Battling the Beast Within: Success in Living with Adversity by David T. Williams


128 pages; Publisher: Cleveland Clinic Press (April 1, 2005)

Available at Amazon $14.95 (see link below)

Reviewed by WriteOP
MSWorld Book Reviewer

The author has clearly written his experiences with MS, in particular how it has affected his career and family life. His credits are long but Williams writes that his success is credited to his family. There is no doubt of his affection for his loved ones.

Another aspect of his book I like, is his use of "people first" terminology. He was part of the group which formed the American with Disabilities Act, which is so important to many people throughout our country.

He is a fighter, not a quitter. He has his ups and downs throughout his life with his career and his MS - which he calls "The Beast." He uses quotes throughout his book to drive his meaning home. Even a quote lover, I find this a bit overdone.

In particular, I liked his chapter "A Setback is a Setup for a Comeback." He writes:


Every aspect of human existence carries with it the inevitability of occasional setbacks. However, a bright future awaits those of us who see each setback as an opportunity to make a comeback - to build on our failures, mistakes, or misfortunes to achieve even greater things."

The author always grabs on to hope and keeps moving.

Being from Ohio, I found it interesting to hear about familiar people and places he mentions. But I found I was more interested in his personal battle than any of his accolades. Surely he drew on his experiences and self-esteem from having worked in "high places," to fight his personal battle.

Later, in this same chapter, he writes:

"We are each personally responsible for everything that is done to us or for us. As difficult as it is to accept this, doing so allows you to grow. That is what a comeback is - personal growth based on a bad or unpleasant experience."

His other chapters include: Self-pity is a useless emotion; Anger breeds isolation and loneliness; Give your love freely; Family is the leavening that raises the bread;Stay true to yourself; Dream big dreams; Make peace with God; and Face your fears squarely.

The book seems geared more to the politically- and career-minded person with or without MS, but it is well written and a good read.

Williams is a former director of government relations at Invacare Corporation. He has experience in the fields of nuclear medicine and public service and is a former member of the senior staff to the governor of Ohio, a lobbyist, and a public policy analyst specializing in health care issues. He lives in Amherst, Ohio.



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