I read Michael J Fox's first memoir, Lucky Man, years ago. I'd found it on the bookshelf of a dear friend who had Parkinson's. This friend (let's call him H), died prematurely, very probably because of complications from this terrible disease. I'm saying this up front because I have very fond memories of H and I think it's possible that some of my enthusiasm for the book may be because of the connection with H. At any rate, when I saw Always Looking Up on sale at Big Lots, I had to buy it.

I feel a strong emotional and intellectual connection with Mr Fox. He's a good storyteller, a lover of puns, a family man of below average height. What can I say, I admire short, funny men who like kids and love wordplay...:) Some of the things I liked about this book are:

It doesn't ramble. The book is neatly divided into sections for work, politics, faith, and family.

It covers sensitive and touching topics without either milking the reader's tear ducts or overstimulating their funny bones. Michael J Fox is a very funny guy, but I love that he doesn't make light of everything. There's just enough humor and wit to keep you feeling as optimistic about life as this extraordinary man clearly is.

I felt throughout the book, that I was getting a rare glimpse into someone's mind. Not just into their life, the things that happened to them, the places they've been, the people they've hung out with. Fox is no name-dropper. Yes, he knows some famous people, but the book isn't about 'hey, look who I know and where I've been,' it's about the lessons he's learned and the people he's loved and admired for being who they are.

Fox is good at connecting the dots - in his life and in his writing. He may be losing control of his muscles but when it comes to setting and achieving goals, he is fully connected.

I learned a lot from this book, and I recommend it to anyone, period. It made me that much more determined to shoulder my trials with grace, to reach for my stars with confidence, and to love my family with humility.