Rating: 
Summary: A book that celebrates life
Review: Most people know that Michael J. Fox is a talented and charismatic actor,
but what you realize when you read "LUCKY MAN" is that he is also an
amazing human being. His experience with Parkinson's Disease is obviously
a major theme of this book, but you never feel sorry for him, nor does he
ever complain about what has happened to him. In fact, he does just the
opposite and explains how he actually found his life and his vitality when
he came to terms with his circumstances. His honesty and vulnerability in
describing his life leading up to his diagnosis and coping with the reality
of an (as yet) incurable disease has helped and will help many thousands of
people lead happier lives. After reading this book, I find myself inspired
by the possibilities life has to offer and grateful that Mr. Fox chose to
share the intimate details of his and his family's journey so that
everyone, not just those afflicted with Parkinson's Disease,
can lead lives as their own master, as creators of an extraordinary life for themselves.While reading "LUCKY MAN", I kept wishing I could recommend "WORKING ON
YOURSELF DOESN'T WORK" by Ariel and Shya Kane to Michael J. Fox and the
Parkinson's community he discovered. Anyone who is touched by his outlook
on life, who is looking for something magical, who wants to discover the
moment-by-moment joy of being alive should read this book also. In "LUCKY
MAN", I found empathy, compassion and admiration for Mr. Fox and those who
suffer from PD (or other debilitating diseases). In "WORKING ON YOURSELF
DOESN'T WORK", you will find the road map to loving life, no matter what
your circumstances.
Rating:
Summary: Creativity and Parkinson`s Disease
Review: The content of this book are well described elsewere.Perhaps therefore,it might be helpful to review this book in a slightly different manner.
It is beautifully written demonstrating a kind of introspection that few of us would like to attempt in such an honest manner.
As a philosopherI find his ablity to interprete others truly amazing-such skills are rare and difficult to acquire. To set aside your ego ,listen and try to think of what an experience is like for another are some of the requirements.His foundation that fast tracks research funding is so sensible
that few government departments related to drug approval would think of it.
It is seems unfortunate is that those with early onset Parkinson`s disease are not given adequate fiancial support.
It is interesting to ponder why such a private man would write such a revealing book.Obviously to earn money for his foundation
but also perhaps to create some sense of order in his own life.
Rating:
Summary: Highly recomended reading!
Review: I loved this book; MJF is a very talented writer. I love the honesty and the humor in it; I believe it has many points and aspects that can help others in their everyday battles, yet it makes you laugh out loud.
Rating:
Summary: What a Pleasant Surprise!
Review: I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, having been written by Michael J. Fox himself, however, it has turned out to be a cleverly written book. Michael is not afraid to poke fun at himself and writes candidly and openely about both good times and bad. I great read from a truly brave and inspiring man!
Rating: 
Summary: WHAT A WAKE-UP CALL
Review: Read this book or give it to anyone who is feeling sorry for themselves. It is written very factually and with no self-pity. I found it very inspirational and can't imagine ever having anything to whine about in my own life again. Although Michael's travel through the stardom experience was interesting. It was also what I had already imagined. This book brings life to the basics of what is important. Kudos to he and his wife for a relationship working together with respect. If I can only live my life with the strength and braveity that Fox has, I will be a better person. The only reason I didn't rate this book 5 stars is because I felt left with a lot of questions. (That would probably make for another great book!)
Rating:
Summary: Awesome and Informative
Review: I wanted to read this book because someone very near and dear to me passed away after having been diagnosed with PD in the late 60's early 70's. It was my father. I was only 14 at the time and didn't really understand the disease. Thanks to Michael's book I now understand alot more of what my father went through.
Thanks Michael!!
Rating:
Summary: He was here.......
Review: He was here, telling me personally!! Thats what it was like to read this couragous mans account of the disease that amost took over his life. Instead, his life took over the disease. This was a page turner. Michael J. Fox is a wonderful writer. He touched all of my emotions except pity. He doesn't want it. He wants results, he knows he has the star power to command it, so kudos to him, if you got it use it. We can learn to embrace life as he has. A must read.
Rating:
Summary: A great actor, great book, and a great cause!
Review: "Lucky Man" starts with Michael's childhood and rise to fame beginning with small performance jobs in his Canadian hometown, and continues on through the days of Family Ties, big screen movies such as "Back to the Future" and on to the unforgettable Mike Flaherty on "Spin City". Throughout the book he shares his thought, experiences, fears, and the unconditional support of his family throughout every twist and turn. After years of success, a harried schedule of traveling to shoot on location, feeling invincible (living in the "bubble"), and burying the missing life essentials in a fair amount of alcohol, Michael describes waking up one day: "I woke up to find the message in my left hand. It had me trembling. It wasn't a fax, telegram, memo, or the usual sort of missive bringing disturbing news. In fact, my hand held nothing at all. The trembling was the message." This he would later discover this was the first noticeable symptom of the onset of PD. When symptoms first show, up to 80% of the brain damage has been done. PD had been planning the announcement for years though the announcement was made to a deaf audience. It was some time before he was willing to listen and many years before the details of this conversation would be released to the public in such a way to bring about awareness, funding, and comfort for the Parkinson's community. For years, Michael was able to keep the conversation confined to a very limited few, hidden from those he worked with, the paparazzi, and the fans who loved his work. Alcohol took care of some of the personal problems, while a good acting job and various PD medications took care of the outward symptoms. Eventually he had the courage to deal with everything, kicked the drinking habit, went for counseling, and decided to have brain surgery to muffle the voice of Parkinsons. The surgery wasn't a cure by any means, merely a procedure designed to calm the tremors on the left side of the body. It was judged to be a success. Soon after the left side was quiet, the right side joined the conversation, serving to remind Michael that PD was there to stay. Despite his mastery of titrating and timing the dosages of his medication, PD continued to speak out at inopportune times and the decision was made to go public. Since going public, Michael has raised awareness tremendously for Parkinsons funding and research, seems to be much more at peace with himself than at any time in the past, and considers himself to be one "Lucky Man" despite the early onset of PD. "Lucky Man" is a spectacular book, along the lines of Lance Armstrong's "It's Not About the Bike". Pick up a copy, read it, enjoy it, and support Parkinsons research at the same time. Thanks for all the great performances Mike!
Rating:
Summary: Stirring Revelations From A Life Lived On The Edge
Review: Those of us who watched Michael J. Fox grow up literally in front of us in our living rooms have much to be thankful for, just as does he, for we have witnessed the transformation of this celebrity from a cute and somewhat oversweet pretty face to a person driven by the desire to be of substance and gravity. Like another striken celebrity, superman Christopher Reeve Fox chooses to use his fame to promote the urgent health care needs of a serious malady, both by coming out of the closet as to the nature of his own affliction and the doubts, denials, and demands it has put him thorugh, and by ardently campagning for action to learn more about it. In so doing Fox pulls no punches, and makes a number of interesting and controversial points, ranging from his questioning of the budget priorities of the federal government for medical research to the need for greater acceptance of Parkinson's sufferers as human beings, who want our support and aceptance but not our pity. In the case of funding prioiritiews in particualr, his point is poignant and pitched; funds allocated should reflect the degree to which the sufferer is an innocent as in Parkinsons or cancer as opposed to other priorities like smoking-related or sexual behavior influenced disease entities like lung cancer or AIDs. While we may not neceassarily agree with his stated conclusion, it is indeed an interesting and though-provoking notion, especially in a time like this when so many choose to define themselves as blameless victims in situations in which they were often willing and enthusiastic participants. In summary, I believe that our young Mr. Fox has succeeded in penning a most memorable, readable, and worthwhile tome that deserves the wide circultaion I am sure it will enjoy. In particular, his intimate insights and personal anecdotes are telling and often moving, and his candor in revealing just how momentously the disease affected him, and also how his reaction to it almost cost him his marriaige is especially laudable. All of this makes one rather hope for the best not only for young Mr. Fox and his family, but for all of his fellow sufferers as well. Long may you run! Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: A Public Look Into The Private Struggle of A Leading Man
Review: Sometimes, we feel that we know an actor due to the roles they have performed. But can we state that we know the true personality and character of a famous actor? Perhaps not, because they are playing a role, and not themselves. In this tremendous book, the actor is playing himself. There is no media influence or a cinematic screen to create a perceived image. This is a revealing, honest, and uplifting story. The reader will see the evolution of a young man humbled and challenged by an old man's disease. This book is an intense glimpse into the very private struggle of one of our most acclaimed contemporary actors, Mr. Michael J. Fox. The book is written in superb fashion, and is very entertaining. He details his rise in Hollywood, his problems with alcohol, along with his decade-long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. For a man who painfully disguised his illness for many years, he writes with grace, conviction, and acceptance of his new challenge. His cogent details of the illness, along with his treatment protocols, should be required reading for medical students and neurologists. This is a story about a man who is devoted to his wife and children. Mr. Fox is an excellent story-teller, and most importantly, has the courage to share his thoughts with the public. His fame and notoriety may significantly increase the public's awareness about Parkinson's Disease. Due to his own Foundation, more research studies will help thousands of people with the disease. He portrays himself as a sincere and very genuine man, with flaws like all of us, who has realized that he was given a tremendous opportunity. For most, Parkinson's Disease is a curse. Mr. Fox has made it a blessing. If he is a Lucky Man, we are equally fortunate to view the dignity in his struggle, along with his unselfish desire to help others. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.
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