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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned
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.Replete with personal stories and hilarious anecdotes, Michael J. Fox's new book is the perfect gift for graduates.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2010
211 people are currently reading
3703 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Fox
20 books1,022 followersCanadian/American film and television actor.
His roles include Marty McFly from the Back to the Future trilogy (1985–1990); Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties (1982–1989), for which he won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award; and Mike Flaherty from Spin City (1996–2000), for which he won an Emmy, three Golden Globes, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He also starred in Doc Hollywood and Secret of My Succe$s and the lead voices in Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire and in the film Stuart Little and it's sequel.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, and disclosed his condition to the public in 1998. As the symptoms of his disease worsened, he retired from full-time acting in 2000.
His roles include Marty McFly from the Back to the Future trilogy (1985–1990); Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties (1982–1989), for which he won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award; and Mike Flaherty from Spin City (1996–2000), for which he won an Emmy, three Golden Globes, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He also starred in Doc Hollywood and Secret of My Succe$s and the lead voices in Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire and in the film Stuart Little and it's sequel.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, and disclosed his condition to the public in 1998. As the symptoms of his disease worsened, he retired from full-time acting in 2000.
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April 6, 2023
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
“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
June 19, 2019
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_...
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_...
August 1, 2020
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.
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.
April 25, 2010
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.
November 11, 2023
I am a Michael J Fox fan, in my youth I watched Family Ties, his movies, many more than once(Back to Future). This book is his experiences as he decides as a teenager to quit high school and move to Hollywood and become an actor, with all his charm, humor and wit. I enjoyed this quick read and have the urge to watch Back to the Future again.
March 16, 2011
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 :-)
April 28, 2016
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.
April 26, 2014
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.
March 3, 2025
This is a small book. I wasn't aware it was geared toward those graduating or just graduated. It didn't need to be. All of life is opportunity for learning, as Michael J. Fox demonstrates. Despite the graduation bit being currently irrelevant to me, I appreciated much of it and I'm inspired to read his other books.
A small book loaded with highlights:
"What constitutes an education?"
Fox dropped out of high school to pursue acting. He received his GED at the age of 32, a husband and father, 15 years after leaving high school. "In the intervening decade-and-a-half, I had been alternately fortunate and unfortunate enough to receive an amazingly comprehensive education, albeit unstructured, and often unbidden. Life 101."
"I have remained a humble and grateful student of the University of the Universal. I didn't pick my courses; they picked me. And just as there was no formal matriculation [enrollment], neither was there any graduation. There were of course, plenty of tests."
"Just to reassure you, I'm not one of those swaggering jerks who, having achieved success after dropping out of school, promotes the fiction that a higher education is a complete waste of time. All the same, I sometime employ my lack of academic standing as a subtle goad to those who would make character judgments based solely on one's alma mater or post-graduate degree."
He goes on to credit some of the world's biggest successes and greatest minds for their success without ever having graduated high school. Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin. Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller.
"One's education is never complete."
On Geography:
"I always take the time to appreciate where I am for what it is.
I'm not trying to lose myself, or even find myself, for that matter. 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 on it."
On Acceptance:
"Acceptance, as I've come to understand it, simply means acknowledging the reality of a situation, that its truth is absolute."
"My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectation."
On Bhutan:
"In a world where most nations would seemingly go to any lengths to increase their Gross National Product, the Bhutanese believe that economic development should never come at the cost of their people's happiness. Culture is valued more than cash."
More good words:
"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."
"I think I benefited from being equally ambitious and curious. And of the two, curiosity has served me best."
"I've never let my schooling interfere with my education." - Mark Twain
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." - John Wooden
"Michael will do more with his life than you can ever imagine." - Michael J. Fox's Nana
A small book loaded with highlights:
"What constitutes an education?"
Fox dropped out of high school to pursue acting. He received his GED at the age of 32, a husband and father, 15 years after leaving high school. "In the intervening decade-and-a-half, I had been alternately fortunate and unfortunate enough to receive an amazingly comprehensive education, albeit unstructured, and often unbidden. Life 101."
"I have remained a humble and grateful student of the University of the Universal. I didn't pick my courses; they picked me. And just as there was no formal matriculation [enrollment], neither was there any graduation. There were of course, plenty of tests."
"Just to reassure you, I'm not one of those swaggering jerks who, having achieved success after dropping out of school, promotes the fiction that a higher education is a complete waste of time. All the same, I sometime employ my lack of academic standing as a subtle goad to those who would make character judgments based solely on one's alma mater or post-graduate degree."
He goes on to credit some of the world's biggest successes and greatest minds for their success without ever having graduated high school. Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin. Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller.
"One's education is never complete."
On Geography:
"I always take the time to appreciate where I am for what it is.
I'm not trying to lose myself, or even find myself, for that matter. 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 on it."
On Acceptance:
"Acceptance, as I've come to understand it, simply means acknowledging the reality of a situation, that its truth is absolute."
"My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectation."
On Bhutan:
"In a world where most nations would seemingly go to any lengths to increase their Gross National Product, the Bhutanese believe that economic development should never come at the cost of their people's happiness. Culture is valued more than cash."
More good words:
"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."
"I think I benefited from being equally ambitious and curious. And of the two, curiosity has served me best."
"I've never let my schooling interfere with my education." - Mark Twain
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." - John Wooden
"Michael will do more with his life than you can ever imagine." - Michael J. Fox's Nana
April 23, 2014
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!
September 6, 2010
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.
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.
September 9, 2016
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.
January 29, 2020
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.
September 21, 2010
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!
November 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book written by Michael J. Fox. It's the first book that I have read of his. I like the conversational flow that he uses in his writing. He has this book geared towards graduates and is giving them advice on the ups and downs of in their lives.
November 22, 2016
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.
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.
June 20, 2010
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.
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.
June 28, 2011
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.
March 8, 2016
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.
March 24, 2017
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.
There is humour here, naturally, but also some substance. This isn't a deep, philosophical tome, but there are some insights.
March 13, 2011
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.
August 28, 2025
I really like Michael J. Fox, the actor. I never missed an episode of *Family Ties*, and I can quote the *Back to the Future* movies back and forth. Two of my all-time favorite films are *The Secret of My Success* and *Doc Hollywood*. I also enjoyed his book, *Lucky Man*. While I feel bad about how his health has been affected, I thought this book was only okay. Eh.
January 13, 2025
You know it’s going to be cringe when the first few pages refers to gifting this book as a graduation present.
August 18, 2020
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.
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.
May 14, 2021
I read this almost immediately after finishing Michael's latest book (which I absolutely loved), and as much as I love him, I'm sorry to say that this one doesn't measure up.
If you've read any of Michael's books, then "A Funny Thing..." will be a review. Think of it as a mini autobiography, geard toward graduates.
I found a lot of it repetitive and not very interesting, to be honest.
Only a few laughs, but there are some hidden gems; you just have to look for them.
I recommend this for those who are graduates, starting new adventures, or if, like me, you absolutely love Michael or really love Back To The Future trivia of any kind.
If you don't fall into these categories, then it might be best to skip this little book. (It is little; about the size of my palm and only 100 pages in total. ) His newest book "No Time Like The Future" is much better.
If you've read any of Michael's books, then "A Funny Thing..." will be a review. Think of it as a mini autobiography, geard toward graduates.
I found a lot of it repetitive and not very interesting, to be honest.
Only a few laughs, but there are some hidden gems; you just have to look for them.
I recommend this for those who are graduates, starting new adventures, or if, like me, you absolutely love Michael or really love Back To The Future trivia of any kind.
If you don't fall into these categories, then it might be best to skip this little book. (It is little; about the size of my palm and only 100 pages in total. ) His newest book "No Time Like The Future" is much better.
November 11, 2016
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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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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https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
May 9, 2011
This little gem of a book is set up to be a message to a graduate, either high school, college or any other right of passage. Michael J. Fox relates how his real life experience may actually work out to be the equivalent of a college education. There are chapters on Physics, Geography, Economics etc. Much edgier than Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You'll Go" and laugh out loud funny I think it will be included in my gift to the next person I know who graduates.
November 12, 2022
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.
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.
August 2, 2017
This book could be considered a long commencement speech. Although some parts of this book were interesting, overall this wasn't that enjoyable as I had expected. He barely mentioned Back to the Future. I have his autobiography, Lucky Man, but after reading this book, I won't be reading his autobiography anytime soon.
June 5, 2024
Curious about his other books.
This was a quick read and seemed to be intended to be a sort of long inspirational speech for young people leaving college or starting their lives.
I love books which make you feel like you're in direct communication with the writer, and this is one of those.
Optimistic and light - exactly what you'd expect from a Michael J Fox's book.
This was a quick read and seemed to be intended to be a sort of long inspirational speech for young people leaving college or starting their lives.
I love books which make you feel like you're in direct communication with the writer, and this is one of those.
Optimistic and light - exactly what you'd expect from a Michael J Fox's book.
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