Med Head

by James Patterson, Hal Friedman

How it FEELS to have a body that won't stop moving, to be really different from everyone else, to be made fun of every day, to be totally reckless, to never relax, to be shut out of everything, to break FREE and TAKE CONTROL.

James Patterson's Against Medical Advice riveted adults with the page-turning drama of one teenager's courage, sacrifice, and triumph in confronting an agonizing medical condition. Now this deeply personal account of Cory Friedman's intense struggles with Tourette's Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder--as well as depression, anxiety, and alcohol addiction--is available for teen readers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Mental Health, Disability, Biography, Mental Illness, Addiction

339 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
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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.

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A non-fiction book for teens by a boy who has both OCD and Tourette's. To be honest he sounds like an absolute nightmare. He has compulsions to hurt both others and himself. He also spits on people, etc. I quite disliked him, even though I know I was supposed to feel that it was 'not his fault'. Anyway, in the end he finds a solution of sorts: going off all drugs. He makes a trek through the wilderness, too. He had become an alcoholic. It seemed alcohol was the perfect medicine for him. A little too 'young' for me – the writing was not adult enough.

Update: 08/20/2015
If I remember correctly, this is the book where he grabs the steering wheel and yanks it while other people are driving. That's fucking terrifying and did a lot to endear me with the people who were having to deal with him rather than the MC himself. Spitting on people didn't help this.

[Alyssa Dones · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson and Hal Friedman's Med Head tells the story of Cory, a young man who unfortunately has to live with the effects of having Tourette Syndrome. The book follows his life, providing details from his younger years when he described Tourette as simply being a "nervous tic" to his adolescent years when he spent many sleepless nights wondering why he had no friends. Wanting nothing more than to be considered "normal" and escape the nightmare that this syndrome has caused his life to be, Cory undergoes numerous psychological tests and tries an overwhelming array of medications, many of which are used to treat illnesses that are in no way related to Tourette. He tries everything possible to get better, not even thinking twice about the toll that all of these medications will take on him in the long run, a brave characteristic that makes me admire him even more. The book essentially examines the way that society looks down on people living with disabilities who have endured more hardships than one can ever think of.

In reading this book, I have learned many things, some factual, but the others, life lessons. I have learned that Tourette doesn’t have a cure, that the struggles that come with diagnosing a patient can be extremely difficult, and that sometimes the search for something that works for you, means having to try endless solutions, each more drastic than the last. I have learned that sometimes you just have to follow your intuition and that only you know yourself fully and what you need. I have learned to expect the unexpected, because the things that you think are hopeless and will never work, really do. But the most important thing that I got out of this reading, something that people tell me numerous times, but never actually stuck with me is that a person can truly never lose hope, because losing hope means accepting failure, without even first putting up a fight.


One of the most memorable events in this book would have to be the scene
when Cory was getting ready to pitch for his team at a baseball game. At this moment, Cory's team had been "losing by three runs, and [their opponents] have got bases loaded with two outs in the fourth inning. Cory, already a nervous wreck knowing how vital this pitch was for the outcome of the game, was having more than his usual urges or tics. Instead of him just tapping his nose once like he used to, he suddenly has the urge to tap his nose three times, two times, then one over and over again. The other team, knowing that Cory had Tourette, and that his tics got worse in stressful situations, took advantage and started to make fun of him, telling him that he can't the heat of the game. The sad thing is, is that the worst happens, he suddenly gets an urge to throw a wild pitch, which he ends up doing, causing the other boys to yell and laugh even harder. His dad, however, seeing his son having a breakdown, saves the day and shouts "GO CORY!” getting the attention of the crowd who soon copies him. This helps Cory overcome his tics and he ends up throwing 3 strikes in a row getting the person hitting out. Long story short, they win, and Cory couldn't have been any more proud of himself.

Scenes like this, and the writing styles of the two authors combined made me feel as if I was living alongside Cory, from the first craning of his neck that caused him to live with this horrible disease, to the day when he hit his first home run while in little league. I grew up with him, in those adolescent days when all he wanted was to fit in and have friends, to the time when he had his first sip of vodka and his first puff of a cigarette, things that grew to be his best friends for a while. I suffered with him, through the endless sleepless nights when he would be writhing in pain, screaming for help even taking near fatal dosages of drugs that were supposed to help him. I was welcomed into his family, feeling the endless love and care that his parents provided, but also feeling the pain of his parents after they sought out treatment after treatment for this disorder that was threatening to break their family apart. I was also there for the best part of the ride, I was there to see Cory finally break free from the reins of his sickness. I was there when he made it to the top of the mountain, surviving through the wilderness camp where he was finally able to free himself from the right hold that drugs, alcohol, and nicotine had on him. And lastly, I was there with him when his tics went away, finally allowing Cory to live and enjoy his life like a normal, healthy, loved, and accepted human being.

Med head is a book that I am extremely grateful to have read and is something that I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good read, or anyone who is simply trying to transition into reading nonfiction books. It wasn't at all what I expected it to be and turned out to be a roller coaster of a read, one which took me along its twists and sharp turns, but in the end turned out being a wonderful ride.

Ultimately the story of Cory Friedman's journey living with what was later to be diagnosed as Tourette, OCD, and a severe case of anxiety is a story of how harsh people can be, judging an innocent boy's every move, treating him as if he were a time bomb ready to go off at any minute, all the while pushing him further and further into the darkness he is trying so hard to escape from-- depression. It all adds up to the tale of human's capability to overcome any hardship, an inspiring example which shows us that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, we just have to push through the darkness, no matter how endless it may seem, to reach it. Med head tells that story in the most amazing way possible, ensuring us that as long as we have faith in ourselves, we will have a chance of surviving in this tough world.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe a real person went through this pain
This book is is inspiring.
I mean, I love its hope.
But it's so sad, I mean I couldn't survive
one day, , compared to 12 years.
This book carries sorrow, as well as hope,
and I feel guilty that millions of people are living through this.
I kinda know what it feels like to not be in control of my own body i have ADD and ADHD; and i felt as if this book was a second chance for me.
This book changed me.

[Wendi · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I can appreciate the reason behind writing the book from Cory's point of view and in his voice, he isn't listed as one of the writers. The father and James Patterson are the writers. In the interview section we see that Cory didn't even tell the story, the dad went off of notes and memories. This is fine but made me feel a little cheated. I wish I'd been given this info up front. We also find out in the interview section that the father also has TS. Why wasn't this in the story? Over all the book wasn't bad, but I found I couldn't read it before bed due to it causing me to feel depressed. Don't get me wrong, I do feel that Cory is a hero and he is very inspirational. I just expected more. Perhaps I should have read the other version of the book.

[Alex Bailon · Rating 5 out of 5]

its a cool book with alot of funny stuff some sad but mostly funny

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was eye-opening and mind-opening. I am grateful for the opportunity to better understand a difficult life so different from mine. I would recommend this book to everyone. Gaining sympathy and understanding of people with different needs or challenges is important as a human, in m opinion. I just appreciate this book so much; Cory, his father, and James Patterson do a great job of telling the difficult and very personal tale and still end it with hope. What a strong family and individual! Very inspiring.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ This was an incredibly difficult book to read, but also a really important one. It tells the true story of a boy named Cory who lives with severe Tourette’s, OCD, anxiety, and depression. A lot of his experiences felt familiar to me as someone who also struggles with mental health. And while it was definitely triggering at times to live those moments through his eyes, it was also an important reminder that you can find good within the bad.

Your worst day lasts only a day. Everything is always changing. Even in those darkest moments, when you feel like giving up, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The pacing is very fast, with short chapters that keep things moving, and I’d recommend this book to just about everyone. It’s not the world’s best writing (even with James Patterson’s involvement), and the ending felt very sudden, but I still think it told its story the way it needed to.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cory starts "ticcing" involuntarily at four years old this sets off a chain reaction of medications, doctors appointments and a life of loneliness. Diagnosed with OCD, anxiety, and Tourettes syndrome Cory's life spirals out of control as he seeks something, anything to fix himself. After an accident he finds himself at the proverbial bottom and begins his amazing ascent as he begins to regain control over his life. This story includes some swearing, drinking, smoking and a few references to teens making out as well as a girl needing to get her stomach pumped after ingesting drugs. The positives of this book are an inside look into the life of someone suffering these disorders, as well as a glimpse of alternative measures for relieving the symptoms of psychiatric disorders. It is also a classic story of man battling himself and winning.

[Halie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Cory has a tremendous story. I felt all the emotions reading this. Up until the last few chapters I was afraid it was going to have a bad ending but fortunately it had a good ending.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story you can really get immersed in! And an easy read too!

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Med-Head is by far one of my favorite books I have read thus far. Med Head shows us Cory Friedman’s life as he suffers through a myriad of adversity all stemming from his Tourettes, OCD, anxiety and severe depression. In Cory’s adolescent years, he often wondered why he didn’t have friends. All he’d ever want is to be considered normal. He went through a multitude of doctors and tests and attempts to cure himself through an overwhelming array of prescribed medications, many of which aren’t even closely related to his Tourettes. The book brings an amazing insight into the life of a person who suffers from a debilitating disability and endured more hardships that thought possible and how he is often looked down upon by society.

This book has taught me many things, mostly life lessons but also some factual things. The most important life lesson that has stayed with me so far is the lesson to be persistent, no matter what has occurred or what the cost. I have also learned that although it may seem wrong at first, sometimes you just have to follow your intuition, keep hopes high because when you lose hope, you accept failure at whatever you try to do.




One of the most memorable events in this book would have to be the scene
when Cory was getting ready to pitch for his team at a baseball game. At this moment, Cory's team had been "losing by three runs, and [their opponents] have got bases loaded with two outs in the fourth inning. Cory, already a nervous wreck knowing how vital this pitch was for the outcome of the game, was having more than his usual urges or tics. Instead of him just tapping his nose once like he used to, he suddenly has the urge to tap his nose three times, two times, then one over and over again. The other team, knowing that Cory had Tourette, and that his tics got worse in stressful situations, took advantage and started to make fun of him, telling him that he can't the heat of the game. The sad thing is, is that the worst happens, he suddenly gets an urge to throw a wild pitch, which he ends up doing, causing the other boys to yell and laugh even harder. His dad, however, seeing his son having a breakdown, saves the day and shouts "GO CORY!” getting the attention of the crowd who soon copies him. This helps Cory overcome his tics and he ends up throwing 3 strikes in a row getting the person hitting out. Long story short, they win, and Cory couldn't have been any more proud of himself.

I am extremely grateful that I took the time to read this book, not only did I relate but it also taught me a lot about life.

[Daniel Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character in this book was Corey Feidmen. He finds out when he is in kindergarten that he has Tourette’s syndrome. His mother also takes a big roll, by helping him all the way to the cure. When Cory goes to school he has to find his way. He has tics that make him want to do crazy things or something just stupid. Hop 3 times, turn steering wheel 180 degrees on a car, etc. he goes through this so many times it is not funny.
One time the school tries to help him by getting him an assistant. It all goes down when he threatens him. He had a nicotine addiction. But this smoking was allowed by the school because otherwise he would go wild. The helper did not lie that idea. Then Cory had some unpleasant language with him, this got him in trouble with the law and the school.
After things get even crazier by using more drugs to try to stop the syndrome. His parents send him to wilderness camp. At this camp he will use his own skills with limited supplies. He loses gloves multiple times so he learns to make a backpack. He hikes 10's of miles a day in knee deep snow. He had been over weight and over 1 week lost 60 pounds!
He got back and he had to get back in school so they got him in a technical school to learn faster. He got there and was fine except for 1 thing, they studied 10 HOURS a day. He was talking with a friend a he was not a minor any more he could leave the school. He decided he could so he went.
His parents finally his mom argued to let him back into high school. After that he realizes at school people are wondering why he has not had a single tic. He gains self-confidence as time goes by. Now he has been cured for sure of the syndrome.
I think this book is a really good book, it shows that even the toughest can be defeated. It shows self-confidence. I would recommend it to other people for that exact reason.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Cory who talks about his life growing up with tourette's syndrome and about how it has had a huge affect on his life. Thanks to tourette's syndrome Cory has been made fun of daily because of all the crazy things he does thanks to tourette's syndrome and has to take a lot of medication day after day just to try and calm himself down. Even after Cory takes all of his medication it still doesn't help calm him down. Later in Cory's high school years he starts to fall behind in all of his work, but thanks to the help of his mom Cory gets a chance to finish the rest of his semester. After Cory has reflected his life on how tourette's syndrome has treated him he wakes up one day to perfectly body movements and no feeling what so ever to twitch, after a few days of perfectly body movements he finds himself cured of tourette's syndrome.

I want to do a text-to-world connection. I'm doing a text-to-world connection because people of the world can relate to the way Cory has felt with tourette's syndrome. Many people of the world have nerve conditions and wish that they could function properly like they should and that's exactly how Cory has felt. The reason why i am connecting this to the real world is because many people with nerve conditions can feel the way Cory felt. All Cory wanted to do was to be like everyone else, normal.

I give this book four stars because i thought it was a pretty good book. The reason why i liked this book so much is because it was very realistic and to me it connected to the real world.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by James Patterson, Med head, is an amazing true story about a young person growing with not the everyday problems. He experiences growing up with the rare neurological disorder of Tourette's Syndrome with OCD. because of this he gains an addiction to drugs and alcohol. When I read this book, I really connected with the main character because of his youth. James Patterson did a wonderful job of making the words on the page come alive. You can feel and understand the embarrassment , the joy, and the sadness that all the characters have. I would suggest that anyone read this book because not only can teenagers connect with it but so can there parents. The mother and father have had to deal with there child's medical problems since he was five. Not only is his emotion clearly stated but you can recognize how they feel as parents. What they they think there responsibilities are. Over all, I enjoyed reading this book because it had a strong message: Although there is a dim light now, it will get brighter later.

[Daniel Esucdero]

This is a fantastic book! It is called Med Head by James Patterson. This is a true story about a boy named Cory we has turret syndrome, and his struggle through his life to try to be normal as much a possible. He was only a little kid when he started having turret syndrome, he was playing a video game when he had the urge to twitch his head to the side. They went to the doctor and he prescribed him Ritalin, this he first prescription of medicine that was thought to help him with his syndrome. He grows up and keeps getting prescribed medicine after medicine, but then he finds his own, Alcohol. He grows to become an alcoholic, because he thinks it is the only true medicine that can calm his body down. Also the urge to feel normal throws him with the wrong type of friends that always drink and smoke. This is the story is about about a boy with turret syndrome trying to be as normal as possible.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that Med Head did an incredible job showing what it's like to deal with mental disorders. Having suffered from Bipolar/depression, severe anxiety disorder and many other mental and physical illnesses my entire life, I know what it's like not to have any control over your body or your mind. There were several parts of this book where it felt like I could have written them, or someone else had written them about my life. I think that everyone should read this book. If you suffer from mental disorders it might help you feel less alone in your struggles, and if you don't it might help you have a little more understanding for those of us who live through this hell every day.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting story, especially since I am interested in psychology and disorders, but I thought it was very poorly written. It is a true story about a boy named Cory growing up with Tourette's syndrome and OCD, written by his dad. My problem with it is that it is written in 1st person from Cory's point of view. I think that was a huge mistake. The book would have been much easier for me to connect to if it were just written from the dad's point of view--or if Cory had actually written it himself. The way it was just seemed too forced and unnatural. I wanted to read to see how the story ended, but I almost couldn't stand to.

[Librariann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ages 12+

Not quite a memoir (written in first person by the dude's dad & JPattz), this story of one boy's struggle with Tourette's, OCD, alcoholism and other challenges seems like it would be good. And it is. Kind of? Like, it's INTERESTING, but is it Burn Journals interesting? No. Because it's not written by the kid who it happened to, it's doesn't delve into the personal nitty gritty.

Good for reluctant readers, but it's kind of Reader's Digest-y in its execution. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful story, fast read, educational about Tourette's, OCD, pharmaceuticals and all. As a work of non-fiction, it's a poser. Dad wrote the book with James Patterson, but they used the voice of the son Corey as narrator. Hal Freidman claims he spent so much time with Corey that he can go ahead and write his kid's story, thoughts, memories, etc.in first person. How presumptuous. (No wonder Corey likes his dad so much. His dad wrote the book!) Shouldn't this book be classified as fiction?

[Janel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the story was told from the son's perspective by the father/James Patterson. It seemed a bit superficial as far as specific details, which they glossed over with the statement toward the end that the meds made him less than an ideal source of information.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good, but not my favorite, I just didnt like the fact that Cory didnt write the book, it seemed odd to me that the father wrote the book in first person, when he wasnt Cory. Just my opinion.

[Heav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally forgot to review this book! Very heartfelt story and definitely gives a personal perspective on OCD and Tourette's. I did enjoy reading this and would recommend this to anyone!

[Iyana Berhanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Med Head by James Patterson and Hal Friedman, they tell the experience and story of Hal Friedman's son; Cory Friedman, and his struggle throughout a brief period of his life. In the story, Cory suffers and struggles with having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Tourettes. Throughout the story, he describes his struggle of living with addiction, depression, and anxiety. The main characters in this story are Cory himself, his parents Hal and Sophia, and Cory's sister Jessie. Everyone in this story struggles to figure out what's right when it comes to Cory and his conditions, but they try their hardest to support him and help him through all of his hardships.
One of the major themes that this book introduces is how hard it is to live with mental conditions and mental illnesses. In my opinion, it's extremely effective. The book really gets into the ugly and intense emotion and struggle of having mental conditions and illnesses. It doesn't sugar coat it or romanticize it in any way, it shows how these can affect not only your entire life but the people around you in a similar way. Instead of saying “This was hard for my son and we all struggled.” the authors showed and told the story through Friedman’s son's perspective. I also think it was very smart to make it a first-person perspective because it helps the reader relate and sit in Cory's shoes or someone who has or had mental conditions or illnesses. Although because this book is written from a first-person perspective who isn't the actual author, it may cause some confusion or cause some readers to be lost. It also may be hard for people who have never experienced any mental struggle. At the same time, the book might be too easy of a read for some people. It definitely takes a bit of patience and understanding to read this book. You either


have to take a step back and try to understand someone else's mind or you have to relate to the story and the struggle.
My overall opinion of the book is that it is a very very interesting read. It’s definitely not for the lighthearted or someone who isn't open-minded to other peoples experience or life. I would recommend this book. I would recommend it because it's different than other books you would find. This is because its written in the first-person view of someone who isn't the author. It's also about a really intense struggle with one's self.
In conclusion, Med Head by James Patterson and Hal Friedman is an extremely inspirational and heart touching story. Throughout the memoir, Hal Friedman calls his son Cory a hero. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the definition of a hero is; “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.”. At the very end of chapter 69 when Cory and his parents were talking to his caseworker and history worker in a meeting, his caseworker asks him if he has anything to say in which Patterson and Friedman (2010) say he responds; “ I really don't know what else I can say, so I just tell them all how I feel. ‘Things have always been harder for me,’ I say simply. ‘But that's never stopped me, and it never will.’” (pg. 253) This shows extreme courage and determination to not let things ruin or take over your life even if you feel like they should. Again during this meeting, Patterson and Friedman (2010) say that Cory's mother explains Cory's achievements while in wilderness camp; “‘ Now, someone mentioned physical education before. So let's talk about eight-mile hikes in deep snow every day for weeks at wilderness camp. What about working on survival skills in twenty-below temperatures? What about losing sixty pounds and quitting smoking and getting incredibly healthy?” (pg. 251) This shows extreme achievements and heroic character. Even in the sixth


chapter Patterson and Friedman (2010) show that Cory has noble qualities; “I can't understand what's happening or what I'm doing. I love my family and would never spit at them. This isn't me. So who is it?” (pg. 24) He respects his family and acknowledges even through rough times and through his Tourettes kicking in majorly he still is angry at himself for disrespecting his family in that manner. All of these examples and more show that Cory is indeed an extraordinary and inspirational heroic person.

[Morgan Elmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Patterson and Hal Friedman’s compelling novel about Corey Friedman’s struggle with Tourette's is an uplifting story of learning how to make the best of life even when it seems impossible. The first person narrative style of writing enables readers to sympathize and really get a clear vision of the pain Corey has felt his whole life. Its themes of hope, despair, and joy are clear throughout the book but not always at the same time. Readers who read Med Head walk away being grateful for the life they have and respect for those who are suffering from a disease.
Med Head is a memoir that is heartbreaking, joyful and everything in between. It addresses serious issues that face society today including underage drinking and overmedicating. Throughout Corey’s journey from doctor to doctor he was prescribed over 20 medications at a time. Many of these medications had little to no impact. It really made me think about how doctors today are so ready to prescribe drugs for research with little regard to the effects. The book also showed the struggles not only of Corey but the difficulties his parents had in raising a child with Tourettes. Readers often have to question some of their choices such as allowing Corey to smoke. It was easy at first to judge their decisions as I read on I realized it was not a black and white issue. It is easy for people looking in to judge but no one can really understand what they went through.
Throughout Corey’s journey, there were bullies and people that held him back. I often felt saddened and angered by this. Some of these bullies were his teachers who often gave up on him because they weren’t patient or understanding of Corey’s condition. It was often easy for Corey to give up and he often fell into depression because of this. It was in these times that Corey had to rely on his family and friends and sometimes the smallest accomplishments such as sitting through a school day were joyous. Hope was very much a large part in Corey’s recovery and was the main theme of the book. This message really stuck with me after reading this book. Even when things seemed hopeless like things could never get better Corey’s mom still had hope that one day he would get better and live a happy successful life.
Overall Med Head is a very enjoyable easy read. It will leave readers with a sense of awareness of the struggles that people with Tourette's and other chronic illnesses face in the world. Readers will also appreciate the life they have and might even have a different outlook on their life. My only critique of the book would be that it often jumped through time and could become confusing. Other than that the writing is quite enjoyable, James Patterson brings some of his witty humor seen in his other novels. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Med Head is about a boy named, Cory who grows up with Tourette’s Syndrome and OCD(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Cory first got his tourette’s when he was five years old and continued to have it for the rest of his life. Cory went to many doctor visits and took hundreds of other medications like Benadryl, Xanax, Risperdal and many more. Even when he is taking all the medications not only is it not making him better, it is making him worse. He starts to have many tics, suicide thoughts, and making him socially isolated. As this all happens Cory starts to drink. He becomes friends with people that also drink and do drugs and is influenced in a poor way. He is at a very low point in his life. He is suicidal, missing lots of days in school, doesn’t know how to find a way out.
What I liked most about the book is really getting glued in the book and wondering what will happen next. I was also inspired by Cory resilience. Everyday he struggled with tourette’s which resulted in him being socially left out, having near death experiences. Even though this all happened he always fought through his problems and knew there can be a way out. If you have a similar experience as Cory I would definitely recommend this book. You also feel a lot of emotion throughout the book so I would recommend this book to people that want to feel his life. I would say this book is a 4.5/5.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Med Head is a book about the internal and external struggles of a teenage boy with tourette syndrome. His life is filled with obstacles and struggles he has to go through and overcome in order to feel like a normal person. We get a peek into his daily battles and all the pain he went through growing up as someone who couldn’t be fixed. In this book we also see just how much something such as his disease affected everything around him from his family and home life to the way he experienced school. This book to me is something important to read because it has so many things you can take away from reading it. Reading about all Cory went through growing up, makes you appreciate the life you have because things could always be worse. We see this in Cory’s constant battle against his tics. Can you imagine having to try and fight your body against what it inexplicably wants to do? I couldn't begin to imagine what it felt like to be trapped in a body that refuses to be controlled. From this we can also learn to treat others kindly and to always try and be someone’s friend because we never know what someone is going through. All Cory really wanted was to have a normal life, which seemed like something so unobtainable. When cory went to middle school he had no friends and everybody saw him as the weird kid that makes noises and jerks his body all the time. If more people had extended a friendly smile or tried to be his friend maybe it could have distracted him from how bad life really was. I was really amazed while reading this book, in seeing everything Cory went through, all the doctors,the wrong medicines that didn’t help, and all the bad days that outnumbered the few good days. I enjoyed reading this book for a project in my english class because i took something from it that i didn’t know i needed. More people should read this book because it really opens your eyes and makes you appreciate all the things you have and the functioning body you are blessed with.

[Theresakaser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corey Friedman begins having symptoms of Tourette Syndrome at age 6 while playing a video game. He goes through his entire life from start to finish. There are high periods in his life when his disorder didn't even seem there and other times where it was very real. Such as the time when he caused an accident, climbed as far up a tree as possible, and even almost caused a fire from a cigarette but that he had forgotten about because he was passed out drunk on the couch. Corey gained weight from all of the medications that he was prescribed to take, some of them made his "tics" worse. Later, he got rid of all that excess weight when he went to "Camp Wellington" and spent a month on a mountain, surviving. Then one day, after all his struggles with the syndrome, he didn't have it anymore. He woke up, went to school, and on his way out to his car he noticed that none of his "tics" have occurred. This continued to the next day, where Jessie, his sister, notices but he tells her to be quiet about it. Soon his parents find out as well. Thus ends the book, "My Knock-down, Drugged-up Battle with My Brain."

[Pernia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the true story of a teenager named Cory who suffers from Tourette’s syndrome and OCD. It is heartbreaking to read about the extreme suffering he experienced, coupled with the endless rounds of medication and doctors. Cory’s body seemed very sensitive to the meds or he was placed on because the side effects often contributed or increase his other problems.

Despite this, at times he seemed to be a victim and blamed others for behavior that’s not acceptable. Drinking, smoking and almost burning the house down. Maybe there is some help he could have received at the psychiatric hospital and perhaps that would have been more appropriate than wilderness boot camp. Instead he insisted it wasn’t for him. He also received counseling to help with controlling his tics and OCD and left that treatment early. He left a “prison” or what seemed to be expensive boarding school because he was being pushed to catch up and he felt like he was going to have a breakdown. It often seemed his negative and terrible attitude made things worse for himself - I think this was separate from the Tourette’s and OCD, but maybe not.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Med Head: My Knock-down, Drag-out, Drugged-up Battle with My Brain is the story of a person's struggle (as well as that of his family) with Tourettes Syndrome, OCD, and the various medications he was placed on to treat his symptoms. It is also the story of how an extreme experience in nature and other focused challenges helped him to deal with his diseases and to wean off most of the medication. The book offers some alternatives to medication that are worth further exploration.

[Harley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did finish it but had a hard time. The writing was super flat and it was more about what medicines he has taken than and events in his life like a timeline more than a story. I did put in the effort to finish it because of it being a true story. I did relate to it a bit as I have taken many of the medications Cory has and been throw the "guinea pig" process, although not nearly to the same extent. I recommend it to anyone who has similar issues or is interested in psychiatry/ psychology but not for the story.