It Takes Courage:
Coping with Chronic Illness
by Thomas R. Holtackers, PT

Published by Courage Press in 2007

Available for $15.99  at Amazon.com (see link below)

Reviewed by LizOP
MSWorld Book Reviewer

Thomas Holtacker reveals candidly his emotions and anger during his fight with MS. He realizes that he is not really fighting MS as much as he is his response to having the disease and the limitations it brings to him physically. He was extremely fit and physically active with his work as a physical therapist, coach, and sports.

This really is a guy book written by a guy who is all guy! And that's great because most books written about MS are by female authors. Liken it to the opposite when we say a movie is a chick flick. Being a chick myself, I wasn't crazy about some of the language, which is not severe at all, and topics which were dwelt on longer than I like to read.

About page 82 out of 175 I started liking this guy. He used an analogy I could relate to about a sweater his Aunt Gracie made for him when he was young. It didn't fit well and he only wore it to show respect for his aunt. It wasn't until later in life that he realized the value of this gift. When diagnosed with MS, he determined it was like the sweater. How he wears his MS is what makes it a gift.

He has a message to send but I would have enjoyed more variety in his words such as different words for anger or more colorful/detailed descriptions of his emotions. But that may be my female perogative.

This is an honest story of how a man has dealt with his MS. How his life changed and how MS changed him. It is about his failures and successes, which can be a difficult task to write and publish.

Holtackers has received many awards for his advocacy and volunteerism. He's a perfect example of how MS can actually make life more meaningful and purposeful.

Check out his Website for more information and for a different perspective on this book, read TexOP's book review.



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