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Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist
There are many words to describe Michael J. Fox: Actor. Husband. Father. Activist. But readers of Always Looking Up will soon add another to the list: Optimist. Michael writes about the hard-won perspective that helped him see challenges as opportunities. Instead of building walls around himself, he developed a personal policy of engagement and discovery: an emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual outlook that has served him throughout his struggle with Parkinson's disease. Michael's exit from a very demanding, very public arena offered him the time-and the inspiration-to open up new doors leading to unexpected places. One door even led him to the center of his own family, the greatest destination of all.
The last ten years, which is really the stuff of this book, began with such a loss: my retirement from Spin City. I found myself struggling with a strange new dynamic: the shifting of public and private personas. I had been Mike the actor, then Mike the actor with PD. Now was I just Mike with PD Parkinson's had consumed my career and, in a sense, had become my career. But where did all of this leave Me? I had to build a new life when I was already pretty happy with the old one.
.
Always Looking Up is a memoir of this last decade, told through the critical themes of Michael's life: work, politics, faith, and family. The book is a journey of self-discovery and reinvention, and a testament to the consolations that protect him from the ravages of Parkinson's.
With the humor and wit that captivated fans of his first book, Lucky Man, Michael describes how he became a happier, more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.
Always Looking Up is a memoir of this last decade, told through the critical themes of Michael's life: work, politics, faith, and family. The book is a journey of self-discovery and reinvention, and a testament to the consolations that protect him from the ravages of Parkinson's.
With the humor and wit that captivated fans of his first book, Lucky Man, Michael describes how he became a happier, more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.
276 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2008
903 people are currently reading
21771 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Fox
28books1,013followersCanadian/American film and television actor.
His roles include Marty McFly from the Back to the Future trilogy (1985�1990); Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties (1982�1989), for which he won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award; and Mike Flaherty from Spin City (1996�2000), for which he won an Emmy, three Golden Globes, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He also starred in Doc Hollywood and Secret of My Succe$s and the lead voices in Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire and in the film Stuart Little and it's sequel.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, and disclosed his condition to the public in 1998. As the symptoms of his disease worsened, he retired from full-time acting in 2000.
His roles include Marty McFly from the Back to the Future trilogy (1985�1990); Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties (1982�1989), for which he won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award; and Mike Flaherty from Spin City (1996�2000), for which he won an Emmy, three Golden Globes, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He also starred in Doc Hollywood and Secret of My Succe$s and the lead voices in Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire and in the film Stuart Little and it's sequel.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, and disclosed his condition to the public in 1998. As the symptoms of his disease worsened, he retired from full-time acting in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,702 reviews
November 7, 2018
Growing up, my favorite movie series was Back to the Future. I watched it countless times as well as the tv cartoon spinoff. The characters Doc and Marty were ingrained in me, and I rooted for them to defeat Biff Tannen on their adventures through time, cheering, singing, cringing along the way. The movies hold a special place for me because in Part II, director/producer Steven Spielberg claimed that in 2015, the Cubs would win the World Series in a sweep. Ok, so they won the 2016 World Series in seven games, nearly giving me a heart attack in the process, but before it happened, I referred to Back to the Future Part II as a crystal ball, giving me hope for the future.
Hopeful is the word that one would use to describe the movie's young star Michael J Fox. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the relatively young age of twenty nine, he has not let the disease define who he is. He grapples with it and the effects of the medications he takes on his body, but he is what he refers to as an incurable optimist. This book is not about Back to the Future although references to the movie make cameo appearances. It is not even officially about Michael J Fox, the Parkinson's patient, but about how he has made his Parkinson's diagnosis into a blessing, giving him a new lease and focus on life that he might not have had if he were not diagnosed.
As far as celebrity memoirs go, the writing is above average. I do not expect more or less from the prose as the majority of celebrities do not list writing as their profession. What this memoir does is uplift the reader into thinking that anything is possible. Having children post diagnosis and leading them through life, piece of cake. Michael and his loving wife Tracy are the parents of Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler, and Esme, the three girls born after Michael was diagnosed. Founding the Fox Foundation and leading it to be the world's leading source of funding for Parkinson's research, no problem. While Michael's celebrity has contributed to the foundation activism, he has remained genuine, and the Fox Foundation marches on, whether advocating for stem cell research or to find other cures for the millions of people who grapple with Parkinson's on a daily basis.
This memoir is full of what Fox refers to as his Forrest Gump moments as he mentions Muhammed Ali, Christopher Reeve, Lance Armstrong, and countless other celebrities. Fox has been a loving parent, son, sibling, and husband, and his foundation marches on. While I have missed Fox the actor, he has turned out to be an even better person, and I do hope that his foundation assists science in finding a cure for this disease. Always Looking Up became a fun, uplifting read and a worthwhile one at the that. For as Marty and Doc broadcasted in Back to the Future countless times, just because one may be afflicted with a life affecting diagnosis, you are the sole determinant of your future.
4 sparkling stars
Hopeful is the word that one would use to describe the movie's young star Michael J Fox. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the relatively young age of twenty nine, he has not let the disease define who he is. He grapples with it and the effects of the medications he takes on his body, but he is what he refers to as an incurable optimist. This book is not about Back to the Future although references to the movie make cameo appearances. It is not even officially about Michael J Fox, the Parkinson's patient, but about how he has made his Parkinson's diagnosis into a blessing, giving him a new lease and focus on life that he might not have had if he were not diagnosed.
As far as celebrity memoirs go, the writing is above average. I do not expect more or less from the prose as the majority of celebrities do not list writing as their profession. What this memoir does is uplift the reader into thinking that anything is possible. Having children post diagnosis and leading them through life, piece of cake. Michael and his loving wife Tracy are the parents of Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler, and Esme, the three girls born after Michael was diagnosed. Founding the Fox Foundation and leading it to be the world's leading source of funding for Parkinson's research, no problem. While Michael's celebrity has contributed to the foundation activism, he has remained genuine, and the Fox Foundation marches on, whether advocating for stem cell research or to find other cures for the millions of people who grapple with Parkinson's on a daily basis.
This memoir is full of what Fox refers to as his Forrest Gump moments as he mentions Muhammed Ali, Christopher Reeve, Lance Armstrong, and countless other celebrities. Fox has been a loving parent, son, sibling, and husband, and his foundation marches on. While I have missed Fox the actor, he has turned out to be an even better person, and I do hope that his foundation assists science in finding a cure for this disease. Always Looking Up became a fun, uplifting read and a worthwhile one at the that. For as Marty and Doc broadcasted in Back to the Future countless times, just because one may be afflicted with a life affecting diagnosis, you are the sole determinant of your future.
4 sparkling stars
July 22, 2019
A great follow up to his first book. I could probably use my review for that one again, as it would apply once more! If you want the full, (from childhood onwards) life story, that's in 'Lucky Man'. This covers the shorter period of time after the publication of that book and focuses on four different themes: Starting Over, Speaking Out, Seeking Answers and Safe at Home.
I found the whole thing fascinating, from specific details of campaigning for Stem Cell research to some lovely insights into his family life. His marriage to Tracy Pollan is wonderful to read about.
Definitely recommended, though I would suggest reading 'Lucky Man' first - you could read this and still make sense of it, but I think having the full back story really adds to this book.
I found the whole thing fascinating, from specific details of campaigning for Stem Cell research to some lovely insights into his family life. His marriage to Tracy Pollan is wonderful to read about.
Definitely recommended, though I would suggest reading 'Lucky Man' first - you could read this and still make sense of it, but I think having the full back story really adds to this book.
April 18, 2023
Michael J. Fox has done so much with his life, for his foundation, and for the family he loves so much. He is a man I don’t know a lot about. This memoir was wonderful, it taught me a lot about the man, his values, and his fight.
He was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease (PD) at age 29, delaying telling the world for a few years. He is supported by his wife Tracey, and 4 children who are now grown up. This book tells us a lot about his motivation and his background.
Parkinson’s and alcohol took away any illusions I had that my life was in control�. And while I’m not sure of the address in which to send my gratitude, I have put it out there in everything I do.
He finished his career with Spin City after finding it terribly hard to maintain the physical and emotional momentum required to balance the medication regime to be able to act, control his movements and live his daily life. Being able to perform comedy requires a special mode as well, so his continuing to act with physical symptoms is extraordinary. Reflecting upon his diagnosis and the subsequent formation of his foundation so quickly, MJF again shows us his good fortune in the way his life has turned out to be.
Having known nothing about this, it is mind blowing to learn of his efforts. Even more so now reading that since then, he left retirement to act again full time, to finally give up his craft in 2020. I loved watching him in The Good Wife.
MJF does not lament his illness. A gift in the same way I describe Parkinson’s as a gift. You suffer the blow, but you capitalize on the opportunity left open in his wake. And boy this is what he has done.
The author also tells of the politics involved in stem cell research, the people he met along the way in this part of his journey, in particular an awful politician who accuses him of using his physical symptoms for his advantage; capitalising them and making them worse than what they are. The debate was firing along when 9/11 occurred, thus having it fall into the background, with George W. Bush eventually vetoing, using religion as a reason. There is obviously more to this, but my interest in this book was more of the man, than the politics. He is a fighter, tells his story with humour and grace, and has used his good fortune to form an amazing foundation. We're here. Until Parkinson's isn't.
I highly recommend this memoir, it will teach you a lot about the man who is MJF, the disease he suffers from, that he has donated his life to via his foundation, and the building blocks of what makes him so strong � and those that have helped him get there.
I very much enjoyed the author narrating his book and look forward to reading his other memoirs. I listened to this on the BorrowBox platform via my public library, at 1.25 speed.
He was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease (PD) at age 29, delaying telling the world for a few years. He is supported by his wife Tracey, and 4 children who are now grown up. This book tells us a lot about his motivation and his background.
Parkinson’s and alcohol took away any illusions I had that my life was in control�. And while I’m not sure of the address in which to send my gratitude, I have put it out there in everything I do.
He finished his career with Spin City after finding it terribly hard to maintain the physical and emotional momentum required to balance the medication regime to be able to act, control his movements and live his daily life. Being able to perform comedy requires a special mode as well, so his continuing to act with physical symptoms is extraordinary. Reflecting upon his diagnosis and the subsequent formation of his foundation so quickly, MJF again shows us his good fortune in the way his life has turned out to be.
Having known nothing about this, it is mind blowing to learn of his efforts. Even more so now reading that since then, he left retirement to act again full time, to finally give up his craft in 2020. I loved watching him in The Good Wife.
MJF does not lament his illness. A gift in the same way I describe Parkinson’s as a gift. You suffer the blow, but you capitalize on the opportunity left open in his wake. And boy this is what he has done.
The author also tells of the politics involved in stem cell research, the people he met along the way in this part of his journey, in particular an awful politician who accuses him of using his physical symptoms for his advantage; capitalising them and making them worse than what they are. The debate was firing along when 9/11 occurred, thus having it fall into the background, with George W. Bush eventually vetoing, using religion as a reason. There is obviously more to this, but my interest in this book was more of the man, than the politics. He is a fighter, tells his story with humour and grace, and has used his good fortune to form an amazing foundation. We're here. Until Parkinson's isn't.
I highly recommend this memoir, it will teach you a lot about the man who is MJF, the disease he suffers from, that he has donated his life to via his foundation, and the building blocks of what makes him so strong � and those that have helped him get there.
I very much enjoyed the author narrating his book and look forward to reading his other memoirs. I listened to this on the BorrowBox platform via my public library, at 1.25 speed.
January 11, 2010
When I eat lunch out by myself during the work week so I can read a book, I typically expect to be left alone. Having your head stuck in a book is not a smile at someone to encourage interaction.
But reading Always Looking Up with its author Michael J Fox on the cover while out last week caused two people to stop me to share a brief story! One man likely had Parkinson's disease (PD), and noted that he had read Michael J Fox's first book and was eager to read the one I held; the other person told me all about her stepson who had PD and how well he was doing. Both thought the world of Michael J Fox, not because of his acting but rather because of his PD advocacy including his foundation, which he founded shortly after he stopped acting.
The point of the book is to share how even with PD, he has adopted an attitude that the challenges posed by his condition are really opportunities. Now, when I started the book, I thought to myself "Sure, it's easy to be optimistic when you're a famous actor who can pay for everything you need." And while it's true that he had/has the ability to pay for what he needs, staying optimistic in the face of PD and its symptoms is about attitude. It has less to do with his financial resources and more to do with emotional resources.
The book described the challenges posed by PD without becoming maudlin or woe-is-me. It laid out Fox's response to leaving acting and having to find something to do with himself. His foundation appears to be unique in its urgency and involvement in what it funds.
Unfortunately, the book is as scattered thematically as this review. You're not quite sure as you read where he's going next. But when you look back after finishing the book, you feel happy for Michael J Fox in how he's dealt with having PD, you know more about what it's like to have PD, and you feel encouraged - like you can go out and make a difference by having a good attitude.
But reading Always Looking Up with its author Michael J Fox on the cover while out last week caused two people to stop me to share a brief story! One man likely had Parkinson's disease (PD), and noted that he had read Michael J Fox's first book and was eager to read the one I held; the other person told me all about her stepson who had PD and how well he was doing. Both thought the world of Michael J Fox, not because of his acting but rather because of his PD advocacy including his foundation, which he founded shortly after he stopped acting.
The point of the book is to share how even with PD, he has adopted an attitude that the challenges posed by his condition are really opportunities. Now, when I started the book, I thought to myself "Sure, it's easy to be optimistic when you're a famous actor who can pay for everything you need." And while it's true that he had/has the ability to pay for what he needs, staying optimistic in the face of PD and its symptoms is about attitude. It has less to do with his financial resources and more to do with emotional resources.
The book described the challenges posed by PD without becoming maudlin or woe-is-me. It laid out Fox's response to leaving acting and having to find something to do with himself. His foundation appears to be unique in its urgency and involvement in what it funds.
Unfortunately, the book is as scattered thematically as this review. You're not quite sure as you read where he's going next. But when you look back after finishing the book, you feel happy for Michael J Fox in how he's dealt with having PD, you know more about what it's like to have PD, and you feel encouraged - like you can go out and make a difference by having a good attitude.
July 22, 2019
"Back To The Future" is my favourite trilogy of all time, above fantasy and science fiction giants I love. I savoured every page of "Lucky Man"; save a reference to animal-testing that sat poorly with me. "Always Looking Up" solely discusses Michael J. Fox's "Spin City" era of acting, which I did not watch but I got my fix in his first book. I immediately found that his suite, despite not being precisely organized chronologically, continues the story selections he has been telling, like a series! He is an exceptional writer, who had me laughing again from page two, regarding the difficulty "to strangle a line of toothpaste onto the bristles"!
Michael eloquently circles back to the crux: a twitching finger expanding to a side of his body. Esmé was only born in time to be mentioned in the first book's afterward, so it was a treat to hear about this special girl and his twins, fourteen this time. Even describing the experience of political appearances, his books are every inch a personal memoir; a pleasure because of his intimate approach. We learn that, through his wife, he is welcomed lovingly among the Jewish; whilst consulting with a fallen preacher about their faith being independent of churches. It is beautiful that Michael's adopted synagogue honoured his sister, Karen in prayer. Suddenly losing her in adulthood was monumental.
This work overflows with striking sections, including rallying with Christopher Reeves and Mohammed Ali and knowing Robin Williams. It is poignant, how Michael drove from California on September 11, 2001 to his family in New York. My very favourite account is a trip with Sam at age eight, which he is certain his Father would have loved. This segued hilariously from his siblings' and parents' cantankerous Canadian trek in 1968! I loved this book entirely.
Michael eloquently circles back to the crux: a twitching finger expanding to a side of his body. Esmé was only born in time to be mentioned in the first book's afterward, so it was a treat to hear about this special girl and his twins, fourteen this time. Even describing the experience of political appearances, his books are every inch a personal memoir; a pleasure because of his intimate approach. We learn that, through his wife, he is welcomed lovingly among the Jewish; whilst consulting with a fallen preacher about their faith being independent of churches. It is beautiful that Michael's adopted synagogue honoured his sister, Karen in prayer. Suddenly losing her in adulthood was monumental.
This work overflows with striking sections, including rallying with Christopher Reeves and Mohammed Ali and knowing Robin Williams. It is poignant, how Michael drove from California on September 11, 2001 to his family in New York. My very favourite account is a trip with Sam at age eight, which he is certain his Father would have loved. This segued hilariously from his siblings' and parents' cantankerous Canadian trek in 1968! I loved this book entirely.
June 3, 2009
Found most of the book to be very boring. I admire Fox for not letting PD take rule his life and using his celebrity status to bring money and research to find a cure. However most of this book was not very personal or about been in optimistic person � it was about how he created his foundation and the politics involved � especially lobbying of stem cell research (which I do not support � embryonic that is other kinds are fine). His section on faith � was not really about what type of faith he had. The only section that I really liked was the family section � this was personable about his wife and kids. However this section was the smallest section and at the end of the book, therefore if you get bored with the first part of the book skip to the end � which was by far the best. I did learn from Fox the different aspects of PD � he is very open and frank about how PD affects him. Maybe I would have liked his first book, Lucky Man, better but not sure if I want to get it since this one was so boring.
June 22, 2021
Dec 23 645pm ~~ Review asap.
10pm ~~ Another memoir by actor Michael J. Fox, this was published in 2009. Picking up pretty much where he left off in Lucky Man, Fox explains how he found his new life's work after leaving acting behind.
This book is divided into four sections: Work, Politics, Faith, and Family. In each section, Fox tells how his diagnosis of early onset Parkinson's Disease affected these areas of his life.
There is a tiny bit of repetition here, in which from time to time Fox recaps certain stories and decisions he shared in LM. But here he mainly digs a little deeper into more intangible topics. This is a book with a more mature outlook on life, told from the view of an involved citizen, father, and mature man.
He describes setting up a foundation to raise funds for Parkinson's research; he describes campaigning for political hopefuls who would support stem cell research; he describes his personal connection to spirituality and his continuing exploration of what it mean to be religious. He also talks about his family: his lovely wife and four wonderful children.
The style is easy and friendly, but Fox is quite capable of making serious points about all of his topics. One of the many statements that resonated with me in this book is the following. He was talking about faith and religion at this point, but the idea fits many other subjects as well, such as politics. We have seen it in action to the nth degree recently and in my opinion it is time to stop listening to anyone who tries to 'lead' people through fear. ANYONE.
As a way of motivating people, cultivating fear is easier than investing the time and effort necessary to engender respect. Respect requires greater knowledge, and in my experience, the more you know, the less you fear.
Fox can also bring tears to a reader's eyes. I have one more book of his to read, the latest one, just
published in November 2020, called No Time For The Future. I have a feeling I will want to have plenty of tissues handy.
10pm ~~ Another memoir by actor Michael J. Fox, this was published in 2009. Picking up pretty much where he left off in Lucky Man, Fox explains how he found his new life's work after leaving acting behind.
This book is divided into four sections: Work, Politics, Faith, and Family. In each section, Fox tells how his diagnosis of early onset Parkinson's Disease affected these areas of his life.
There is a tiny bit of repetition here, in which from time to time Fox recaps certain stories and decisions he shared in LM. But here he mainly digs a little deeper into more intangible topics. This is a book with a more mature outlook on life, told from the view of an involved citizen, father, and mature man.
He describes setting up a foundation to raise funds for Parkinson's research; he describes campaigning for political hopefuls who would support stem cell research; he describes his personal connection to spirituality and his continuing exploration of what it mean to be religious. He also talks about his family: his lovely wife and four wonderful children.
The style is easy and friendly, but Fox is quite capable of making serious points about all of his topics. One of the many statements that resonated with me in this book is the following. He was talking about faith and religion at this point, but the idea fits many other subjects as well, such as politics. We have seen it in action to the nth degree recently and in my opinion it is time to stop listening to anyone who tries to 'lead' people through fear. ANYONE.
As a way of motivating people, cultivating fear is easier than investing the time and effort necessary to engender respect. Respect requires greater knowledge, and in my experience, the more you know, the less you fear.
Fox can also bring tears to a reader's eyes. I have one more book of his to read, the latest one, just
published in November 2020, called No Time For The Future. I have a feeling I will want to have plenty of tissues handy.
February 26, 2011
Enjoyed it. A fast read. I don't normally read many memoir types, but as a nurse, I find his story of living with a potentially debilitating illness impressive. He divides the book into subject areas of politics, faith and family, which means the story is not focused on an overall evolution. In some ways, it makes it less coherent of a narrative, but he can tell his story any way he likes. It was also interesting to get his person insight into some of the national issues he got involved with, specifically Rush's accusation of faking. His kids sound amazing as well, and I enjoyed the small bits of their lives that he shared.
June 26, 2009
I loved this book! Listening to it as an audio book really added a lot to the experience; hearing Michael's stories in his own voice was terrific. I learned a lot about Michael, from his perspective on family life to his growth in his career. Did you guys know that Tracy is Jewish and that the family (including Michael) has been very involved in a Reform temple in NY since his son was born? Of course, a chunk of the book deals with his illness and how he deals with that, but the book is about much more than that. It is about hope, optimism, love, and living life. The part where he talks about meeting Muhammad Ali was very touching, and funny. And when he said at the end that it was possible that by the time the reader got this book the new President would have authorized federal funding of stem cell research really got to me, as I'd recently watched as my best friend attended the ceremony announcing this development. My best friend who's mother was paralyzed from the neck down in a car accident.
As much as I enjoyed the audio, I also kind of want to buy the paper book. There were times when I wanted to flip back and refer to something, or just see it again. I may buy it just to have it, it's one that would make me happy to see on my shelf, and to flip through now and again. And lend to many friends. But listening to an author read their own autobiographical work, especially when they know how to perform, is always a great experience and this was one I would not pass up. Touching, hopeful and funny. Read this book!
As much as I enjoyed the audio, I also kind of want to buy the paper book. There were times when I wanted to flip back and refer to something, or just see it again. I may buy it just to have it, it's one that would make me happy to see on my shelf, and to flip through now and again. And lend to many friends. But listening to an author read their own autobiographical work, especially when they know how to perform, is always a great experience and this was one I would not pass up. Touching, hopeful and funny. Read this book!
Read
March 17, 2009Part memoir, part political argument, part medical story, this is a well-written, touching, intellectually-stimulating...erm...book. Surprise! It's a book!
October 15, 2017
2.5 Stars
I think I went into this book expecting something different, and it really changed my experience. While not terrible, it wasn't written in a particularly interesting way, and this could be my expectations talking, but it also wasn't witty or funny in any way.
I like Michael J. Fox. The Canadian in me holds him dear to my heart. Sadly, this book wasn't for me.
I think I went into this book expecting something different, and it really changed my experience. While not terrible, it wasn't written in a particularly interesting way, and this could be my expectations talking, but it also wasn't witty or funny in any way.
I like Michael J. Fox. The Canadian in me holds him dear to my heart. Sadly, this book wasn't for me.
January 7, 2010
Always Looking Up is a very fitting title to this, the 2nd autobiography by Michael J. Fox. He's a short man, so he's "always looking up", but it's not just that... He's also eternally optimistic and full of hope.
Michael J. Fox is... was... a Hollywood actor cut short (sorry!) in his prime by a devastating disease... Parkinson's Disease. But he's decided that he isn't going to let that stop him! While acting is increasingly difficult to do with the symptoms of PD (Parkinson's Disease), Michael puts his time and effort into campaigning for stem cell research in the hope and optimism that it will one day result in a cure for those suffering with PD and other diseased.
Always Looking Up charts the last 10 years of Michael J. Fox's life (I hadn't realised it had been that long since his first autobiography "Lucky Man").
The book is seperated into themes. It doesn't start in 1999 and end at now, instead it is split into the following subjects: Work, Politics, Faith and Family (but with more imaginative titles!). There is one theme which runs throughout the entire book - Parkinson's Disease - and this is only to be expected. After all, Michael has no choice but to deal with this disease every single day... perhaps, every single moment.
While you might expect a book which is riddled with diseased to be boring and asking "Why Me?", it isn't. Just like Michael often played the fun & likeable characters in enjoyable funs, he injects his humour and like-ability into this book. There isn't a moment of "Why me?", instead he's looking to help others and put a positive spin on things.
I liked the bit in the Prologue of the book in which Michael describes his start to the day and what is involved. (I thought getting myself up in the morning was difficult, but it's nothing to what Michael goes through). He describes how his right hand has "started up again, rotating at the wrist in a circular motion, perfect for what I'm about to do". He says it "compares favourably to the most powerful state-of-the-art electric toothbrush on the market". I have to admit I laughed when I read it! The symptoms of the disease must be incredibly annoying and irritating, yet Michael puts a happy spin on things.
His first autobiography, Lucky Man, has always been one of my most favourite autobiography books and Always Looking Up is a brilliant follow-up. I hope there will be a third autobiography from Michael J. Fox in maybe another 10 years time (if this is possible) and maybe his hopes will have come true and a cure will be on the horizon.
(Also published on my Dooyoo account).
Michael J. Fox is... was... a Hollywood actor cut short (sorry!) in his prime by a devastating disease... Parkinson's Disease. But he's decided that he isn't going to let that stop him! While acting is increasingly difficult to do with the symptoms of PD (Parkinson's Disease), Michael puts his time and effort into campaigning for stem cell research in the hope and optimism that it will one day result in a cure for those suffering with PD and other diseased.
Always Looking Up charts the last 10 years of Michael J. Fox's life (I hadn't realised it had been that long since his first autobiography "Lucky Man").
The book is seperated into themes. It doesn't start in 1999 and end at now, instead it is split into the following subjects: Work, Politics, Faith and Family (but with more imaginative titles!). There is one theme which runs throughout the entire book - Parkinson's Disease - and this is only to be expected. After all, Michael has no choice but to deal with this disease every single day... perhaps, every single moment.
While you might expect a book which is riddled with diseased to be boring and asking "Why Me?", it isn't. Just like Michael often played the fun & likeable characters in enjoyable funs, he injects his humour and like-ability into this book. There isn't a moment of "Why me?", instead he's looking to help others and put a positive spin on things.
I liked the bit in the Prologue of the book in which Michael describes his start to the day and what is involved. (I thought getting myself up in the morning was difficult, but it's nothing to what Michael goes through). He describes how his right hand has "started up again, rotating at the wrist in a circular motion, perfect for what I'm about to do". He says it "compares favourably to the most powerful state-of-the-art electric toothbrush on the market". I have to admit I laughed when I read it! The symptoms of the disease must be incredibly annoying and irritating, yet Michael puts a happy spin on things.
His first autobiography, Lucky Man, has always been one of my most favourite autobiography books and Always Looking Up is a brilliant follow-up. I hope there will be a third autobiography from Michael J. Fox in maybe another 10 years time (if this is possible) and maybe his hopes will have come true and a cure will be on the horizon.
(Also published on my Dooyoo account).
March 6, 2011
In Michael J. Fox's movies, I loved how he was always able to play unassuming, normal characters and then inject them with a certain heroic quality that I think arose from his own inner-passions and zest for life. He radiated "cool" in a seemingly effortless way, which is a nice change of pace from the usual sexed-up, overly made-up, unlikeable crop of young actors that have become the norm in Hollywood. Unfortunately, in this, Fox's second book, he comes across as every inch the celebrity, making it hard to relate to him the way I could in his films. Maybe if I could afford to ponder life's difficulties while swimming with turtles or vacationing in Paris, or if I could get pep-talks from the likes of Muhammad Ali and Lance Armstrong, I could be an incurable optimist, as well. Not that I begrudge him those things...not at all!...I simply wonder exactly how "incurable" his optimism would be if he didn't have so many other things in his life going for him. One can only speculate. I tend to be more interested in artists' views on art than on their personal lives, so this book isn't really my cup of tea. The first part on politics is interesting, but I have little respect for Fox's views on politics because the only issue that really matters to him when choosing who to vote for is whether or not they support stem cell research. I could be wrong, but I think there are a vast number of other, equally important issues that should be given consideration before casting your vote. I think Fox's political activism is positive and admirable, and I respect the hell out of him, but it is also somewhat self-serving, so I don't think of it as being particularly heroic. I was disappointed to see him rake Rush Limbaugh over the coals so much in this book, as I had thought Fox had taken the moral high ground when responding to Limbaugh's criticisms a couple years back by not resorting to personal counter-attacks. The section on faith is disappointing because it is more from the perspective of an outsider looking in than from that of a man with strong religious convictions. It's refreshing to see how devoted he is to his family, however, and it is the last section of the book that makes me respect him the most. All in all, though, I would highly recommend that you read his first book, Lucky Man, instead.
February 9, 2024
this is the third michael j. fox memoir i have read and i think maybe after the second one i have already absorbed all the michael j. fox information that my brain had capacity for so.. yeah, not bad still
April 8, 2009
As a kid, I admired Michael J. Fox for his role as a likable, honest and funny star of “Family Ties.� I didn’t realize it then, but I was witnessing one of America’s last true role models as it entered a more modern era of surprisingly low standards among celebrity lessons geared toward the youth.
As a teenager, I admired Michael J. Fox for his role as an adventurous, humorous, modest, skateboarding, guitar-playing, girl-getting famous actor in his “Back to the Future� trilogy of movies. I didn’t realize it then, but it was impossible to be as cool in real life as he acted in the movies.
Now, as an adult, I find my admiration for Michael J. Fox stronger than ever - but my reasons why have dramatically changed. I now realize that Fox’s current role as a gutsy, courageous and determined champion of hope for millions of people stricken with neurological degenerative diseases far exceeds any of the many Emmy- and Oscar-worthy acting performances upon which he laid claim to his fame.
Fox’s book is broken up into four topics vital to his purpose: work, politics, faith and work.
In the work section, he reflects about the adjustments he had to make to continue acting despite the immense difficulties introduced by Parkinson’s. He shares how, on a family vacation to France, Lance Armstrong’s family first saved his life and then helped show him how to build a fundraising foundation - which eventually became the Michael J. Fox Foundation. In addressing the initial advisors of the MFJ Foundation, Fox himself told them, “I need you to help me go out of business,� referring to the group’s overriding goal of finding a Parkinson’s cure faster than it took for America to land a man on the moon upon JFK’s visionary call to action.
In the politics section, he shares his incredible journey to legalize stem cell research vital to the cause of finding a cure (“For Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and juvenile diabetes sufferers, the ink on that veto represents life blood�). Fox used inspiration from former Superman actor Christopher Reeve � himself paralyzed in a horse-riding accident that eventually cost him his life � with the following challenge: “Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool, or you go out in the ocean.� (Fox joked that Reeve didn’t warn him about the sharks scouring the deep end!) Fox shared just how low notoriously-controversial radio politician Rush Limbaugh could go to hinder Fox’s fight for a cure. Fox talked about one of many of President Bush’s embarrassing legacies in blocking stem cell research and the frustration that followed.
In the faith section, Fox discusses his take on religious beliefs and describes his inner strengths that get him through every day. He talked about some unlikely friendships, including that with a former Bishop, which helped solidify Fox’s beliefs in his beliefs. I really enjoyed Fox's open-minded and true-to-life perspective of faith.
In the family section, Fox shared a number of humorous, heartbreaking and hopeful stories about his own family. I personally loved his account of the day he taught his son, Sam, to ride a bike on a baseball field. He talked about a soulful family road trip. He detailed the highs and lows and pitfalls of parenting and the lessons that he’s learned if he could do it all over again. He even addressed the idea of regret: “Had the sweeping changes I had instituted � sobriety, a reordering of priorities � come too late? Was there enough of me left to be the man I had never, until now, known that I could be?�
This isn’t just a book. It’s a way of living. Reading “Always Looking Up� won’t just inform you about the ravages of Parkinson’s disease or Fox’s challenges in battling them as he continues fighting for a cure. It won’t just make you laugh one page or cry the next. It won’t just make you mad at ignorant, closed-minded politicians and proud of persistent open-minded heroes. It will make you want to live a more meaningful life. Fox sees the world through a symbolic pair of glasses Zig Ziglar would be proud of and any human could benefit from donning for a day. My sincere hope is that the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised more than $200 million toward research for a cure � more than any other private foundation - will soon go out of business, thereby toppling Parkinson’s disease forever. I doubt I’ll be invited, but I want Fox to make good on his dream of dancing at each of his children’s weddings.
As a teenager, I admired Michael J. Fox for his role as an adventurous, humorous, modest, skateboarding, guitar-playing, girl-getting famous actor in his “Back to the Future� trilogy of movies. I didn’t realize it then, but it was impossible to be as cool in real life as he acted in the movies.
Now, as an adult, I find my admiration for Michael J. Fox stronger than ever - but my reasons why have dramatically changed. I now realize that Fox’s current role as a gutsy, courageous and determined champion of hope for millions of people stricken with neurological degenerative diseases far exceeds any of the many Emmy- and Oscar-worthy acting performances upon which he laid claim to his fame.
Fox’s book is broken up into four topics vital to his purpose: work, politics, faith and work.
In the work section, he reflects about the adjustments he had to make to continue acting despite the immense difficulties introduced by Parkinson’s. He shares how, on a family vacation to France, Lance Armstrong’s family first saved his life and then helped show him how to build a fundraising foundation - which eventually became the Michael J. Fox Foundation. In addressing the initial advisors of the MFJ Foundation, Fox himself told them, “I need you to help me go out of business,� referring to the group’s overriding goal of finding a Parkinson’s cure faster than it took for America to land a man on the moon upon JFK’s visionary call to action.
In the politics section, he shares his incredible journey to legalize stem cell research vital to the cause of finding a cure (“For Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and juvenile diabetes sufferers, the ink on that veto represents life blood�). Fox used inspiration from former Superman actor Christopher Reeve � himself paralyzed in a horse-riding accident that eventually cost him his life � with the following challenge: “Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool, or you go out in the ocean.� (Fox joked that Reeve didn’t warn him about the sharks scouring the deep end!) Fox shared just how low notoriously-controversial radio politician Rush Limbaugh could go to hinder Fox’s fight for a cure. Fox talked about one of many of President Bush’s embarrassing legacies in blocking stem cell research and the frustration that followed.
In the faith section, Fox discusses his take on religious beliefs and describes his inner strengths that get him through every day. He talked about some unlikely friendships, including that with a former Bishop, which helped solidify Fox’s beliefs in his beliefs. I really enjoyed Fox's open-minded and true-to-life perspective of faith.
In the family section, Fox shared a number of humorous, heartbreaking and hopeful stories about his own family. I personally loved his account of the day he taught his son, Sam, to ride a bike on a baseball field. He talked about a soulful family road trip. He detailed the highs and lows and pitfalls of parenting and the lessons that he’s learned if he could do it all over again. He even addressed the idea of regret: “Had the sweeping changes I had instituted � sobriety, a reordering of priorities � come too late? Was there enough of me left to be the man I had never, until now, known that I could be?�
This isn’t just a book. It’s a way of living. Reading “Always Looking Up� won’t just inform you about the ravages of Parkinson’s disease or Fox’s challenges in battling them as he continues fighting for a cure. It won’t just make you laugh one page or cry the next. It won’t just make you mad at ignorant, closed-minded politicians and proud of persistent open-minded heroes. It will make you want to live a more meaningful life. Fox sees the world through a symbolic pair of glasses Zig Ziglar would be proud of and any human could benefit from donning for a day. My sincere hope is that the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised more than $200 million toward research for a cure � more than any other private foundation - will soon go out of business, thereby toppling Parkinson’s disease forever. I doubt I’ll be invited, but I want Fox to make good on his dream of dancing at each of his children’s weddings.
April 28, 2017
It's decided. After seeing this book sit on my shelf for over a year and half unfinished, I'm closing shop. I hate to say it, but I can't bring myself to finish it.
In Michael J. Fox's defense, I enjoyed most of the first few chapters. Fox wrote in detail his struggles with Parkinson's disease, and it granted me a view of a completely different world. This I do appreciate about his book.
However, after Fox explains the progress of establishing his foundation (another interesting part I enjoyed reading), he quickly jumped into the politics of the matter. Of course, politics play into nearly everything these days, but it was just a bit too much for my taste. I normally take politics in small strides, but Fox uses a large chunk of his book explaining his political views and how they fall in line with his medical research views. After a few chapters of this mantra, I just couldn't read anymore. His words were more like resounding drums in my ears rather than convicting of my heart. I hate to put it that way, especially since Fox is a good writer. For that reason, I may still read his book Lucky Man. Maybe I'll enjoy it more than Always Looking Up.
In Michael J. Fox's defense, I enjoyed most of the first few chapters. Fox wrote in detail his struggles with Parkinson's disease, and it granted me a view of a completely different world. This I do appreciate about his book.
However, after Fox explains the progress of establishing his foundation (another interesting part I enjoyed reading), he quickly jumped into the politics of the matter. Of course, politics play into nearly everything these days, but it was just a bit too much for my taste. I normally take politics in small strides, but Fox uses a large chunk of his book explaining his political views and how they fall in line with his medical research views. After a few chapters of this mantra, I just couldn't read anymore. His words were more like resounding drums in my ears rather than convicting of my heart. I hate to put it that way, especially since Fox is a good writer. For that reason, I may still read his book Lucky Man. Maybe I'll enjoy it more than Always Looking Up.
July 31, 2017
Oh, how I adore Michael J. Fox! (And I probably rated the book a bit higher due to this.)
His book is divided into the "four pillars" of his life: work, politics, faith, and family. While some sections are more interesting to read than others, I enjoyed this glimpse into his complicated life. Fox accepts the reality of his condition with a self-deprecation that evokes both sympathy and laughter. He openly describes the symptoms of Parkinson's, specifically a "central body tremor": "...it feels as though someone has punched through my torso, grabbed a hold of my spine, and is waving me like a flag." He wants readers to grasp the reality of the disease.
I admire Fox's bravery in being so candid about his illness. Equally admirable is the extensive work he has done to fund Parkinson's research. What an amazing guy!
His book is divided into the "four pillars" of his life: work, politics, faith, and family. While some sections are more interesting to read than others, I enjoyed this glimpse into his complicated life. Fox accepts the reality of his condition with a self-deprecation that evokes both sympathy and laughter. He openly describes the symptoms of Parkinson's, specifically a "central body tremor": "...it feels as though someone has punched through my torso, grabbed a hold of my spine, and is waving me like a flag." He wants readers to grasp the reality of the disease.
I admire Fox's bravery in being so candid about his illness. Equally admirable is the extensive work he has done to fund Parkinson's research. What an amazing guy!
July 6, 2009
Michael speaks frankly about his life with alcoholism, Parkinson's and creating the foundation that in less than ten years will have funded, by the spring of 2009, in excess of $ 200,000,000. (Page 273)
His poignant stories about his wife and children share tender moments with "shaky dad" dealing with his disease and treatments.
Some of the most interesting remembrances deal with the efforts to get stem cell research approved and funded so that cures for many of our worse diseases can be found. Christopher and Dana Reeve played an important part in getting Michael's foundation started as well as being role models for him.
Although it's an interesting read, the salty language will put some people off. Mr. Fox is a curious mix: he is definitely a child of his culture and age; Hollywood and Manhattan and the religions of his ancestors as well as his wife and children.
His poignant stories about his wife and children share tender moments with "shaky dad" dealing with his disease and treatments.
Some of the most interesting remembrances deal with the efforts to get stem cell research approved and funded so that cures for many of our worse diseases can be found. Christopher and Dana Reeve played an important part in getting Michael's foundation started as well as being role models for him.
Although it's an interesting read, the salty language will put some people off. Mr. Fox is a curious mix: he is definitely a child of his culture and age; Hollywood and Manhattan and the religions of his ancestors as well as his wife and children.
August 2, 2009
I love MJF and respect his work. But I just couldn't get through this book. I found it disjointed, hard to follow, and confusing. It seemed to jump around in space and time, and I couldn't get a handle on a continuous thread. I put it down halfway through the "Politics" chapter. I would have appreciated a primer on stem cell research to help make everything make sense. Instead he jumps right in with politician names, scientific details, and no explanations.
It would have been better if he just focused on one thread (his personal experiences, the timeline, his foundation) and used that as the structure for the story. Instead, it went all over the place and I got lost along the way.
It would have been better if he just focused on one thread (his personal experiences, the timeline, his foundation) and used that as the structure for the story. Instead, it went all over the place and I got lost along the way.
August 1, 2013
This story is more like looking at merchandise through a store's glass window than owning it. Michael J. Fox lives a different life than the average person and even with Parkinson's it is hard to relate to his experiences. What I like about children's books on disabilities, such as "Wonder" or "Paperboy," is that I can relate to the main characters and their feelings. In the end, they are just kids with feelings most kids experience - myself included. I can't do this with Fox. In the end, he's a celebrity with feelings that show a well-grounded, smart man but a man who has to deal with a public image and disability as he hobknobs with presidents, politicians, actors, singers, and athletes; a reminder to the reader that he is anything but "average." The entire book isn't this way. There are parts where he talks about family and I enjoyed these the most. It's a tough balancing act as an author tackling a disability and being able make his or her experiences relative to the reader while at the same time revealing a disability that the reader will not have. Of course, I'm comparing this to fiction and this is a nonfiction book so maybe I'm not being fair, but for me, the fiction stories that are memorable rise above the disability to present the character so I forget they have a disability and see the person as having the same feelings as me. I didn't get that for most of this story. While it was entertaining, I won't remember most of it come six months from now.
Fox is funny and describes the Parkinson's symptoms humorously and in a self-deprecating way such as being like a "human whirligig" or trying to listen to Barack O'bama while unsuccessfully controlling "arms wheeling like a board-game spin-arrow." He mentions Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric and others that already date the book. Fox touches a bit on the phases he went through when dealing with Parkinson's such as denial, hiding the problem, then moving forward with a positive attitude. He covers the politics of stem cell research and the roadblocks encountered with the Bush administration. I thought I'd like the chapter on "Faith" the least but it was actually interesting because it didn't deal with his disease so much as look at the inclusive and exclusive nature of religion in different denominations. Fox has no bias toward any particular one and I found his factual, honest look at religion somewhat interesting.
My favorite parts were the funny phrases he'd use describing his children. Again, I could relate to this working with kids and having a child of my own. He quips, "Kids are like Labrador retrievers - show them a car with the motor running and the back door open, and giving no thought to the destination, they'll scramble in and hang their head out the window in anticipation of the wind blowing back their hair and whipping the spit off their dangling tongues." You can't help but like this guy when you read his autobiography even if he lives in a world quite different from yours or mine.
Fox is funny and describes the Parkinson's symptoms humorously and in a self-deprecating way such as being like a "human whirligig" or trying to listen to Barack O'bama while unsuccessfully controlling "arms wheeling like a board-game spin-arrow." He mentions Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric and others that already date the book. Fox touches a bit on the phases he went through when dealing with Parkinson's such as denial, hiding the problem, then moving forward with a positive attitude. He covers the politics of stem cell research and the roadblocks encountered with the Bush administration. I thought I'd like the chapter on "Faith" the least but it was actually interesting because it didn't deal with his disease so much as look at the inclusive and exclusive nature of religion in different denominations. Fox has no bias toward any particular one and I found his factual, honest look at religion somewhat interesting.
My favorite parts were the funny phrases he'd use describing his children. Again, I could relate to this working with kids and having a child of my own. He quips, "Kids are like Labrador retrievers - show them a car with the motor running and the back door open, and giving no thought to the destination, they'll scramble in and hang their head out the window in anticipation of the wind blowing back their hair and whipping the spit off their dangling tongues." You can't help but like this guy when you read his autobiography even if he lives in a world quite different from yours or mine.
November 4, 2010
If you want to read a great book by a heartfelt and honest optimist, give this a read.
This follow-up memoir to Fox's LUCKY MAN is even better than its predecessor. Relentlessly first person, Fox lets you into his head on matters of life, politics, faith, and family. While his Parkinson's disease is ever part of the equation, his deft humor remains the constant in this book. Don't go looking for behind-the-scenes info on Hollywood or acting here; this book is tightly focused on Fox's personal life and public life as a spokesperson for stem cell research.
Well crafted, engaging, and an easy read, I've got even more respect for MJF than I did before I picked this up on a whim.
This follow-up memoir to Fox's LUCKY MAN is even better than its predecessor. Relentlessly first person, Fox lets you into his head on matters of life, politics, faith, and family. While his Parkinson's disease is ever part of the equation, his deft humor remains the constant in this book. Don't go looking for behind-the-scenes info on Hollywood or acting here; this book is tightly focused on Fox's personal life and public life as a spokesperson for stem cell research.
Well crafted, engaging, and an easy read, I've got even more respect for MJF than I did before I picked this up on a whim.
November 10, 2011
While reading Michael J. Fox's second memoir, I was impressed with his optimistic attitude, devotion to his family, and hope for the future. The book begins with his retirement from "Spin City" in 2000 as his health problems worsened. His commitment to finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease involved setting up the MJF Foundation to support research into the disease. He also helped in the campaigns of politicians of both parties that were pro stem cell research.
Much of the book involves both humorous and heartwarming stories about his childhood, his family, and a supportive group of friends and celebrities. It was an enjoyable book.
Much of the book involves both humorous and heartwarming stories about his childhood, his family, and a supportive group of friends and celebrities. It was an enjoyable book.
March 22, 2021
It's always interesting to hear the thoughts of probably one of the top two or three most likeable human beings ever in movie business. It's funny how he makes jokes about his height all the time and yet, despite not having any appreciable size and muscles, I believe pretty much every guy who ever watched him in the movies wanted to be like him. I sure did. It's not even limited to Back to the Future. Try to watch him in Family Ties (yes, still relevant) and not identify with him. It's impossible.
February 19, 2017
If was a coming-of-age tale, then is the story of a man learning even more about who he is not only as a man, but his place in the world as a human being. It's more "adult," insomuch as Fox more fully fleshes out his thoughts on those touchy subjects (politics and faith in particular) and he continues to reveal more of his heart on all subject important to him.
Regardless of more recent events, seeing the inspiration and guidance Fox received from Lance Armstrong demonstrates the power of encouragement that can be received from another. Fox's descriptions of the many people, famous and not-so-famous, who have taking such an active role in his cause and the cause of helping others in general, is inspiring.
He candidly talks about his political focus on scientific research and in this book, though he clearly states his position on some controversial topics, he also more eloquently states his respect for those who have differing opinions and his support of individuals whose convictions and beliefs are sincere and not only politically motivated. His thoughts on faith and God are also more fully expressed, with deference to others that have differing views.
I particularly enjoyed reading about his cross-country road trips and other adventures with his family, as I have so many of those memories myself. I can relate to the dire agony of Dad complaining that we JUST STOPPED and we are not going to stop for at least another hour, as well as to the wonder of seeing new parts of the country previously only read about. I can also relate to the spread-out-across-the-continent family, not being able to see each other as often as we'd like, and the increased joy of the times we ARE able to be together.
Of course, underlying it all is the aspects of daily life with Parkinson's. The vivid descriptions of how those symptoms manifest themselves and how he has incorporated them into his daily routine is fascinating. The comic descriptions and ability to laugh at himself cover over how challenging it truly must be to live every day with such extreme, life-altering symptoms. The difference in this book is that, instead of his efforts going into hiding his symptoms, he describes how he has now incorporated them, and they are now a part of his life rather than owning it. Thus, the disease is an underlying current of Fox's life, rather than the entire focus of the book. In a way, it takes a back seat to the stories of family and everyday life. That is the key difference, the difference between being controlled and learning to alter one's perspective to take the good with the less-obviously-good. Thinking as an optimist.
4/5
Regardless of more recent events, seeing the inspiration and guidance Fox received from Lance Armstrong demonstrates the power of encouragement that can be received from another. Fox's descriptions of the many people, famous and not-so-famous, who have taking such an active role in his cause and the cause of helping others in general, is inspiring.
He candidly talks about his political focus on scientific research and in this book, though he clearly states his position on some controversial topics, he also more eloquently states his respect for those who have differing opinions and his support of individuals whose convictions and beliefs are sincere and not only politically motivated. His thoughts on faith and God are also more fully expressed, with deference to others that have differing views.
I particularly enjoyed reading about his cross-country road trips and other adventures with his family, as I have so many of those memories myself. I can relate to the dire agony of Dad complaining that we JUST STOPPED and we are not going to stop for at least another hour, as well as to the wonder of seeing new parts of the country previously only read about. I can also relate to the spread-out-across-the-continent family, not being able to see each other as often as we'd like, and the increased joy of the times we ARE able to be together.
Of course, underlying it all is the aspects of daily life with Parkinson's. The vivid descriptions of how those symptoms manifest themselves and how he has incorporated them into his daily routine is fascinating. The comic descriptions and ability to laugh at himself cover over how challenging it truly must be to live every day with such extreme, life-altering symptoms. The difference in this book is that, instead of his efforts going into hiding his symptoms, he describes how he has now incorporated them, and they are now a part of his life rather than owning it. Thus, the disease is an underlying current of Fox's life, rather than the entire focus of the book. In a way, it takes a back seat to the stories of family and everyday life. That is the key difference, the difference between being controlled and learning to alter one's perspective to take the good with the less-obviously-good. Thinking as an optimist.
4/5
May 9, 2009
Fox intrigues me simply because he went the opposite direction with his Parkinson's diagnosis than my dad did with his. After reading this book, I'm more impressed than ever. Fox began exhibiting symptoms of PD when he was 29 but brushed them off as overexertion. The actual PD diagnosis brought a some depression and a time of keeping it to himself. He continued to act on Spin City until the symptoms just couldn't be contained anymore.
This book is divided up into 4 sections: Work, Politics, Faith, Family. These are the 4 areas of his life that keep him going. The Work section describes his decision to give up his acting career and basically step aside. What he didn't know at the time was that he would create a Foundation that would take the place of his acting career. Fox created the Michael J Fox Foundation to fund research to cure PD. He eventually wants his Foundation to go out of business because that would mean that PD was cured.
The Politics section describes how he placed himself in the area to advocate on the behalf of the millions of PD patients and the millions of other patients who could benefit from stem cell research. He has crisscrossed the country backing politicians who support stem cell research without regard for party lines (he can safely take a stand as the MJF Foundation receives no government funding. Chris Reeve couldn't because his Foundation did receive government funding). Most people will probably remember the Rush controversy, ie. Rush making an ass of himself by mocking Fox's commerical for Claire Gaskill and saying that Fox is acting or deliberately not taking his medicine. I remember being pissed because I knew how bad PD is WITH medicine. How Fox looked in his commerical looked like a good day.
The Faith sections expounds on Fox's childhood religious views (there weren't many) and how things have evolved since marrying Tracy, who is Jewish. They raised their children as Jewish but Fox has kept an open mind about all regligious aspects, being more curious than anything.
The last section delves into his Family. He talks about his kids, how they bond and how they handle "Shaky Dad".
Fox is a good storyteller and makes you laugh about the issues he has had to deal with having PD. It's a nice change because as I said, my dad has taken the opposite tack. No humor with lots of self-pity.
Fox's story is inspiring and the work he has done for stem cell research is amazing. His Foundation, in the short time it's been open, has done more for stem cell research and PD research than any other Foundation or government-sponsored program. With Obama as POTUS now and having lifted the ban on stem cell research, Fox may get his wish of having to close his Foundation down.
This book is divided up into 4 sections: Work, Politics, Faith, Family. These are the 4 areas of his life that keep him going. The Work section describes his decision to give up his acting career and basically step aside. What he didn't know at the time was that he would create a Foundation that would take the place of his acting career. Fox created the Michael J Fox Foundation to fund research to cure PD. He eventually wants his Foundation to go out of business because that would mean that PD was cured.
The Politics section describes how he placed himself in the area to advocate on the behalf of the millions of PD patients and the millions of other patients who could benefit from stem cell research. He has crisscrossed the country backing politicians who support stem cell research without regard for party lines (he can safely take a stand as the MJF Foundation receives no government funding. Chris Reeve couldn't because his Foundation did receive government funding). Most people will probably remember the Rush controversy, ie. Rush making an ass of himself by mocking Fox's commerical for Claire Gaskill and saying that Fox is acting or deliberately not taking his medicine. I remember being pissed because I knew how bad PD is WITH medicine. How Fox looked in his commerical looked like a good day.
The Faith sections expounds on Fox's childhood religious views (there weren't many) and how things have evolved since marrying Tracy, who is Jewish. They raised their children as Jewish but Fox has kept an open mind about all regligious aspects, being more curious than anything.
The last section delves into his Family. He talks about his kids, how they bond and how they handle "Shaky Dad".
Fox is a good storyteller and makes you laugh about the issues he has had to deal with having PD. It's a nice change because as I said, my dad has taken the opposite tack. No humor with lots of self-pity.
Fox's story is inspiring and the work he has done for stem cell research is amazing. His Foundation, in the short time it's been open, has done more for stem cell research and PD research than any other Foundation or government-sponsored program. With Obama as POTUS now and having lifted the ban on stem cell research, Fox may get his wish of having to close his Foundation down.
August 24, 2016
In Always Looking Up, Michael J. Fox shares all aspects of his life, before and after Parkinson’s disease. I am amazed by his beautifully optimistic perception of life; as he shares personal stories from his career as an actor, life as a husband and a father of 4. Readers and fans see the genuine Michael J. Fox, as he passionately shares his stance on Stem Cell Research, political views, religious beliefs, and friendships ups and downs; including a few stories including personal friends we recently lost, Robin Williams to depression, and Mohamad Ali to Parkinson’s disease.
MJF shares stories about his friends, also fellow celebrities, as real people. He talks about how they spend their free time, and money, to support their beliefs, and the many charitable organizations; helping everyone from all walks of life, with a variety of unfortunate diagnosis, or life situations. He brings everything to light in a positive way, with his wonderfully humorous personality; he even throws in a few jokes about his own “short comings� in several different ways.
I particularly liked a story he shared about an interview he had with Katie Couric to speak for Stem Cell Research. His purpose for going on the show was to explain the difference between the Stem Cell Research he’s promoting and the research some extreme religious groups believe to be an abomination. His interview seems as though it may be shadowed by an insensitively rude comment recently made by an outspoken radio talk show host whom MJF hasn’t even given a thought to. (in my opinion, this radio host has never really had an opinion of his own, but seems to have made a career of simply bashing the opinions and beliefs of others.) Instead of wasting time on him and his comment, Michael simply moves on to more important statements he wants to share. That’s class and professionalism at its best.
I also personally related to later in that same interview with Katie; in speaking with of his symptoms, he admits it’s not pretty when he’s having a “bad day� but he’s had his time of being pretty, all the teenage girls that had his picture on their walls gave him enough time of being pretty. I have to admit, I was one of those teenage girls; yes, I was into short guys back then. Just look at all my formal dance pictures for proof.
There’s so much more I can say about Always Looking Up, but instead I’ll just sum it up by saying. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book; it’s a HUGE 5 Boundless Stars for me. I’m going back to get all his other books, and I’m not just saying this because of my teenage crush on him either. He is a beautiful person; after this book, I have a completely new respect for Michael J. Fox, and his family....Beth
MJF shares stories about his friends, also fellow celebrities, as real people. He talks about how they spend their free time, and money, to support their beliefs, and the many charitable organizations; helping everyone from all walks of life, with a variety of unfortunate diagnosis, or life situations. He brings everything to light in a positive way, with his wonderfully humorous personality; he even throws in a few jokes about his own “short comings� in several different ways.
I particularly liked a story he shared about an interview he had with Katie Couric to speak for Stem Cell Research. His purpose for going on the show was to explain the difference between the Stem Cell Research he’s promoting and the research some extreme religious groups believe to be an abomination. His interview seems as though it may be shadowed by an insensitively rude comment recently made by an outspoken radio talk show host whom MJF hasn’t even given a thought to. (in my opinion, this radio host has never really had an opinion of his own, but seems to have made a career of simply bashing the opinions and beliefs of others.) Instead of wasting time on him and his comment, Michael simply moves on to more important statements he wants to share. That’s class and professionalism at its best.
I also personally related to later in that same interview with Katie; in speaking with of his symptoms, he admits it’s not pretty when he’s having a “bad day� but he’s had his time of being pretty, all the teenage girls that had his picture on their walls gave him enough time of being pretty. I have to admit, I was one of those teenage girls; yes, I was into short guys back then. Just look at all my formal dance pictures for proof.
There’s so much more I can say about Always Looking Up, but instead I’ll just sum it up by saying. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book; it’s a HUGE 5 Boundless Stars for me. I’m going back to get all his other books, and I’m not just saying this because of my teenage crush on him either. He is a beautiful person; after this book, I have a completely new respect for Michael J. Fox, and his family....Beth
January 29, 2011
This is the second autobiography that Mr. Fox (kinda weird to be so formal considering I had posters of him all over my bedroom wall as a giddy teenager) wrote. The first titled Lucky Man, which I haven't read. This one basically memoirs his life after retiring from his hit TV sitcom, Spin City in 2000. He divided this book into four parts: work, politics, faith, and family.
Non-fiction books can be a tedious read so finding an interesting subject becomes essential. Needless to say, Michael J. Fox was an interesting "subject" for me. Then having read this book, I find him even more interesting. He's quite a stand up guy. Inspirational, funny, intelligent, philanthropic, and yes, optimistic. Most of his adventures were a delight to read. It was a refreshing look at his personal life.
I most enjoyed his stories involving his families ...parents, siblings, wife, and kids. His story of his sister K.C. was especially heartwrenching. Moreover, his relationship with his wife and kids jumped out as sincere love and devotion. I'm such a sucker for stories reflecting solid marriage and parenting.
Of course, he discussed his adventures with having Parkinson's disease. He went through a grieving process but quickly turned it into a fight and built a Michael J. Fox Foundation with an initial pitch of "I need you to help me go out of business." (pg 55). His determination to find a cure eventually lead him to be in the political arena, namely pushing for the stem cell project. There he found hurdles but some good news in the long run came.
This was an overall lovely read. A good man sharing his hopeful journey with upbeat perspective.
**Find this review and more at
Non-fiction books can be a tedious read so finding an interesting subject becomes essential. Needless to say, Michael J. Fox was an interesting "subject" for me. Then having read this book, I find him even more interesting. He's quite a stand up guy. Inspirational, funny, intelligent, philanthropic, and yes, optimistic. Most of his adventures were a delight to read. It was a refreshing look at his personal life.
I most enjoyed his stories involving his families ...parents, siblings, wife, and kids. His story of his sister K.C. was especially heartwrenching. Moreover, his relationship with his wife and kids jumped out as sincere love and devotion. I'm such a sucker for stories reflecting solid marriage and parenting.
Of course, he discussed his adventures with having Parkinson's disease. He went through a grieving process but quickly turned it into a fight and built a Michael J. Fox Foundation with an initial pitch of "I need you to help me go out of business." (pg 55). His determination to find a cure eventually lead him to be in the political arena, namely pushing for the stem cell project. There he found hurdles but some good news in the long run came.
This was an overall lovely read. A good man sharing his hopeful journey with upbeat perspective.
**Find this review and more at
April 15, 2009
A really easy and satisfying read. Always Looking Up picks up where Lucky Man leaves off, both in content and time. Once again, I am struck by Michael J. Fox's writing abilities. He writes with grace and wit, even humor (especially when he writes about being a father). As in Lucky Man, he jumps around chronologically, so you really want to read the date at the beginning of each passage, if you want to put events into context.
This book focuses primarily on Fox's experiences with Parkinson's Disease, and he does a remarkable job describing the symptoms and helping the reader to understand what a PD patient goes through. For Fox, it's not so much a "battle" with PD; the way he explains it, it's more like a journey.
Through his chapters on work and politics, Fox illustrates why celebrities are so uniquely positioned for philanthropy: besides bringing attention to whatever particular cause they support, they also have the money and means to fundraise and simply "get things done."
Having known nothing in advance about Fox's ideas on religion, the chapter on faith was particularly interesting. I was impressed with his self-awareness and insight. The kind of acceptance and inclusion he writes about spoke to me in terms of my own religious outlook.
Overall, an uplifting book. In his late 40's, Fox is younger than the age at which most patients are diagnosed with Parkinson's, yet, having Young Onset PD, he's lived with it for 18 years already. Still, he seems genuinely appreciative of every piece of good fortune in his life.
This book focuses primarily on Fox's experiences with Parkinson's Disease, and he does a remarkable job describing the symptoms and helping the reader to understand what a PD patient goes through. For Fox, it's not so much a "battle" with PD; the way he explains it, it's more like a journey.
Through his chapters on work and politics, Fox illustrates why celebrities are so uniquely positioned for philanthropy: besides bringing attention to whatever particular cause they support, they also have the money and means to fundraise and simply "get things done."
Having known nothing in advance about Fox's ideas on religion, the chapter on faith was particularly interesting. I was impressed with his self-awareness and insight. The kind of acceptance and inclusion he writes about spoke to me in terms of my own religious outlook.
Overall, an uplifting book. In his late 40's, Fox is younger than the age at which most patients are diagnosed with Parkinson's, yet, having Young Onset PD, he's lived with it for 18 years already. Still, he seems genuinely appreciative of every piece of good fortune in his life.
September 4, 2013
Always Looking Up by Michael J. Fox was a novel that reflected on the life of this incredible man. Split up into four parts, this book breaks down the parts of his life that many readers can relate to. The four toipics are Work, Politics, Faith, and Family. Michael J. Fox, as most people know, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, or PD. All of these topics somehow are affected by this horrible disease, and the ways Michael hurdles the obstacles ahead of him inspire many. Work, if it isn't obvious, touches upon his work life as an actor. He explains his struggles to change jobs because of his PD and how he finds ways to work around it. Politics touches more on the topic of his work with ads, commercials, and books because of his PD. Faith describes how his wife is Jewish, and also goes deeper into his relationship with his son. And, finally, family explains his family relationships and vacations. Overall the novel, no matter the topic, always had one main topic, his Parkison's Disease. Anyone who reads this, with sickness or without, is inspired to take a stand. Michael J. Fox, with the help of many standing behind him, has given hope to millions of people. He has, through his books and television series, shown people that nothing is stronger than hope. "The opposite of fear is faith," as quoted in his faith chapter. The novel taught me about Michael's life, yet it taught me much more than that in reality. I would highly recommend this book, great read about a great life.
June 3, 2018
This book was written a decade ago. Michael J. Fox says it best:
"The last ten years, which is really the stuff of this book, began with such a loss: my retirement from Spin City. I found myself struggling with a strange new dynamic: the shifting of public and private personas. I had been Mike the actor, then Mike the actor with PD. Now was I just Mike with PD Parkinson's had consumed my career and, in a sense, had become my career. But where did all of this leave Me? I had to build a new life when I was already pretty happy with the old one..."
Those of us who watched this beloved actor from his earliest years have loved him - and continue to love him. He was always a class act - you just didn't hear anything negative about Michael J. Fox, and I'm sure the powers that be tried to find some. I highly doubt anyone had a bad thing to say about him. His fellow actors adored him as a professional and a friend. His wife and children reap praise on him as a family man, loving husband, and doting dad. His friends know he will do anything to help anyone in need.
His fight against the devastating uncurable disease of Parkinsons is documented here, but the focus of this book is mostly on the last decade, of his transition of an actor with this disease to a regular guy who happens to have PD.
It's a very inspirational and uplifting -never depressing - read, even though he is quite upfront about what it feels like to be hit in the face with such a diagnosis. Brilliant and loving man.
"The last ten years, which is really the stuff of this book, began with such a loss: my retirement from Spin City. I found myself struggling with a strange new dynamic: the shifting of public and private personas. I had been Mike the actor, then Mike the actor with PD. Now was I just Mike with PD Parkinson's had consumed my career and, in a sense, had become my career. But where did all of this leave Me? I had to build a new life when I was already pretty happy with the old one..."
Those of us who watched this beloved actor from his earliest years have loved him - and continue to love him. He was always a class act - you just didn't hear anything negative about Michael J. Fox, and I'm sure the powers that be tried to find some. I highly doubt anyone had a bad thing to say about him. His fellow actors adored him as a professional and a friend. His wife and children reap praise on him as a family man, loving husband, and doting dad. His friends know he will do anything to help anyone in need.
His fight against the devastating uncurable disease of Parkinsons is documented here, but the focus of this book is mostly on the last decade, of his transition of an actor with this disease to a regular guy who happens to have PD.
It's a very inspirational and uplifting -never depressing - read, even though he is quite upfront about what it feels like to be hit in the face with such a diagnosis. Brilliant and loving man.
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