One Step at a Time: A Climb Up Mount Kilimanjaro Paperback – September 14, 2015

Dr. Joel Batzofin has written a refreshingly honest and beautiful book that touches on so many valuable lessons of life. Overcoming hardship and adversity, the profound importance of family and friendships, dedication to a goal, generosity of things and of sprit and the overwhelming good that having gratitude in life brings to us. Dr. Batzofin’s remarkable life story is interwoven with his preparation for the challenging and risky climb up Africas highest summit on the continent of his birth and childhood. The story of his brother whose life’s challenges inspired Dr. Batzofin in so many ways will touch your heart and soul. I’m would like to extend my sincere gratitude for Dr. Batzofin sharing his wonderful story with us!

In its simplicity Joel's narrative is compelling and one finds oneself climbing the mountain with him and his family all the way to the top.He has amazing insights into human nature and aspirations and the mountain itself is really a substitute for a philosophical and insightful look at how people interrelate under stress and challenge.The inclusion of medical knowhow and comment adds tremendously to the story.I am proud to be a friend of Joels

I have been an armchair mountain climber for years - though I lack the particular mental makeup of an actual climber. I was initially captivated by Jon Krakauer's Outdoor Magazine installments which ultimately became Into This Air. My passion for climbing novels lead me to explore treks to Peru, the Himalayans and elsewhere, but this was my first trip to Mt Kilimanjaro.Dr. Batzofin takes the reader from his childhood in South Africa, through the political upheaval there which necessitated his moving to the US to complete his medical training. Yet his heart remains in Africa still, and the opportunity to visit the roof of that continent pulled at his heart strings, as well as ours. This is the story of the preparation, the anticipated and the unanticipated trials and tribulations that must accompany a trip around the world and an exploration of the highest peak in the African continent.Batzofin's writing style is not polished, and the editing is incomplete and allows for repetition. And yet, this is the true story of an Everyman, who has a dream, a goal, and a deep soul. His lack of pretense makes his commentary endearing - everything is "cool!" He pours out his love and admiration for his children and his wife. He calls out his disrespect for some inadvertent traveling companions. He never draws attention to his own bravery, which he diminishes as ordinary.There are moments reading this book when I was on the edge of my seat, shivering in the cold winds and hypoxic conditions that Batzofin was enduring. This is a reflective page turner, well paced, with an interesting cast of characters and a plot that never disappoints. Well worth your time. Batzofin is a humble, caring, deep man who has all the right stuff. And his wonderful book, One Step at a Time, is as extraordinary as the author.

This account of the author's climb to summit Kili was very personal. Although his style of writing was a bit amateur-ish, I enjoyed the way he takes the reader through the whole process of preparation, travel experience, personal relationships, reflection, and of course the physical challenges of the trek. For someone like me who enjoys hiking peaks, I would recommend this book.

I must start off by saying I have a deep admiration and respect for the author. I must also admit I knew he was an amazing doctor but had no idea what a talented author he was as well. I was completely absorbed by this book while knowing I would never climb Kili (I do not feel I am physically strong enough). That said, I would recommend this book to anyone thinking of doing a major climb as Dr. Joel has outlined so very thoroughly what one needs to do in preparation of such a huge undertaking. I particularly enjoyed learning more about his family and personal/professional life. His love for his family, and brother Eric in particular. His love for his homeland and descriptive memories when he was in South Africa were so vivid. The gratitude he expressed time and again at being so fortunate to share this experience with his daughter and wife. Most of all his philosophy of tackling “life’s mountains” one step at a time. A lesson for all of us and one that I remember from being a patient of his over 20 years ago. How blessed I was to have this man make a difference in my life; it was a pleasure to read every word and now my husband and daughter will be reading the book next. (I would have loved an audio book as Dr. Joel has a calming, lovely, distinct voice - South African accent). Whether it’s Kili or some “insurmountable summit,” read Joel’s book and you will have a better understanding and appreciation for his approach to life; one that you can apply to yours as well.

Good book at giving a detailed account of what it is like to climb Africa's highest mountain. I'm preparing to climb for the first time and I found a lot of the information helpful.