Rugged British adventurer and former Man vs. Wild star Bear Grylls, known for his drastic survival skills - including drinking his own urine - has written a memoir, Mud, Sweat, and Tears (William Morrow, $26.99).
1. Among your physical feats, how does writing a book stack up?
It's a monster. I only wrote on long-haul flights, so there were 10-hour stretches on a plane I spent madly writing. I didn't want someone to ghostwrite this. It took me about 18 months.
2. Why did you dedicate the book to your mother?
Mum has always been the unsung hero of my life. I knew it would mean a lot to her, and I just wanted to say thank you.
3. What did you learn from re-living your adrenaline-filled moments?
I had to face a lot of the demons, struggles and self-doubts again for the book. One thing is clear: perseverance matters more than muscles, skills or brains.
4. You've said your son wants to be a librarian?
My wife is just excited he didn't want to be a mountain climber.
5. What were your biggest inspirations?
I grew up reading epic stories of adventure. I just finished Unbroken, that amazing World War II epic of survival.
USA Today