The Unwelcome Companion: An Insider's View of Tourette Syndrome [Paperback]

Rick Fowler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Unwelcome Companion is an insider's view of Tourette syndrome (TS), an often misunderstood neurological disorder. With a lifetime array of characters, Rick Fowler weaves a first-hand account of his struggle with a merciless and disruptive disorder, and his determination to succeed despite the odds. Once mistaken for madness, even demonic possessions, Tourette syndrome is unique in its ability to force a person to uncontrollably jerk, shout, perform bizarre acts, or involuntarily utter profane statements. The Unwelcome Companion not only discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatments for TS, it takes the reader inside the Tourettic mind. Never before has such a detailed and fascinating account of the inner sensations associated with this complex syndrome been published. The Unwelcome Companion is essential reading for anyone afflicted with TS, their friends and families, teachers and caregivers. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 149 pages
• Publisher: Silver Run Pubns Inc; Revised edition (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964637693
• ISBN-13: 978-0964637696
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,993,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Facsinating look into a puzzling disease, October 2, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Unwelcome Companion: An Insider's View of Tourette Syndrome (Paperback)

Mr. Fowler's book, The Unwelcome Companion, is the first I've seen which truly gets inside the mind of those with TS. Many books are available about Tourette syndrome, but most are either written from the point of view of observing physicians or written by patients who are explaining the social problems created by symptoms. While these books are certainly valuable (and Fowler provides an adequate overview of these points), the Unwelcome Companion zeros in on the deep, mysterious "entity" known as Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome, allowing the reader to "live" tics and obsessions

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely helpful. The best view inside the mind of TS., May 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Unwelcome Companion: An Insider's View of Tourette Syndrome (Paperback)

The Unwelcome Companion is the first book I have found that truly describes the feelings and thoughts occurring inside the mind of a person with Tourette's.

A short, no-nonsense read, containing some helpful but layperson-oriented basic information about tics, TS treatments, etc. However, the true power of the book is found in the chapters explaining obsessions,compulsions, and the way it "feels" to have tics. As a person with TS, this is the most important part to me. Physicians should read these chapters in order to get a better grasp of the disorder they are trying to treat and its effect on the TS patient.

The newest cutting-edge treatments are best found in other, actual medical professional's books. However, Fowler's vivid descriptions of the tic processes remain timeless and unsurpassed.

A reader

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent information source!, December 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Unwelcome Companion: An Insider's View of Tourette Syndrome (Paperback)

As a recently diagnosed Tourette's sufferer, I spent time looking for resources that were clear and in layman's terms. I had pleasantly found what I was looking for in " The Unwelcome Companion". Mr. Fowler's own experiences were actually comforting to me as I read his story. I would suggest this book, not only for Tourette sufferers themselves, but also for their loved ones that are dealing with the disease as well! I will be passing it on to my husband! Thank you, Mr. Fowler... One of the first things regarding this disease that actually made me feel better!