Always Looking Up: The Ad...

by
Michael J. Fox

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Always Looking Up: The Adventures Of An Incurable Optimist

by Michael J. Fox

3.64 · rating details · 4,387 ratings · 840 reviews

The popular film and television actor evaluates the personal philosophy that has enabled his positive outlook in spite of his battle with degenerative Parkinson's disease, in an uplifting account that considers how he has become a happier and more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.

Paperback, 279 pages

Published by Hyperion Books (first published January 1st 2009)

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Mar 17, 2009

Susan added it · review of another edition

Part memoir, part political argument, part medical story, this is a well-written, touching, intellectually-stimulating...erm...book. Surprise! It's a book!

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Jan 10, 2011

Dixie LoCicero rated it

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I read this book for the 2nd time because I admire his optimism and enjoy his outlook on life. I wanted to start the New Year out on a positive note! The book covers his last season of Spin City, when he realized he needed to retire and how it was a difficult choice, but the right one. He then became very involved in pushing for stem cell research and speaking out on behalf of all those who suffer various diseases, especially Parkinson's. It is amazing how his marriage became even stronger thro...more

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Jun 25, 2009

Cathy rated it

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Shelves: audiobook, biography, non-fiction, read-in-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 mu...more

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Apr 28, 2009

NG rated it

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Shelves: memoirs

If only I could be as clear-headed, positive, open, and thoughtful in my every day life as this author is as he battles a deadly disease. ALWAYS LOOKING UP is not a celebrity memoir. It is considered journey through the past ten years of living life with Parkinson's Disease. But it isn't a downer or heavy on the medical details. Fox shows instead how living with PD has affected the way he views family, faith, life, and politics. And he writes eloquently and movingly on each topic and is a fantas...more

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Oct 27, 2011

Victor rated it

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Another great example of a real life story of a famous actor who over comes adversity with amazing resiliency. Michael J. Fox share intimate every day obstacles in his life and how he faces each one always looking up.

His anecdotes of working with and schmoozing with famous people in all walks of life is fun to read as well.

Part of the book is definitely dedicated to activism and makes a strong case for Stem Cell Research all be it from a self declared biased perspective...more

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Jan 29, 2011

Jinky rated it

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Shelves: read-in-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...more

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Mar 30, 2010

Lavonne rated it

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Shelves: biography

Michael J. Fox has every reason to be depressed and bitter, yet he takes the opposite view of everything and everyone in his life. I found this biography much better written than others I have recently read, but I do believe he had a ghost writer. That's okay, it's still an amazing narative of an amazing journey.

I truly enjoyed his views on other celebs, such as Muhammad Ali, a man who is still performing magic tricks to amuse others despite the ravages of Parkinson's, or Robin Willi...more

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Jan 10, 2010

Jason rated it

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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 ot...more

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Jan 07, 2010

Nikki-ann rated it

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Shelves: auto-biography

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...moreAlways 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).(less)

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Nov 14, 2009

Debbie rated it

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Whether you remember him as Alex P. Keaton, Marty McFly, or Mike Flaherty...Michael J. Fox has had many labels in his life...actor, husband, father, activist and now optimist. This book follows the chapter of his life that began about 10 years ago when he retired from Spin City to start the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in the hopes of helping to find a cure for Parkinson's.

His humor comes thru even as he writes about things he has encountered in these past ten ...more

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Oct 20, 2009

Ichaerus rated it

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Shelves: 2009, memoir, non-fiction

I don't know what I was expecting when I picked this up, but it certainly wasn't what I got. I know the subtitle is "Adventures of an Incurable Optimist", but I didn't realize just how fully that phrase embodies Fox and the way he lives his life.

I have not read Fox's other book, and to be honest, I always thought he was just kind of a walking joke. Good with humor, but not much else. I admit I was saddened when he announced publicly that he had Parkinson's, and that he w...more

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Oct 09, 2009

Nekouken added it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

My grandmother bought this book to give to her son (my uncle), who had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's. MJF's ability to function and remain boyishly charming despite being a fifty-year-old with a degenerative nerve disease is impressive enough that his story in his own words is sure to inspire. I read the first half of it before she was able to give it to him. I finished it when a lady I'm dating gave it to me as a book exchange (I had given her [Darkly Dreaming Dexter:] on our seco...more

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Jul 16, 2009

McKay rated it

· review of another edition

I found the title of this book to be very deceiving...either that, or I missed the whole concept. Regardless, I did enjoy many parts of this book. I appreciate Michael's unwavering dedication to stem cell research and finding cures for many of the diseases and injuries that many of our loved ones battle on a daily basis. I also appreciated the great chapters about his family and the importance of just letting our children go and discover things on their own. Being in education, I see far too...more

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Jun 03, 2009

rjp316 rated it

· review of another edition

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 h...more

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Sep 17, 2009

Kim rated it

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When I was younger, I always wished that Alex P. Keaton was my older brother. There was something magnetic about Michael J. Fox's personality even then. Reading this book (and his first book from several years ago) made me love him even more. The title of the book is perfect because if there is anything that comes through in this book, it is that he is incredibly optimistic. Even though he is realistic about his Parkinson's, he maintains this infectious hope that you can just tell has a huge ...more

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Jun 13, 2009

Claudia rated it

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It is an unbelievably personal, poignant, and moving book. He describes four pillars in his life: Work, Politics, Faith, and Family. In each he describes people he’s met, ranging from “ordinary” people to Lance Armstrong to George Stephanopoulos to Muhammad Ali to Pete Townsend and Bruce Springsteen (the latter two of which he’s played guitar on stage with). Each story, each place, each memory is replete with humor, grace, and truthfulness. He describes his personal daily struggles with Parkinso...more

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Feb 23, 2010

Ken rated it

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One of a handful of celebrities with the misfortune to be stricken with PD, he has turned his situation into a battle cry to fight the disease. This short bio explains what this journey has meant to his career and family, while forcing him into the unfamiliar territory of politics. It's amazing that he's able to stay positive and keep his humor, but after finishing this book it becomes much clearer. He obviously loves his family and is a determined soul. It's the same determination that dr...more

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Apr 07, 2009

Mr. Z rated it

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Recommends it for: Anyone looking for inspiration to make good things happen with their lives

Recommended to Mr. Z by: Happened upon it at the store

Shelves: a-classroom-library, biography-autobiography-memoirs, dealing-w-death-illness-tragedy, non-fiction-how-to-inform-inspire

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 movi...moreAs 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.

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Jul 26, 2011

Ronald Wise rated it

· review of another edition

A rather light but inspiring book from a well-liked celebrity who is confronted with an increasingly debilitating disease, forcing an essential end to the career he loves and the necessity of sheer determination to perform even the basic daily tasks.

This book was well balanced in its blend of medical details, celebrity insider information, and political concerns. Fox seems to be pleasantly surprised by the celebrity status he had reached, and his reaction to his Parkinson's Disease dia...more

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Sep 06, 2011

Chezon rated it

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Recommends it for: parkinson's patients, those who need inspiration, fathers

Recommended to Chezon by: iamjallen

Shelves: audiobooks, returned-to-the-library

It was a lot more political than I assumed it would be. There were also a number of unexpected religious passages. I got it hoping to be inspired. It doesn't disappoint. However, it was not the type of inspiration I thought I would receive. He doesn't offer colorful insights into how to live your life better. Instead, he openly discusses the transformation his life has taken: from being a reckless young Hollywood actor, to being a family man with Parkinson, to becoming a spokesperson for Parkins...more

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Mar 05, 2011

John Shaver rated it

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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 cel...moreIn 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. (less)

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May 09, 2009

Amanda rated it

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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, Po...moreFox 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.

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Aug 13, 2009

Kathy rated it

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I have always been a Michael J. Fox fan and loved his first book- Lucky Man. I enjoyed this second effort as well, although it was a bit dry when compared to the first. He is a remarkable person and provides valuable lessons that anyone can learn and take to heart.
The lack of chronological sequence was annoying at times, but about 1/3 of the way in I did adjust and it became easier to follow his idea development. He examines the four areas of his life- his professional career, poli...more

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Sep 12, 2010

Jen A. rated it

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One of our good family friends -- a man who's known me since Day 1 (literally) -- has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I've seen recent interviews with Michael J. Fox -- watched him bob, sway and twitch with the displaced energy of dyskinesias, and I have to admit that the movements intrigued me. How does this unplanned, un-wished-for movement make HIM feel?

"Always Looking Up" isn't the first of MJF's books. His career as an author began with "Lucky Man," wh...moreOne of our good family friends -- a man who's known me since Day 1 (literally) -- has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I've seen recent interviews with Michael J. Fox -- watched him bob, sway and twitch with the displaced energy of dyskinesias, and I have to admit that the movements intrigued me. How does this unplanned, un-wished-for movement make HIM feel?

"Always Looking Up" isn't the first of MJF's books. His career as an author began with "Lucky Man," which I have not read. "Always Looking Up" breaks down MJF's life into the four pillars that allow him to function and thrive: work, politics, faith and family.

Reading this entire book is like having several different conversations with MJF. The tone is casual and you may or may not feel like he's covered everything you wished him to talk about within the confines of a certain chapter (some sections are full, others leave you wanting a little more -- mostly because it's interesting to be given such an honest look into a celebrity's life).

The work section was interesting, because he was incredibly honest about his own initial disregard for his diagnosis, but then very clearly described how PD affected his ability to act and how the PD drugs played into his ability (or inability) to continue with certain roles. He doesn't give himself any breaks for his initial period of being a workaholic, but clearly defines how stepping back and spending more time with his family and in pursuit of other work (PD research) has benefited him overall.

The politics section made me speed-read a bit -- but to be completely honest I've never been very interested in politics or political parties. I did like that MJF stated several times that he supports those who support stem cell research -- so while that obviously puts him in the Democratic camp most of the time, he has used his celebrity to do ads for Republican candidates who supported the same research. Fairness, in support of the end goal without using party lines as obstructions -- I can admire that.

The faith and family sections were the most engaging, leaving me with the thought that Fox is indeed a "lucky man," to be able to look at his life so objectively and see how, on so many levels, he's been blessed. I found it interesting to read how he relates to (and embraces) the Jewish faith (not being Jewish himself), and his love and partnership with his wife, Tracy, is truly admirable. Fox covers some emotional ground here -- the loss of his eldest sister, for one -- yet the end result is that the reader is left with a clear understanding of how someone who has been dealt a rather unforgiving set of cards (such as PD) could continue on with multifaceted success and optimism. (less)

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Sep 16, 2009

Jessica (j*&p*) rated it

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Shelves: 2009-books

Wow, this book was a really big surprise for me. I think I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could. I've always found Michael J. Fox likeable. Plus after my Grandpa's struggle with and eventual death from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, I've really appreciated and admired the advocacy work that Michael J. Fox has done for Parkinson's research.

I suspected that I might enjoy this book, but I was crying within the first 25 pages reading about the daily routine necessary to live with the unpredi...more

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Jan 27, 2011

Candy rated it

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When I was a teenager, I had the biggest crush on Marty McFly. He was cute, a little bit of a dork and he had a super rad car... and, ya know, he could travel through time. Hello! He was totally going to be my boyfriend.

I've always been a fan of Michael J Fox. He is amazingly talented and always seemed humble and a genuinely nice guy. You know how you see an interview with an actor and you immediately know they are a complete buttmunch? Yeah, no such buttmunchatitude came from MJF that...moreWhen I was a teenager, I had the biggest crush on Marty McFly. He was cute, a little bit of a dork and he had a super rad car... and, ya know, he could travel through time. Hello! He was totally going to be my boyfriend.

I've always been a fan of Michael J Fox. He is amazingly talented and always seemed humble and a genuinely nice guy. You know how you see an interview with an actor and you immediately know they are a complete buttmunch? Yeah, no such buttmunchatitude came from MJF that I saw. I quickly went from school girl crush to honest admiration as an adult. Especially once he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. The way he holds himself in public and isn't afraid to talk about it, makes me have a huge amount of respect for him.

His warmth shows through with this memoir, he has an amazing large heart - not only for his family but for his beliefs and causes. Several times, I felt myself getting a little teary reading his words and those moments when he opened up completely about his feelings and thoughts. It really is a beautifully written memoir. Reading his words and thoughts kind of made me want to sit and talk to him over coffee about a few things as I wanted more information (I always do, right?)

Where he kind of lost me is the name dropping, there seemed to be an awful lot of celebrity names. Having said that, I realize he's a big star and has big star friends, but it just seemed a little gratuitous in places. Having said THAT... I didn't realize that his foundation has grown so big or does so much good. What an amazing thing this man has accomplished in his life. He's proud and he should be.

Ya know, though... my favorite part of this book is that he can laugh at himself. Yes, he talks about the bad, but he also makes the best of it. He talks about what it takes for him to get up in the morning. About how he can brush his teeth way better than any electric toothbrush. I love that he has that kind of attitude. It has to be "easy" to fall into feeling sorry for yourself, but he seems unwilling to do so. It really made me smile when he was able to take a negative and turn it around. It's okay to laugh, he tells us.

I recommend this for darn well near anyone. Very well done.(less)

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May 05, 2009

Meghan rated it

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I had a crush on Michael J. Fox starting at a very young age due to watching him every week on 'Family Ties'. As I got older I was still always a fan. When I read his first book 'Lucky Man' I grew to greatly respect the man as well. Reading his latest book, has just solidified that respect. He is such a great guy! and is blessed with a wonderful wife, kids, mother and siblings. I think he's someone that never got sucked into the whole Hollywood scene--when he really could have due to his success...more

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Mar 08, 2010

Jake rated it

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Shelves: non-fiction, biography

Michael J Fox has tackled Parkinson’s disease with the same tenacity and adeptness that he first applied to comedic acting on Family Ties. Though I loved his first memoir Lucky Man, I didn’t rush out and grab a copy of this new book. Now, having just finished listening to the abridged audio recording while road tripping, I’m glad I didn’t miss it.

This new book, far from being rehash or forced fluff, takes the reader into the adventure Mr. Fox has been on since going public with his ...more

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Nov 28, 2009

Lana rated it

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Shelves: non-fiction

I really enjoyed Always Looking Up. It is a fun read with lots of humor, some info on stem cell research, some touching moments about adapting to Parkinson’s disease as well as touching moments involving his family.

The book is divided into sections on Work, Politics, Faith and Family. The section on faith didn’t seem as well formed as the sections on work, politics and family. Although maybe that results from his views on faith being less well formed that his views on the other topi...more

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Apr 15, 2009

Irene rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: people interested in Parkinson's

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 Parki...more

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About Michael J. Fox

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...

Books by Michael J. Fox

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned

Nuclear War: Philosophical Perspectives: An Anthology

Saving Milly: Love, Politics, and Parkinson's Disease (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

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Quotes from Always Looking Up: The...

“I have no argument with those who see in organized religion a template or an imperative to live life according to a prescribed set of beliefs. Just give others the room, within the laws of civil society, to believe or not believe whatever they like.” — 11 people liked it

“Chris[topher] Reeve wisely parsed the difference between optimism and hope. Unlike optimism, he said, 'Hope is the product of knowledge and the projection of where the knowledge can take us.” — 8 people liked it

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