The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--and Bucked the Medical Establishment--in a Quest to Save His Children

This book was made into the movie "Extraordinary Measures," and I'm glad that the author probably was well-paid for the effort she put into this book. The level of detail here is extraordinary in itself. But at the same time, it is also the book's one weakness: what story is she telling? Is this a human interest story, an inspiring story of the struggles and triumphs of a family with more than its fair share of heartbreak and suffering? Or is it a story about venture capital and the role it plays in the pharmaceutical industry? Actually, it's both, and it pretty much works, since John Crowley is both the father of an extraordinary family and the business executive who tries to find a cure for a terrible disease.But because of this double focus, almost any reader is going to find parts of the story a waste of time, and get the urge to start skimming sections. There is also quite a bit of information about the science side of the story as well, but again, neither the human interest reader nor the business reader is likely to care.The writing is smooth and unobtrusive. The pacing is excellent. The story is heart-breaking and amazing. But the question of audience remains.Also, since the author originally wrote two stories about this family and their situation for the Wall Street Journal, one of the morals she draws in her conclusion is that this book demonstrates "the power of the profit motive to speed science into medicine." I think many readers would question whether this story or any story shows "the power of the profit motive" in such a positive light. The need to put stockholder value first, above the needs of patients with rare diseases, and the extraordinary cost of the medicine, as well as the extraordinary financial rewards that a man like John Crowley receives, all call that conclusion into question in my mind.

This is a very well written book chronicling what one family went through to get treatment - before there was any - for their infant/small children for a very rare and severe developmental disease. The father of two children afflicted with Pompe disease devoted his considerable intellect & skills to push the science so that his children could get treatment during FDA trials. While we don’t find out how successful the eventual treatment, and for how long, but it is a captivating and heartwarming story.

"The Cure" is a story based on a real medical condition that is not well known, although the consequences of the disease, especially for the very young, are very grim. Although I don't generally enjoy "true stories", this was inspiring and current, and since it is in the field of medicine it made it more interesting for me. Much of the story is quite heartbreaking, so be sure you have tissues handy if you're prone to tears. Do I plan to see the movie? Yes, but there will need to be more "action" in it or it will be too dry to be entertaining. Then again, the book doesn't really have an "ending" as such because the story is still going on, and I wouldn't want to leave the movie feeling like the final screen should have a sign saying "to be continued" across it.

My favorite book of all times. So heartwarming and inspirational and sad. I prefer the book to the film because it’s so brutally honest and tells more about how amazing Aileen is as a mother. Wonderful parents both of them.

Great book. Amazing story what this family endured to get a cure.

Reading this true story was a very engaging way to learn about a genetic disease, drug research and development and the enormous cost factor involved in the drug research and development process. In addition, having the story told from the family’s perspective was an even further benefit and brought to light the social, ethical and legal aspects that are challenges not only in drug research and development but when facing a genetic disease.

Anand is a gifted story teller and she had some unbelievable subject matter to write about. The Crowleys are role models for parents advocating for their children. highly recommended.

I had to read this for a class, it is very long (about 8 hours I'd say), but keeps moving the entire time. I get the feeling many aspects of this book are "Hollywood-ized" spiffed up for the sake of the book. It follows a father as he attempts to cure his children.

much better than the movie that sprung from it.

A good read although pretty medically technical at times which was a bit much for me to understand. Enjoyed it nevertheless.

great book