A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...

by Michael J. Fox

A personal and hilarious gift for graduates.

Michael J. Fox abandoned high school to pursue an acting career, but went on to receive honorary degrees from several universities and garner the highest accolades for his acting, as well as for his writing. In his new book, he inspires and motivates graduates to recognize opportunities, maximize their abilities, and roll with the punches--all with his trademark optimism, warmth, and humor.

In A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future , Michael draws on his own life experiences to make a case that real learning happens when "life goes skidding sideways." He writes of coming to Los Angeles from Canada at age eighteen and attempting to make his way as an actor. Fox offers up a comically skewed take on how, in his own way, he fulfilled the requirements of a college syllabus. He learned Economics as a starving artist; an unexpected turn as a neophyte activist schooled him in Political Science; and his approach to Comparative Literature involved stacking books up against their movie versions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Autobiography, Humor, Biography Memoir, Inspirational

100 pages, Hardcover

First published April 13, 2010

About the author

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 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.

Reviews

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s days ago and remains in hospital while writing this. So, it was natural that I turned to an old friend to help me navigate these challenging times.

“My goal is just to enjoy myself, learn something, and gain an appreciation for the amazing complexity of this planet and the people who live in it.”

I previously loved Michael’s books, Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist and No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality – Dad gifted them to me years ago. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future has a different feel. While I recommend Michael’s other books ahead of this one, it’s still a worthy little read.

It’s presented in the form of an address to a graduating class. Chapters are separated into ‘school’ subjects and Michael shares life lessons he has gained in relation to each. A high-school dropout, life itself has proven to be Michael’s greatest teacher.

“My first class in the morning was drama, and I found myself in the strange position of receiving solid reviews for my professional acting at the same time I was flunking high school drama for too many absences.”

I love Michael’s writing style and sense of humour. A Funny Thing is a quick read (can be devoured in one sitting) and feels like a catch-up with a good friend. It leaves you slightly more optimistic about life than before.

I particularly enjoyed reading about Michael’s time as a struggling actor, prior to his breakthrough roles. His takes on mentors, gratitude, acceptance and being present were enlightening too. My favourite ‘subject’ was geography.

“Just as you can’t change the essential nature of a place, don’t count on the place to change the essential nature of you.”

It’s fitting that A Funny Thing is gift-sized. The greatest gift this book has given me is a better understanding of what my dad is going through – in turn, helping me empathise better, communicate more effectively, and advocate stronger for him. It has provided a source of comfort during a difficult time. For me, the power of books to help us through such times is one of the things I love most about reading.

“Don’t spend a lot of time imagining the worst-case scenario. It rarely goes down as you imagine it will, and if by some fluke it does, you will have lived it twice. When things do go bad, don’t run, don’t hide. Stick it out, and be scrupulous in facing every part of your fear.”

Michael’s Foundation has now raised a staggering $1.5 billion towards research. April also happens to be Parkinson’s Awareness Month. For more information, or to donate:

Michael J Fox Foundation

Parkinson’s Tasmania

Parkinson’s Australia

[Heidi The Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael J. Fox talks about his life, career and health. There's nothing world-shattering in here, but if you enjoy watching Fox as an actor, you'll probably like this book too.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future reminded me strongly of Steve Job's 2005 commencement address at Stanford. Both of these men chose not to pursue higher education. They both also found, through their own meandering ways, fulfilling, purposeful, and powerful lives that were rich in meaning for themselves and those who were fortunate enough to fall in with them.

Personally, I don't think that the messages of "find your passion and live it", "keep learning even if you're not in a classroom", and "fall but get back up" can be repeated enough. Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns — I guess the trick is to view these moments as opportunities instead of stumbling blocks. Fox's book helps the reader do just that.

Though Fox isn't a graduate, it would potentially make a good gift for a graduate. It might also be a good gift for anybody who is at a crossroads and needs a bit of a boost to proceed with not only courage but also hope.

Also, if they haven't seen it yet, play Job's Stanford address for them. It is available for free off of TED talks: https://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_...

[Mónica Cordero Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ha encantado.
Todo el mundo debería leer este libro.
Cuando el libro cayó en mis manos pensé que sería un libro sobre "Regreso al futuro" y como buena fan (siempre veo la trilogía cuando la echan por la tele), debía leerlo.
Pero es más profundo que eso, son las reflexiones sobre el aprendizaje y las experiencias que fomentaron ese aprendizaje de Fox. Todo ello genialmente escrito, con un toque de humor y de sentido común.
Volveré a leerlo sin duda; a pesar de ser un libro corto tiene muchas enseñanzas y muchas lecturas.
Genial.
Muchas gracias Michael.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an OK book. I picked it up from the new release shelf at the library because I'd recently heard MJF's interview on NPR about this book, and it was a wonderful interview (so good that I stopped what I was doing to just sit & listen). If you listened to the interview, no need to get the book. Already covered. It's really one of those "Life Lessons" books you might give to a new graduate. In fact, one gets the impression it is a commencement speech in print. I really enjoyed the last chapter of the book, about how when ya think you've got it all figured out... wham-o, life throws you a curve ball; in MJF's case, a neurological illness that forced him to retire early, and reevaluate his life. He describes his perspective on gratitude, and the need to surrender control. He rightly advises that we cannot control the things life hands us, but we can control how we react to those events, and what we choose to do about them. Heartwarming & practical. A very short book, so no time for deep, soul searching advice, but reads as advertised.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this at the library and as a huge Back to the Future fan, I simply couldn't resist and I needed a little break from my usual mystery/thriller/horror fiction anyway. This little volume is easy to read and geared toward recent high school graduates. I enjoyed all the references to the movies and Michael's opinions on literature. I found it rather insightful :-)

[Kressel Housman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little memoir by actor Michael J. Fox is marketed as a gift book for a new graduate, but anyone who grew up with him will enjoy it. First of all, he is nothing like Alex Keaton. Far from an over-achiever, he dropped out of high school to go to LA and pursue a career in acting. Because he was successful, he didn't even get his high school equivalency diploma until his middle age. Till then, though, he was learning the lessons of life, and he summarizes them in this short book. His years of poverty in LA were a surprise to me, and his reflections on his current struggle with Parkinson's are inspiring. It made me curious to read more of his writing, and I definitely want to pass the book on to my son. So this book is not just a good gift for a new graduate. Share it with an "underachiever" you love!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only 100 pages, but full of good advice for graduates or anyone. If you grew up watching Michael J. Fox on "Family Ties" and "Back to the Future" then this book will make you smile.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the title of this book and the cover art. I like Michael J Fox and this was an autobiography of sorts. I say 'of sorts' because it wasn't like most of the autobiographies I've read. It wasn't about his life and his struggles, especially with Parkinson's. It was exactly what the subtitle says it is, "Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned." It was a pep talk filled with his life lessons. This was a very positive book. So 3 stars.

[C. (Never PM. Comment, or e-mail if private!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pocketbook I wish Michael had elaborated like his 400-page award-winners. His fantastic writing is en forme in "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Future". I was again swept away by intelligent, creatively-phrased nuggets that somehow maintain his anecdotal and wholly colloquial style, slang and all, as only Michael J. Fox can graciously do. The only reason it took four bedtimes to pour over this wonderful excursion of 2010 is because I have been celebrating my birthday week-end! I chose the funniest, most spirit-raising book to colour my special days: important life lessons imparted encouragingly and hilariously.

The student premise sparked after addressing Vancouver University with an honorary degree. He parallels his achievements with curriculum subjects. Education would have better prepared him for responsibilities like his teenaged income but he cautions that we never be academic snobs. Everyone open to learning can achieve happy homes and successful careers. Many of the greatest inventors and other people we revere were not institutional scholars. The aspect I hoped would not be missing from this themed discussion is continuity from his preceding two memoirs; all three of these cherished in first editions.

We largely flash back to his school days, his Nana's psychic belief in his dream future, and his impoverished predicament when he landed "Family Ties" and "Back To The Future": my favourite of all time. However the gem for me in Michael's books, having been treated to his Canadian and momentous histories, is a good dose of his personal life currently. His books are like a series, so I was rewarded when Michael shared the remarkable story that I saw Dr. Oz cover: discovering a country where Parkinson's Disease dwindled! I am a fan of Michael's acting and writing. He truly must publish again and again.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've forgotten some of what this book was about. But I remember while I was reading it that I was surprised to find out that Michael J. Fox dropped out of high school. He did get his GED later on.

It's a very short book, in which Fox gives little tid-bits about his life. His goal was for the reader to get whatever they wanted to out of his experiences without outright trying to tell you exactly what to do. It didn't really work for me. It wasn't that he did tell you what to do, just that I couldn't get much out of his stories. Like him have problems at the US/Canada border because he was Canadian –didn’t know that about him either.

For a drop out Fox sure uses some smarty-pants wording. He does a little swearing but it is mostly minor. Really there is nothing wrong with the book and maybe someone else is able to get something out of it that I couldn't.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short book of memoirs and learning Michael J. Fox received after he dropped out of high school to pursue acting. It's primarily addressed to people around the age he was when he dropped out and college kids. Fox is supportive of higher education (pointing out that there are far more success stories of college grads than high school drop outs, particularly in today's younger adults), but lets us know that learning doesn't just happen in a class room.

There is humour here, naturally, but also some substance. This isn't a deep, philosophical tome, but there are some insights.

[Ricky McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book if you are looking for inspiration. It would be a good gift for a graduate as well. I always liked the character Alex on Family Ties, and it almost feels like his character comes through in this book. This book is very short, but would be good to read over again when a person is feeling down.

[Bruce · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book this slight doesn't merit a lengthy review, so I won't bother. Not that I'm bitter; this is the kind of thing somebody stuck for a gift buys at Hallmark as a last resort -- I got it from the library. But still, why bother to publish in hardback a 3X5 hundred-pager if you're not going to include primary-colored Snoopy cartoons?

I picked this up on the strength of an NPR interview with the author. Is there anyone unfamiliar with Michael J. Fox? He rose to fame in the role of young Reagan enthusiast Alex P. Keaton in the hit series Family Ties, broke it bigger still as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy, and then scored once more with Spin City before being grounded by Parkinson's Disease. In addition to his talent, he's tremendously resilient, bringing a great deal of popular attention to Parkinson's, its symptoms, sufferers, and possible treatments.

This book serves as an extremely light biography, is written as if a commencement speech, and contains only about 12 pages of his struggles with and insights from Parkinsons (pp. 84-96, worth a quick browse). The book is upbeat throughout, and therein lies its zenlike message. Learn to cope with what you can't control, and make the best of things. As he writes at p. 96, explaining in part his aversion to carrying a camera (especially on vacation), "I don't have to carry the weight of all my disappointments or expectations. Sometimes it just is what it is. I can accept that.... Let someone else take the picture... just smile."

Can't get too mad at a book with observations like that and to be fair to the author, he does repeatedly admit that the homilies he is publishing here will prove more obvious than profound. Still, it's not what I was looking for and not really my kind of reading.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may have been intended as a gift book for graduates, but there is something here for everyone. In a straightforward manner, Fox shares with us the ups and downs he experienced when he first was out on his own. We learn what worked, what didn't, and what he might have done differently, had he only known. With a touch of humor, Fox, a high school dropout, illustrates clearly how he learned about economics, physics, political science, literature, and geography all while trying to succeed in his chosen career. He eventually got his GED as well as more than one honorary doctorate, along with a distinguished career in acting. Though a small book, it is filled with good advice, including this quote: "None of us is entitled to anything. We get what we get, not because we want it or we deserve it or because it's unfair if we don't get it, but because we earn it, we respect it, and only if we share it do we keep it.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank God this hoverboard didn't stay aloft for long. Cause it is hard to kick oneself while aboard. It is not that the book is terrible, or anything like that, but I expected more memoir and less cliche-filled instructional manual, organized along college-level course offerings and life lessons, such as they are, from Hollywood. Fox is a wonderfully comic actor who contributed to many well-loved television shows and movies, and he seems to have managed well the tough hurdles that have been thrown his way. Some readers will find this book instructive and worthwhile, but I wasn't as pleased. Perhaps if it had incorporated more of his humor it would have been more entertaining. If he has written a memoir (and I think he has), I might try that, so don't take this as a bad review of his writing.

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this after listening to Always Looking up, by Michael J Fox. I recommend listening to this one first, I didn’t.

This is a great book and I absolutely love Michael J Fox; however, Always looking Up included a lot of the same stories with more detail. This is a short read/listen; my husband and I listened to it on a short drive through the country a few counties over so it was the perfect length.

Overall, I like the book and rate it with 4 Boundless Stars....Beth


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[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

When he is asked to address graduates, faculty, family and friends at commencements Michael J. Fox opens with a question: “What the hell were you people thinking? You are aware that I’m a high school dropout?” And I’m glad I got this from the library, and not bought it or was given it. It’s a pleasant enough way to spend an hour or so, but this autobiography/ advice book isn’t much else.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael J. Fox looks back on his life and career, the lessons he's learned, and the people who have influenced and mentored him along the way. This is an inspirational book not only for upcoming grads, but for people at any stage of life!

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actor Michael J Fox gives us his own short guide to the trials & tribulations of the education system, along with tales from his film & TV work & how he has been dealing with Parkinson's Disease.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book on midnight and done it at 5 am while I had my online class on 7 am, seems like a dumb move but no, a time well spent.

I was digging about Michael J. Fox for about a weeks and finally decided to read one of his books, I started with the shortest one. This book was like a so-called-commencement-speech for graduates but without sounds like, "there's a journey and an open road in front of you, good luck for your future endeavours". No. More like quoting Dr Brown from Back to The Future, "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads". It was exactly like that.

Fox, who didn't even finish his highschool (though he got his GED at 30s) and then wrote this book to give 'advice' to graduates seems a little bit non sense. But his reflection on his own life, especially as an actor, and then saw it as the same learning experience of economics, comparative literature, physics, political science and geography was super interesting. Added his own 'fight' story with Parkinsons by simply 'surrender' to it was a mind opener.

This book basically teach me (without being judgemental by it) of how to perceive the life itself, to just enjoy the moment, and live to learn. A truly one of a hell commencement speech. Thank you Mr. Fox.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5. Un livre qui n'est pas mauvais, mais très loin de ce à quoi je m'attendais. Je pensais lire un livre sur la maladie de l'auteur et son parcours à travers elle, alors, bien qu'on aborde le sujet, qu'on parle surtout d'éducation et de l'importance de celle-ci dans la vie d'un individu. Les idées sur l'éducation et l'importance de celle-ci malgré un succès financier qui peut la rendre «inutile» aux yeux de certaines personnes pourraient être inspirants pour un public adolescent potentiellement décrocheur,. mais de nos jours les adolescents ne connaitront probablement pas Michael J. Fox ce qui diminuera sans doute l'impact positif... Bref un livre que je suis content d'avoir lu, assez original, intéressant, mais qui apporte trop peu, manque de profondeur dans le développement des idées, pour mériter une note plus élevée.

[Garrett Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Response:
I thought A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future was a great book to read. It was pretty short, so I wish this book could have been a little bit longer. I learned a lot of new information about Michael J. Fox and how he started out his acting career.

Plot:
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned by Michael J. Fox is a book about life lessons. It is also about the life and rise to fame of Michael J. Fox. The book starts by talking about his education and how he dropped out of high school in eleventh grade to start his acting career. He moves to California and parties a lot. His first big role is as Alex Keaton on Family Ties. He has a good relationship with the director of the show, but their relationship tumbles a bit when Robert Zemeckis, the director for Back to the Future asks if Michael can play Marty McFly. The director says yes, but Michael’s life becomes a lot harder. He barely gets any sleep anymore and has to drink a lot of coffee to stay up. Back to the Future premieres and Michael becomes even more of a celebrity. Then, it turns out that Michael has Parkinson’s disease. Michael goes through the stages of grief until he finally accepts that he will have to live with Parkinson’s. Michael keeps acting until his Parkinson’s gets so bad that he has to quit for good. He starts the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to help develop a form of therapy for people living with Parkinson’s. Michael talks about the mentors he had growing up and says that people should live life to the fullest and always have a smile. The book ends with Michael saying to pay attention to things and live to learn, not live and learn.

Characterization:
Michael changes quite a lot as a person throughout this book. He goes from a high school dropout to a successful actor throughout the 1980s to 1990s to a key player in trying to find and develop therapy for people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Michael’s critics change a lot throughout his life too. They change from doubting if Michael could succeed in acting to not doubting him because of his work in Family Ties and many successful movies. Michael’s critics were like a mentor for him because they pushed him to improve as an actor.

Setting:
This book took place mostly in California during the late 1970s through the 1980s. This is relevant to the plot because this was where Michael J. Fox got his rise to fame. This book also took place in Alberta, Canada during the 1960s through the early 1970s. This is also relevant to the plot because this is where Michael J. Fox grew up and learned lots of life lessons.

Theme:
The theme of this book would be live to learn. I would say this is the theme of the book because Michael J. Fox mentions multiple times in this book about living to learn as he reflects on the lessons he has learned throughout his life.


Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to both males and females. The age range I would recommend this book to would be 12 and up. The reason for the recommended age range would be that this book has some strong language, so I would not want younger children exposed to that kind of language.

[Yaaresse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short (maybe 100 pages) book appears to be derived from commencement speeches Fox has given, and it's both entertaining and engaging. I like how he broke his life lessons down into courses of study, and there were some LOL lines in the one titled "Physics." Love his pragmatism and no BS demeanor. Also love that this book spurred me to go watch clips of his work on Family Ties. I'd forgotten just how good that show was.

[Melanie Kondziolka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Nothing I hadn’t heard from Michael j fox in the past but I wanted something comfortable, familiar, short and semi sweet. I did enjoy how each chapter started with college classes and quotes.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved living the life of Mr. Fox via his book. It was a good read for sure!!

[Amanda Yamate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love MJF! Loved this sweet book.

[Ned Andrew Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to Fox's thoughtful and inspiring works

I have been continually impressed by the prose and subject matter of Michael J. Fox's many books. This is no exception. His writing is consistently high-quality, interesting, inspiring, and honest. Despite his huge success as an actor, and an author, he is willing to talk about his shortcomings and some of the not--great choices he's made.

[Susan Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet, lovely little book! A nice reminder that life happens for us! Michael shares his recognition that his PD is a GIFT and that his most challenging life experience's have been his greatest teachers!

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is intended for graduates and I thought the message would be more of a happy, feel-good source leisure reading. But right from the beginning, he tells us this is not going to be an advice book and you don't need a book to tell you what you need.

I found it an interesting biographical summary of his educational background, foray into acting and embrace of his medical condition - none of that an easy path and so it didn't quite strike the right note in terms of my expectations. Funny thing is, he has a quote about expectations which totally makes sense, especially upon concluding this book and review of what I learned from the book. (p 85) " A piece of wisdom I picked up along the way [of resorting to acceptance as a new philosophy of living:] became the basis of a liberating new approach to life: 'My happiness grows in direct proportion to acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectation." This comes back to a message heard time and again by fans of Oprah to just acknowledge the reality or truth of a situation - just accept it as it is without being a negative judge of oneself or the situation. Learn from it--then pass on the lesson.

The main lessons I got from this book are how important it is to be thankful, to have a mentor through the tough times, accept your current situation and see the lessons there that can make you a better person, and sometimes it's good to just be lucky.

His thoughts on gratitude are definite keeper lessons. (p 72) "None of us is entitled to anything. We get what we get, not because we want it or we deserve it or because it's unfair if we don't get it, but because we earn it, we respect it, and only if we share it do we keep it."

With regards to a mentor & luck, (p. 75), "if you're lucky, at some point in the future, when you're in need of guidance, or maybe just moral support, you will cross paths with a suitable mentor. Even luckier, you'll realize you've had one in your life all along, and you'll gain a new appreciation for how you benefited from that relationship. The luckiest circumstance of all, of course, is a combination of the two. You've had help[ all along, and as the path widens or narrows, whatever the case may be, new and powerful influences will enter your life and aid your progress."

The essence of this book is summarized in this statement (p 76) "In my experience, a mentor doesn't necessarily tel you what to do, but more importantly, tells you what they did or might do, then trusts you to draw your own conclusions and act accordingly If you succeed, they'll take a step back, and if you screw up, they'll take one step closer. Whatever it is they teach you...pass it on." So this book provided the story of many significant moments and experiences from Fox's life and then leaves us to interpret our own conclusions and decide our own actions. It emphasizes again the importance of sharing our experiences and even failures - it's important to share and be human.

He sees himself as a realist and many will identify with his call it like it is stance. "The reality is that things change; the question is, how will I perceive that change and am I willing to change aong with it? ..it's catastrophe that offers the most promise for an even richer life...and...if you don't mind getting a little dirty, that breeze will carry you a long way." (p 80)

So, at first, I thought this book was ok and worth the hour or so of time I spent to read it. After a day to reflect on it, I thought I upgraded my review, thinking that yes, this book was good. Maybe with more time and thought about what I've written here, I'll think it's very good. I'm glad to have read it and recommend it to others.

I'm not sure it's right for recent graduates and the current generation, but perhaps others like me who've lived a little longer and are willing to admit the mistakes we've made and are ready to look back on them to learn and share them with our own children.

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lightweight "gift for the graduate" book, that I found compelling because of Michael J's humor and honesty.