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Climbing Higher
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 is battling back. Graced with strong values, courage, and hard-won wisdom, he shares his insights in this powerful book on the divergent roads a life can take, and recounts how he rose to meet the challenges he's faced. Surprising, searing, and deeply personal, Climbing Higher is as honest and inspiring as its author.
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 is battling back. Graced with strong values, courage, and hard-won wisdom, he shares his insights in this powerful book on the divergent roads a life can take, and recounts how he rose to meet the challenges he's faced. Surprising, searing, and deeply personal, Climbing Higher is as honest and inspiring as its author.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
Montel Williams
27 books18 followersMontel Brian Anthony Williams is an American celebrity and former television talk show host.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 8, 2010
It was very interesting to read Montel's struggle with his MS diagnosis, his symptoms, and then how he turned around his attitude to one of fighting.
At the end of the book Montel wonders why there are diseases like MS. Whether it is true or not, it is a way to have a positive outlook: He explains that maybe some diseases are adaptations to learn how to boost and treat our immune system so that maybe generations from now we will be smarter, stronger, and healthier.
Montel was EXTREMELY open and revealing in his feelings and personal history. It takes a lot of courage, especially as a public figure, to be that open. However, I was appalled by the number of women he has been with and the number of abortions he caused. If he was sharing that information to show how wrong he was or how he changed that would be one thing but he almost acts proud of it saying, "I am a sexual being."
At the end of the book Montel wonders why there are diseases like MS. Whether it is true or not, it is a way to have a positive outlook: He explains that maybe some diseases are adaptations to learn how to boost and treat our immune system so that maybe generations from now we will be smarter, stronger, and healthier.
Montel was EXTREMELY open and revealing in his feelings and personal history. It takes a lot of courage, especially as a public figure, to be that open. However, I was appalled by the number of women he has been with and the number of abortions he caused. If he was sharing that information to show how wrong he was or how he changed that would be one thing but he almost acts proud of it saying, "I am a sexual being."
July 31, 2011
This book is an amazing uplifting autobiography/inspirational book. Montel has Multiple Sclerosis, like me, however this book is a must read for anyone with a disease/disability or a closeone that is. He is very funny! But very motivational and uplifting. He has been through a lot. I loved his candor, I loved the pace and writing style. I am glad it was recommended to me. I am going to make my husband read it next, and when my children are older...them also. It is hard to understand what a person has to go through with a disability/disease and Montel has a way of making one understand better with laughter and compassion.
April 22, 2014
This book is a very easy read and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I was never a great big fan of his because he was always the Pollyanna type believing a good attitude and a strong belief system will get you through anything. That always irritates me and pushes my buttons!
In Climbing Higher he is very frank about his road trip with MS. How he felt right after being diagnosed. He talks about his career and childhood briefly, his symptoms and marriage & relationship problems.
I won't spoil the details of the book for those who want to read it but will only give a brief overview if you will. His main problems are bad vision in one eye, burning painful feet and difficulty walking when the pain is at the 10 level (which he says is often).
He also experiences the electric pain where a touch or even water is excruciating. He also has difficulties sexually. He's very frank and it's refreshing to see he does have bad days and is not the Pollyanna he used to portray. He's very emotional and admits to crying a lot (this is a big admission for a man as most won't come clean about tears).
His attitude is that MS can kill ones spirit especially if one is emotionally weak (and who isn't these days in this world) and he realizes there are still others far worse than him so he thanks his lucky stars most mornings when he wakes up.
He is a very confident, over achiever and some see this as arrogant. I now see him in a different light and I like him. What his core message is MS does indeed suck but we have to fight whatever hand we are given and hope for a better tomorrow. He is very big on congress allowing medical mj and decriminalizing it. He acknowledges how lucky he is to be able to have the best healthcare when there are lots more struggling and becoming bankrupt etc. He is a good voice for the MS community and I like that with his foundation 100% of the money coming in goes to MS. I encourage anyone struggling with a chronic illness to read this book but especially if you have MS.
In Climbing Higher he is very frank about his road trip with MS. How he felt right after being diagnosed. He talks about his career and childhood briefly, his symptoms and marriage & relationship problems.
I won't spoil the details of the book for those who want to read it but will only give a brief overview if you will. His main problems are bad vision in one eye, burning painful feet and difficulty walking when the pain is at the 10 level (which he says is often).
He also experiences the electric pain where a touch or even water is excruciating. He also has difficulties sexually. He's very frank and it's refreshing to see he does have bad days and is not the Pollyanna he used to portray. He's very emotional and admits to crying a lot (this is a big admission for a man as most won't come clean about tears).
His attitude is that MS can kill ones spirit especially if one is emotionally weak (and who isn't these days in this world) and he realizes there are still others far worse than him so he thanks his lucky stars most mornings when he wakes up.
He is a very confident, over achiever and some see this as arrogant. I now see him in a different light and I like him. What his core message is MS does indeed suck but we have to fight whatever hand we are given and hope for a better tomorrow. He is very big on congress allowing medical mj and decriminalizing it. He acknowledges how lucky he is to be able to have the best healthcare when there are lots more struggling and becoming bankrupt etc. He is a good voice for the MS community and I like that with his foundation 100% of the money coming in goes to MS. I encourage anyone struggling with a chronic illness to read this book but especially if you have MS.
November 18, 2008
Perhaps one of the most motivating books I ever read. This book came to me at one of my lowest points in life. I had been diagnosed with tarlov cyst disease and multiple spinal disorder conditions. I had to go on permanent disability although I loved my career. In ways, this book saved my life.
I finally felt there were others that understood the frustration and depression that I was going through. I have since read and re-read this inspirational book. Bravo, Montel for being so blunt and forthcoming. I am certain that he has no idea how many people he has truly helped by sharing his struggles with MS.
I finally felt there were others that understood the frustration and depression that I was going through. I have since read and re-read this inspirational book. Bravo, Montel for being so blunt and forthcoming. I am certain that he has no idea how many people he has truly helped by sharing his struggles with MS.
May 29, 2008
I really knew little about Montel Williams, other than his television persona, prior to reading this book. It's a fast-read and a frank memoir which goes pretty deeply into his MS diagnosis and the daily challenges of living with MS and the treatment options currently available. I had no idea that Montel had graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was a decorated Marine. Impressive, to say the least. I'm grateful that he continues to use his celebrity to raise money for MS research and find him to be inspirational. I definitely will read his new book.
February 15, 2012
I had a hard time rating this book. In a slight way, at times, it did uplift me. Of course, that is his job after all. Montel Williams job here was not only to tell his story but to sell books. As anyone with MS knows there may be some who can out do Montel in a day without using the methods he does. What about the others who can not? And just for giggles do you really feel using his methods are going to change things that much? In my opinion, no. This reader was disappointed!
August 25, 2013
This is a must read for anyone who has MS or has a loved one affected by MS. Since my brother's diagnosis, I have been trying to read as much as I can about MS. The insight I have received from reading this book is priceless. I do believe this book would be encouraging for anyone being affected by major illness.
October 27, 2013
It was really interesting to read about Montel's struggles with MS. I had not heard of this book until a colleague handed it to me last week. It was a good read and gave me some perspective. It was really interesting to think about how much progress has been made with the treatment of MS in the last 10-15 years.
March 4, 2014
What a raw story! I felt his pain and understood his frustrations. I wish I had his money so I could go to the best neurologist in the world and get answers. Montel has changed the way the world has viewed MS and how "alternative" treatments can help way better than the drugs that only cause more side effects.
June 28, 2008
learned that everyone, no matter what they have in their life, can have down moments and worry just like the rest of us and that we can all learn from others..I enjoyed it took away an even greater appreciation of Montel than I had before...he always tells it straight.
June 19, 2011
Living with Fibromyalgia, it was nice that Montel shared his personal journey and how he is affected with his pain on a daily basis. I had never known that Montel suffered with MS, especially watching him on t.v., so he really inspired me.
August 6, 2011
eh. Im a hard one on this subject-Im living with MS for over 20 years and 3 other diseases - I dont respect his paid sponsorship of dangerous MS drugs that are killing people daily. not cool Montel.I have sick friends that got sicker from MS drugs.
September 5, 2007
A great book to give insight and inspire.
July 11, 2008
Very easy to read and put into words some things I was struggling with. I would recommend it as a way to deal with any obstacles in life.
Read
October 17, 2008Since I worked for the man for 3 years, I don't think I'm allowed to review this in any sort of public forum. I own this book and I read it.
November 27, 2008
This book was pretty terrible.
Currently Reading
January 6, 2009I'll write about it after I've finished reading it.
November 11, 2009
This was a great book. It makes you appreciate what a great guy Montel seems to be.
March 26, 2010
Appreciated his brutal honesty.
February 12, 2013
Interesting book about Multiple Sclerosis. Montel Williams tells all.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews