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Lucky Man: A Memoir
The trade paperback edition of this national number one bestseller should be a huge hit with Michael J. Fox??'s fans. This memoir discusses Fox??'s life--growing up in Canada and then becoming a national television star in the U.S. at the age of 19. He reveals the excess and temptations he fell into as a young star, and how with the help of his wife, Tracy Pollan, he quit ...more
Paperback, 272 pages
Published
April 9th 2003
by Hyperion
(first published 2002)
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I saw a copy of Lucky Man in a thrift store for a buck. I think I would have passed up this kind of book if it were by nearly any other author, but I grew up with Fox, in a way. I watched Family Ties pretty religiously as a kid and Back To The Future made Fox my boyhood hero.
Having read Lucky Man, I find Fox has become a hero to me as an adult as well. It’s not just the story of how gracefully (he might not agree with me there) and effectively he battled Parkinson’s and overcame s...more
Having read Lucky Man, I find Fox has become a hero to me as an adult as well. It’s not just the story of how gracefully (he might not agree with me there) and effectively he battled Parkinson’s and overcame s...more
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Another theme (besides medicine) that is popping up in my recent reading is Canada. I've read more books about Canada, Canadians and stories taking place in Canada. Michael J. Fox's memoir, Lucky Man, falls under both categories: medicine (for his thoughts on living with Parkinson's Disease) and Canada (born in Edmonton, Alberta). Lucky Man also qualifies as one of the best books I've read this year.
Fox begins his memoir with his diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson's Disease but the ...more
Fox begins his memoir with his diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson's Disease but the ...more
Holly
rated it
·
review of another edition
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
everyone that has a struggle to overcome
While this memoir is indeed the life story of Michael J. Fox, his rise to fame as an actor, and his struggle to accept and deal with Parkinson's Disease, his incredible writing takes it a step further. He elucidates on his relationships and motivations in such a way that I found many parallels to the demons that I battle in my life - which are nothing like Parkinson's Disease. His writing is thoughtful, funny, wry, and humble... all the things I'd have expected of him from his public persona. I ...more
Rob
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anybody interested in Michael J Fox or the experience of living with Parkinson's
I had some trouble getting into this book. I don't particularly like his writing style (Fox wrote it himself), however once I got into the meat of the story I enjoyed the book. He talks about his early life (did you know he was Canadian?), his experience in California as a struggling actor and then all the success that Family Ties and Back to the Future brought. It was pretty moving to hear how much of a mess his personal life had become due to all his professional success and the complete tu...more
After I finished Michael J. Fox’s Lucky Man, I
learned that before he told everyone about battling
Parkinson’s disease, in 1998, he got diagnosed in
September 1991. In November 1990, he woke up one
morning to one of his pinkies shaking. “For Christ
sake, Mike. I tried to tell myself. It’s just your
freaking finger. But that was just the point: It wasn’t
mine; it was somebody else’s. My Pinky was possesse...more
learned that before he told everyone about battling
Parkinson’s disease, in 1998, he got diagnosed in
September 1991. In November 1990, he woke up one
morning to one of his pinkies shaking. “For Christ
sake, Mike. I tried to tell myself. It’s just your
freaking finger. But that was just the point: It wasn’t
mine; it was somebody else’s. My Pinky was possesse...more
I have been a huge Michael J. Fox fan since he first appeared on American tv. As Alex P. Keaton he was elitist, smug and arrogant...but at the same time you found yourself rooting for him because he was so darned adorable! As Marty McFly in the "Back to the Future" trilogy he was the kid that just never got it right...until he did. My own kids love to watch that series of movies over and over again.
But Michael grew up, did many many more movies and then tv shows and then s...more
But Michael grew up, did many many more movies and then tv shows and then s...more
This was one of my first celeb bios, and I couldn't have been more thrilled with it. Personally, I really only appreciate bios that have a real story to tell, and boy does Michael J. Fox have one!
I grew up watching Family Ties, where he was my least favorite character - because I was too young to dote after him, just old enough to understand enough about [Alex's] political leanings to know that they were ...not for me, but still too young to get much of the humor surrounding them, and ...more
I grew up watching Family Ties, where he was my least favorite character - because I was too young to dote after him, just old enough to understand enough about [Alex's] political leanings to know that they were ...not for me, but still too young to get much of the humor surrounding them, and ...more
The overriding emotion I felt upon listening to Michael J Fox’s “Lucky Guy” – my first audio book – was complete and utter admiration for the actor, the father and the husband.
I’ve had this audio cd for a few years and never quite found the time to sit down and listen to it all the way through, something far more important - as I saw it anyway - always cropped up! Listening to a cd should be a breeze shouldn’t it? I was taken aback by the sincerity and emotion that emanated from the cd...more
I’ve had this audio cd for a few years and never quite found the time to sit down and listen to it all the way through, something far more important - as I saw it anyway - always cropped up! Listening to a cd should be a breeze shouldn’t it? I was taken aback by the sincerity and emotion that emanated from the cd...more
I read this last Wednesday for our book club. Procrastinating as usual..
I've always liked Michael J Fox and I appreciate the man even more after reading this autobiography. For a man who didn't finish high school until he took the GED in his 30's, his writing is polished (his Canadian schooling may be responsible!). I also noted that his mentor was Michael Pollan, a very gifted author himself. I admired the author's honesty and the way he wrote about all the soul searching he did. Life has ...more
I've always liked Michael J Fox and I appreciate the man even more after reading this autobiography. For a man who didn't finish high school until he took the GED in his 30's, his writing is polished (his Canadian schooling may be responsible!). I also noted that his mentor was Michael Pollan, a very gifted author himself. I admired the author's honesty and the way he wrote about all the soul searching he did. Life has ...more
I found this to be a reasonably interesting autobiography, as it let me peek into a world that's entirely different from my own. Celebrity, Parkinson's, and just his whole family dynamic ... it's all different from my world.
I learned years ago a little bit about how the socio-political dynamics of Hollywood work, so I was busy looking for the key words that meant the truth was being fuzzed up. I only noticed a few, though.
I "read" this book in the audiobook form...more
I learned years ago a little bit about how the socio-political dynamics of Hollywood work, so I was busy looking for the key words that meant the truth was being fuzzed up. I only noticed a few, though.
I "read" this book in the audiobook form...more
It has been quite some time since Michael J. Fox of Back to the Future and Family Ties fame announced to the world that he had Parkinson’s disease. What is most interesting with this memoir is that he is in no way depressed about his rare affliction, but in some ways feels happy to have contracted it. He feels a lucky man.
His career did not begin with the big bucks. As a young boy from Canada, he wanted to strike it rich in Hollywood, but in the beginning years he often went hungr...more
His career did not begin with the big bucks. As a young boy from Canada, he wanted to strike it rich in Hollywood, but in the beginning years he often went hungr...more
Michael J Fox is a talented storyteller, at least in describing his own life. The "warts and all" approach to writing a memoir is never easy, and let's be honest, there's probably a few warts missing in everyone's recollection. However, it takes just plain guts to talk so candidly about one's life, and that's the first of many kudos offered to Mr. Fox for his book.
This memoir provides the feeling of just chatting with a man who, from his various appearances in film and tele...more
This memoir provides the feeling of just chatting with a man who, from his various appearances in film and tele...more
I haven't read many autobiographies that center around life-altering disease or chronic illness, although I'm sure they can get saccrine, sentimental, or perhaps even exploitative? Having chicken soup for the soul' forced down your throat, is just unappealing. In any case, I can't make too many comparisons within that genre, and would love to hear your thoughts...
I had the feeling that this book served as much need pause - a reflection - and a much needed self awareness - in m...more
Michael J. Fox begins his autobiography telling of his discovery one morning that his pinkie was twitching, a discovery that would ultimately change the course of his life when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He then flashes back to his childhood in Canada and his relationship with his parents, siblings and his beloved Nana. Fox talks about his struggles in school (he eventually dropped out of high school) and his success as an actor in Canada which inspired him to move to California ...more
I don't generally read celebrity memoirs, but when I became curious about Parkinson's Disease, Michael J. Fox's Lucky Man was the first book that popped into my head. I picked it up in the hopes that it would give me a better idea what to expect when I visit a dear friend with the disease this summer.
Best known for being the star of Family Ties and the Back to the Future movies, Fox was living a life that most people can only dream of when he was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson...more
Best known for being the star of Family Ties and the Back to the Future movies, Fox was living a life that most people can only dream of when he was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson...more
Growing up, Michael J. Fox was sort of like my big brother, being a couple of years older than me. If I was a character on FAMILY TIES, I would have been a classmate of Mallory’s. Such was the impact of that show (squeezed in between Cosby and Cheers) that I suspect everyone in my generation felt like part of the family. He was such a nice guy that everyone cheered for him. I think we all hoped for success like his, but speaking for my generation, there is one thought that I know we all share, t...more
In Michael J. Fox’s memoir titled Lucky Man, the world is reminded why his most famous roles of Alex Keaton and Marty McFly were made famous via his personality, which comes to life from within the pages. Michael J. Fox takes a step backward in time and relives the transition of being a middle-class Canadian teenager to becoming a big-time Hollywood movie star. The seemingly glamorous and star-studded years of his early acting career were abruptly dethroned by his wincingly-real descriptions and...more
Great read. Loved hearing about celebrity, overcoming drinking, and experience with Parkinson's disease. MJF always did come across as a cocky can get away with anything kind of person, so it was interesting to hear how he coped with the hardships life through at him. One thing that wasn't really written about which I would have liked to know more was his relationship with his kids. There were some nice episodes, but also discussion about his 14 hour days on set and travels to work. I wonde...more
My first memory of my mom crying is when my grandma was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I was barely two, and she has now struggled with it for nearly twelve years. I've accepted that there's a good chance other members of my family (including me) might one day get it. However, Young Onset would scare the hell out of me--I wouldn't be able to deal with it. But Fox does all this and more.
Until recently, Michal J Fox was a name I grew up with--for both his awareness campaigns for P...more
Until recently, Michal J Fox was a name I grew up with--for both his awareness campaigns for P...more
Absolutely wonderful--exactly would you expect from Fox. Funny, relatable, optimistic, charming, I was completely sucked in by his easy manner. He's so inspiring (which is so cliched, but true) because he refuses just to be miserable. I think it must be attributed not only to his solid Canadian upbringing, but also the fact he's married to an incredibly strong woman in Tracy Pollan as well. The funniest thing I realized when I read the Thank You's is that his brother-in-law Michael Pollan he...more
Reading this book was a little difficult. Fox has Parkinson's Disease and with each description of the disease or it's horrible symptoms I just ended up thinking of my dad. Dad passed away in October 2009 from PD and I would love to have my dad back, shaky and unsteady as he was.
Fox takes us through his life, from growing up an army brat in Canada to breaking into Hollywood and the lean years before Family Ties became a huge hit. He started getting famous for movies, including Back t...more
Fox takes us through his life, from growing up an army brat in Canada to breaking into Hollywood and the lean years before Family Ties became a huge hit. He started getting famous for movies, including Back t...more
Eric
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Fans, PD patients, movie/television historians
Finished reading this book and didn’t feel nearly as inspired as I thought I might. It’s not a bad book – it’s actually a fairly easy read – it just doesn’t really touch me. I know there are a number of folks out there, particularly those that share Mr. Fox’s diagnosis, that find this book to be a much bigger deal than I do. I respect that. I’m really glad he has decided to share all sides of his story. I found it particularly telling that he decided to show the shell, the imaginary world, that ...more
It was clear from reading this book that Michael J. Fox, my childhood idol, was going to succeed no matter what. He just had it in him. He possessed that natural talent which was his no matter where he went to school or what his background was. You may be right when you say that he was lucky to be in all the right places at all the right times, however the secret of his success was, yes, luck, a blessing from his parents, super high energy level, and a willingness to work for 21 hours a day f...more
E' disarmante la semplicità e la schiettezza con cui Michael Fox racconta tutta la sua vita alla luce della sua malattia. Capisco il titolo del libro che, ad una lettura superficiale, può sembrare contraddittorio o ironico.
La cosa curiosa è che son stata una di quelle persone che l'ha seguito, vedendolo crescere e crescendo con lui. Divertita dal suo ruolo di figlio tendenzialmente yuppy di genitori ex hippy, ho amato la trilogia di ritorno al futuro e, fra i film che ha interpretato, mi è...more
La cosa curiosa è che son stata una di quelle persone che l'ha seguito, vedendolo crescere e crescendo con lui. Divertita dal suo ruolo di figlio tendenzialmente yuppy di genitori ex hippy, ho amato la trilogia di ritorno al futuro e, fra i film che ha interpretato, mi è...more
I never would have picked up this book if it wasn't for Senior Center Book Club and after the first 40 pages it had me hooked and I could not put it down. Funny, inspiring and informative, for a mere novice I learned a lot about Parkinson's disease and especially enjoyed the page on stem cell research, I finally understand why so many are passionate about this issue. This was a wonderful read for a memoir.
Favorite quotes:
(p.7) "A creative mess is better than an idle ...more
Favorite quotes:
(p.7) "A creative mess is better than an idle ...more
Just like Fox's 2nd book "Always Looking Up", I looked forward to going to bed just to be able to read his first book, "Lucky Man" (yeah I read them out of order).
As an actor, he brought joy to millions of people, and that's what grabs you and sucks you in to tell you two stories. One story tells of his life as an actor, and the other tells his life as a son/brother/husband/father. Where the second book focuses more on his battle with Parkinson's and his determi...more
As an actor, he brought joy to millions of people, and that's what grabs you and sucks you in to tell you two stories. One story tells of his life as an actor, and the other tells his life as a son/brother/husband/father. Where the second book focuses more on his battle with Parkinson's and his determi...more
Linds
rated it
·
review of another edition
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review of another edition
Shelves:
2000s,
downers,
inspirational,
memoir,
movies,
tear-jerker,
west-coast,
physical-disablities,
non-fiction
Who doesn't love Michael J. Fox?
I really enjoyed reading his memoir. He's had such a strange life, such monumental reversal of fortunes. He goes from Canadian army brat very quickly to a massive TV and movie star to being diagnosed with Parkinson's. All within about ten years.
It can be hard to read about the first five years after his diagnosis. His understandable rage and denial, the self isolation, and the exhausting energy he put into keeping his condition a secret.
...more
I really enjoyed reading his memoir. He's had such a strange life, such monumental reversal of fortunes. He goes from Canadian army brat very quickly to a massive TV and movie star to being diagnosed with Parkinson's. All within about ten years.
It can be hard to read about the first five years after his diagnosis. His understandable rage and denial, the self isolation, and the exhausting energy he put into keeping his condition a secret.
...more
I was a Michael J. Fox fan growing up, so I was sad to hear about him having Parkinson's about the time I got married. I just found out about these two books (this and Always Looking Up) he's written and was very interested in reading them.
In reading this book I emotionally went from one polar opposite to the other and back again!
Beginning with his childhood, I found reading about his life pleasurable. My admiration for him was refounded.
Then, he turned int...more
In reading this book I emotionally went from one polar opposite to the other and back again!
Beginning with his childhood, I found reading about his life pleasurable. My admiration for him was refounded.
Then, he turned int...more
This was my first non-fiction book that I read by choice, and I must say that I greatly enjoyed it. I have always been a Michael J Fox fan, and this book proved that he is a person worthy of admiration. He is a man who recognizes and admits the mistakes he has made and talks about how he has gladly learned from them. He has been through a lot in his life, most notably his significant challenge of having Parkinson's disease, and instead of becoming bitter has used these trials as a means to le...more
I don't know why, but I expected this book to be funnier and less introspective than it turned out to be. Now that I think about it, a book about one's discovery that they have Parkinson's disease isn't a laughing matter and is most definitely cause for deep reflection. I guess the fact that Michael J. Fox has always played witty, somewhat cynical characters led me to expect that from this book which I know is silly considering he's an ACTOR! At any rate, it was a refreshing look into how a p...more
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Canadian/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 Hollyw...more
More about Michael J. Fox...
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 Hollyw...more
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“If you were to rush into this room right now and announce that you had struck a deal - with God, Allah, Buddha, Christ, Krishna, Bill Gates, whomever - in which the ten years since my diagnosis could be magically taken away, traded in for ten more years as the person I was before - I would, without a moment's hesitation, tell you to take a hike.”
—
9 people liked it
“My notion of spirituality was different than it is now, but even if I'd been the most fundamentalist of believers, I would have assumed that God had better things to do than arbitrarily smite me with shaking palsy.”
—
5 people liked it
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