Climbing Higher

by Lawrence Grobel and Montel Williams

Book Overview

Television icon and New York Times bestselling author Montel Williams reveals his true story of struggle and triumph in this frank and compelling memoir.

In 1999, after almost twenty years of symptoms, Montel Williams, a decorated naval officer and Emmy Award-winning talk show host, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Like others suffering from the devastating disease, he was struck with denial, fear, depression, and anger--but he...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 045121398X
• ISBN13: 9780451213983
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

An Inspirational Example

Montel Williams is a successful talk show host in which he discusses serious topics such as devastating physical diseases, criminal behavior, and many other life problems with his guests. He recently wrote a book, Climbing Higher, in which he tells all of his readers that he has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He talks about his struggles with the disease and how he overcame them.Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease that causes demyelination in the brain. The myelin is a covering or insulation of the nerves. It helps transmit action potentials, which are the electrical impulses that the nerves use to communicate with each other. When the myelin is damaged do to MS severe pain and other unwanted symptoms can result. In his book, Montel talks about how he has dealt with his pain. He had the option to have any pain medication he wanted, but he did not want to become addicted to drugs such as oxycontin or morphine. Instead, he chose to use medicinal marijuana. He feels that marijuana should be legalized for medical purposes only. Through his treatment with marijuana he has been able to cope with the pain and continue to go to work and make a difference in peoples' lives.This book is well written, and Montel is open and honest with the emotional roller coaster he has taken when dealing with his disease. It is an inspirational book for those who have struggled in any area of life, especially those who have Multiple Sclerosis. It is a treat to see a celebrity humble himself or herself, becoming vulnerable in the process, to his fans and peers. I recommend this book to all people, and if a person gets a percentage of the satisfaction and joy out of reading this book, then he or she will have gotten his or her money's worth.

Good information!

I was diagnosed with MS 22 years ago. Thank goodness I wasn't hit hard in the beginning and was able to go on with life to achieve many of my goals. Over the last few years, the MS has gotten worse but I still get out of bed and go to work each morning. I totally understood most of what Montel said in his book, such things as muscle spasms, not wanting the public to know about the MS, etc. Although I have finished this book, I plan to go back through and highlight several sections. This book will remain close at hand for years to come.

Vibrant and Accurate Account of Life with MS

Montel gives a vibrant and accurate description of what it's like to live with Multiple Sclerosis. MS affects everyone differently, but the reader will benefit from the insights into the psyche of a man as expressive as Montel and how he deals with his own body's reaction to MS. The book also provides an informed and candid opinion of the state of MS treatment and research in the world today. The bottom line - Climbing Higher is a must read for anyone with MS in their life. At the end you'll have an excellent idea of what it could be like to live with MS everyday and what you can do to address it.

Inspiring strength to climb higher

...I feel this book shows his strength and helps those that don't have it how to find it. He didn't listen to the doctors when they said nothing could be done about MS and just give up, he went in search of what he could do. He doesn't speak to just those with MS he speaks to all of us with serious illness not to give up. I myself am seriously ill and I have done this same thing, found things I can do. Who would think that Montel with little feeling in his feet could snowboard like he does. To his surprise it makes him feel and function better. Life didn't stop it just changed and not all for the worse. I especially like that he uses his book for a platform, he hopes laws change to get pot legalized for medical reasons. He is working hard to make that happen. Diane

A TRUE LIFE-SAVER!!! Inspirational & Honest!

This book came at a time I needed it. Without going intodetails I have been in terrible pain for 6 months. I amalso 47 years old and look much younger therefore many thinkif you look good you must be well. I understand completely thatwhen you wake up eveyday in pain it is very frustrating, verydepressing and the struggle to make it through is most difficult.I think it is normal to think about ending it all but it tookCOURAGE from Montel to be so completely honest and bring to the surface what many of us couldnot be so forthright about. I criedand I cried when I read this book and I THANKED GOD, that Montelkeeps going despite this horrible adversity and is here to sharehis coping skills with us!!!!!