt that certain aspects of the story could have been developed further to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by everyone involved.

Conclusion

"Torn Apart" by James Patterson is a powerful true story that captures the heartbreak and resilience of one young boy's journey with Tourette Syndrome and other neurological conditions. The book offers a realistic portrayal of Cory's experiences and serves as an inspiring reminder of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. While some readers found it moving and eye-opening, others expressed concerns about unrealistic expectations set by the book's portrayal of recovery. Overall, "Torn Apart" is a recommended read for those seeking an inspiring story of triumph over challenges, but it may not be suitable for those seeking a more comprehensive exploration of mental health disorders or movement disorders.