Challenge the Moment

by Michael Kiel, Michele Adams (Editor)

Shot point blank in the side of the neck, Michael Kiel was completely paralyzed from the neck down on April 16, 1993. As a 19-year-old sophomore at Penn State - Altoona campus, the world he knew vanished. It was turned upside down and inside out, and the next four months in the hospital and rehab center would test every fiber of his being.

This memoir is about his perspective on life - his entire life - before, during, and after a life-altering spinal cord injury. He shares many of his highs and lows, the importance of humor, and the incredible support around him. His brutally honest life story, along with his poems, and humorous anecdotes will inspire others to discover humor and strength through their own challenging moments.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2019

Reviews

[Karissa Conant · Rating 4 out of 5]

One man’s journey from being able bodied to living with a spinal chord injury. I am not normally a fan of biographies so I don’t have much to base off of but this book really gave me a better knowledge and understanding of the author (which I guess is the whole point of a biography). It really feels like you are sitting in the same room passing the time chatting on things past and present, important tidbits of themselves, funny stories and even some more somber/serious ones. Reading through the perspective of someone going through something tragic but trying to make the best of things really makes you think about some things you’d normally take for granted.

[Flewts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a testament to the exuberance of living life to the fullest and the importance of family, friends, and love. Written with brutal honesty, Michael Kiel invites us into the fullness of his life, his issues with anger, dealing with idiots, yes, but especially the outpouring of humor and love with which he lives his life.

[Dakota Raby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the way that Michael views his circumstances and chooses to live a full life even with his new disability.
At some times, the book was a bit repetitive but all of the repetition was of fun and fond moments, so I didn’t mind all that much.

All in all a great book, especially for anyone dealing with health challenges or disabilities!

[David Schlabach · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tragic story that could have been told better.

[Joel Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book! I learned a lot about Michael's life and I am inspired! I highly recommend this book to everyone!

[Mary Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a poignant memoir written by an amazing young man. I wasn't sure what to expect and I was happy to discover that such a tragedy could be recalled in depth in order to help other victims and educate the general public. Mike Kiel holds nothing back. I can't explain that without spoiling the reader's experience! I highly recommend this book! I gained so much knowledge about spinal cord injuries. I also am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn how not to be an idiot when I encounter a disabled individual! This is anything BUT a woe is me story. It is filled with a natural, God given sense of humor that is obviously contagious! I love people who love to laugh so this author rates high with me😍 I am also very impressed with Mr Kiel's determination to move forward. It is hard to comprehend but so rewarding to learn about the past 25 plus years of this kid (then 19) and his family and friend's lives.

[Rebecca Carmosino · Rating 5 out of 5]

How would you handle a life changing event? Let hate take over or let love win? Michael Kiel faced that very hard decision after a random act of violence left him paralyzed from the neck down. This memoir is about facing your challenges head on and finding the space in yourself to go forward and live the best life you can - regardless of your circumstances. First step - find the humor in just about everything! Often raw and written with true emotion, this is a fantastic read that helps to remind us to never take anything for granted and to find peace in our lives and let the hate and anger out.

[Hildegarde Miller]

This is a book that would be an inspiration to not only anyone with a disability , but to anyone who needs a reminder that God loves all of us, and in the end, all that matters is LOVE!

A special Thank You to my friend Mauvette O'Dowd for recommending this book, and for promoting it from Pennsylvania to Florida.