Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

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

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!

This slender tome gives the reader a non clinical, layperson's peek into the world of those who suffer from the little understood malady known as Tourette Syndrome. The author, who himself has this disorder, speaks about the various manifestations of Tourette Syndrome and gives a brief historical overview of this malady. While informative, it fails to capture the reader, who comes away knowing a little more about the disorder, but never fully comprehends what life was like for the author who grew up with Tourette Syndrome, though tantalizing glimpses are offered. So, if one were looking for a personal memoir of a person growing up with Tourette Syndrome, this would not be that book. If one merely wants a layperson's synopsis of Tourette Syndrome, then this book may be of some value.

Wonderful resource for anyone who is wanting to learn about this little understood disorder. This is a great book for someone that needs resource material for a research paper. Gives rare insight into the experience of those who suffer and should provide incentive and determination to find a cure.

This book gave an indepth sense of what is going on inside of a person with tourette syndrome. It gives you a strong feel of the helplesness when your mind says one thing, and your body does something entirely on its own. My eleven year old son cries at night and begs me to make this "Tourette" thing go away - make me be normal like everyone else. This book tells it from the heart.

I read this book in my ongoing research to understand this disorder. My young son has Tourettes, OCD and ADHD. I wanted to read a first hand account of an adult with this disorder. It was enlightening, but it was also just one man's experience. Tourettes is different for each person who has it. Treatment decisions are different for each person. I did not like that he referred to TS as "the demon". I did like that the reader will understand some very important things about Tourettes. 1) That it is not a mental illness. 2) That it does not impede intelligence and ability to learn. 3) That it is grossly misunderstood. Education about this disorder is the key to removing the mystery and the stigma. This book helps in that endeavor.

i thought this was good short but sweet. it could be a good starting book for sombody reasearching tourettes. i wish the author had but in more of his expiernces.

Fowler combines personal experience and his very indepth research to make for an interesting book to learn about Tourette Syndrome. He lived a life worth telling full of improper diagnoses and decades of drug testing to cure his demons. While there are personal stories throughout, I really wanted to get to learn his life. He is a musician now... how did he survive beforehand?

Years of sedatives and tranquilizers must have left him to tired to work but he doesnt mention if he worked or not. I would like to know what kind of occupations a person with Tourettes can find. I wish he went through a day in his life. Does the Tourettes cause trouble brushing his teeth? Isn't it a hazard for him to drive, how does he have a license if he arms can jerk at any moment?

The book does not really give you an idea how a person with Tourettes lives life. I also would have liked to see if he would consider alternatives to stress releases such as acupuncture or yoga to increase focus and motor skills.

Fowler put a lot of personal, emotional, and informative things that made his book good but it is missing components such as just mentioned that make me feel like it is incomplete.