Lucky Man: A Memoir

Rating:
Summary: Why should Michael J. Fox pen his memoirs?
Review: Because his story is more fascinating than most Presidents.'

Fox begins with the first twitch he felt in his left hand back in 1990. He titled this chapter, "A Wake-up Call," but even he admits he went through long periods of doubt, denial and even self-destruction on the road to accepting Parkinson's Disease as part of his daily life.

Even though Fox goes into great detail about his battle with Parkinson's, he also takes you back to his childhood and all the way up to modern day. His words are candid, straight from the heart and he doesn't sugarcoat his autobiography to be a self-serving tool.

The love of his family clearly shows throughout the book as he talks about his brother, three sisters, parents and his beloved grandmother, Nana. And, of course, he doesn't leave out his home life with wife Tracy and their four children.

From his "escape artist" days as a two-year-old in Canada where neighbors labeled him as a real "charmer," to his decision to go public with his disease, Fox bares his soul in these pages. This includes how he got started in showbiz in Canada, crossing over to Hollywood success and even living the glamorous lifestyle.

Heart-warming tales are scattered throughout and you can't help but laugh, cry and feel like Fox is a member of your own family.

You're embarrassed for him when he meets with an agent in the late '70s who thinks he has a physical handicap because he's wearing platform boots with four-inch heels and two-inch soles, which he thought were in style. As he speaks about becoming a man on his 18th birthday, the sense of being an adult since he's now legal age, you'll laugh outloud when he says he blew out the candles on his Mickey Mouse birthday cake.

You witness the growth of his relationship with Tracy that ultimately lead to marriage and the start of his own family. You shudder when you realize the pain and turmoil he and his family endure as he has undergoes brain surgery, being awake during the entire process.

And you watch the evolution of this man come full circle as he leaves the partying behind to dedicate himself to his family and to the search for a Parkinson's Disease cure.

Michael J. Fox is not just an award-winning actor, he's a devoted family man and an activist for research-funding and finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease. With "Lucky Man," Fox also proves he is an outstanding author. The book has topped the New York Times bestseller lists and the audio tapes have been nominated for a Grammy.

Rating:
Summary: A book that touched me like no other
Review: I have been a fan, and will continue to be, of Michael's for about a little over 10 years now. (I am now 20y/o.) I was too young to know about Family Ties being born in the early '80s, but try to watch episodes when/if they air on TV. I think the first movie I saw of his was The Hard Way, and the others just followed. My faves being The Frighteners, Concierge and of course the BTTF series. For some reason, I felt a something when watching him perform. Though he seems completely at ease while acting, being a developing psychic, I picked up on something amiss, not quite right. When the announcement was made in late... what was it... 1998? 97? I was stunned. Shocked might be a better word. I still am. He shows such strengh and clarity that it's so hard to accept. I am never one to read a/bios, but I was compelled to go out and buy the book when it was released in Aus. I couldn't put it down. All the while while reading it I was thinking that this man is not letting this get him down. The title Lucky Man says it all. He's taken it in stride now. The inspiring message for me, from the book, was never to let anything get you down. He's not the victim in this, but the victor. And I love him for it. If there was a Nobel Prize for Courage, acceptance, strengh and inspiration, he'd win hands down. No question. A recommendation for all.

Rating:
Summary: A GOOD READ FROM MARTY MCFLY
Review: I've been a huge MJF fan since 1982 when I was only 8 but I never would have guessed this guy was such a talented story teller. His writing is also way beyond expectations. The appeal of this book, however, isn't his stardom or dealing with PD, but the over all story of his life. It's inspirational and entertaining in many different ways. I believe this book has mass appeal and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good biography or just a good story. I know this is the "Michael" he's willing to show us, but I must say, I have more than just a fan's admiration for him now. He is a tremendously good person who is not only entertaining America, but doing such important work through his foundation. Thank you Michael! I hope more and more success and happieness continues to come you way!

Rating:
Summary: A real "Picker Upper"!
Review: In the course of this book Mr Fox went from just another actor with money and perks to someone worth looking at as an example. Mr Fox shows a real "positive" look on life as he shows how the struggles of his life mixed with his own good fortunes have molded him into the man he is today. This book showed me the attitude nessisary to truely make "lemonaid" when life gives you "lemons". It's easy and fun to read!

Rating:
Summary: A childhood fave is still going strong
Review: Like many children of the 1980's, I grew up watching Mr. Fox on Family Ties and Back to the Future, both of which intentionally projected a 'boy next door' look which was pretty hard for others to duplicate no matter how hard they tried on screen (and believe me others followed). In the 1990's due to a combination of aging out of roles, being able to be more selective about the roles he did take...etc Fox appeared in less but I adored the seasons he was on "Spin City".

Usually not impressed by celebrity books, I was intrigued by advance publicity to request this title for a Christmas gift. The medium sized book is a non-airbrushed portrait of a man who is simutaneously closer and farther away from his on camera image than the public may have initally realized. There is some general commentary on hollywood simply because that was the source of his and Tracy's paycheck but the meat of the book is ultimately soul-baring conversations.

Revealing the imperfect truth behind the public facade (the massive drinking!) the autobiography expertly avoids the easy trap too many other celebrities (especially those dealing with chronic illness) plunge headfirst into while on the road to selling their story. People with disabilities ARE vibrant active HUMAN people whose condition is only one facet of their total experience and contribution to the human society.

Even if he did not intend this while filming the project in the mid 1980's, I had ironically looked to Fox's "Teen Wolf" for cultural inspiration how to handle being a youth with disabilities when I was the only 'different' person in my family/neighborhood/school and wanted to know this discrepancy was cool. It was bittersweet irony therefore when I read the text indicating he was not as initially as accepting of his own body and the resultant adjustments which were made such as having to see a neurologist and take medication to keep some of the symptoms from showing themselves in public.

Pictures of referenced people and/or events would have been interesting, but reading a word-only celebrity book was more intimate. Not only would it invade the person's privacy, but the same oft-used concept would divert attention from the story AND mood, creating an experience that was no different from most of the other titles currently on the market. Due to my own challenging life, I rarely cry while reading/viewing something, but the sheer honesty of Fox's perspectivr had me constantly reaching for the Kleenex and experiencing a genuine sense of awe.

Fox is never going to be a master thespian, but he will always be one of the world's good people who tried to leave it in a better condition than he found it. That is real star power in my book.

Rating:
Summary: More than a bio, ten stars plus, a must read by all,
Review: Michael J. Fox was born in Edmonton in 1961. Residing in Burnaby, British Columbia, while his father was in the Royal Canadian Army Signal Corps, he recounts growing up with parents, siblings, Nana, and friends. Describing himself in the toddler years, Michael says, "... a handful, a whirlwind... precociously funny in a what-spaceship-dropped-off-this-alien kind of way." Michael's early love of music, specifically the guitar (self-taught), was fruitful as a member in the "Halex" band. His love of drama and art was realized at age sixteen when Michael made his debut as a twelve-year old in the Canadian Broadcasting Company's production of the series "Leo and Me". Fox's American career was launched with Disney in "Midnight Madness". Career credits include the theater screen with "Back to the Future", "Teen Wolf", and "Doc Hollywood"; and popular television series, "Family Ties" (on the set, Michael met actress/wife Tracy Pollan), and "Spin City". With humor Michael describes success, '...those who got, get', i.e., if famous and with fortune, free offers abound. Just the mention of his favorite beer in a conversation, brought a truckload of the beverage to his front door... with a promise of more anytime he wanted it!

Fox's emotional journey in facing the reality of the diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (PD) began in 1990 with the twitching of a finger. In LUCKY MAN, Fox approaches his story with wit, positive attitude and honesty, emotions, and the trials in the continuation of his career. The diagnosis of PD was understandably kept from the public for seven years... shared only with his inner circle of family and trusted associates. Michael experienced the ritual commonly traversed with diagnosis of debilitating diseases including anger, denial and acceptance. Candidly, Fox tells his faults, ups and downs, the highs and lows of life and show biz, his philosophy, and the thrill of playing hockey against Bobby Orr. In admitting his problem with alcohol and the existence of PD, Michael is led to a therapist and engages a permanent neurologist for treatment of his illness.

As an advocate for PD research funding, Fox has testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing. His campaigning efforts, continued to this day, have had a definite effect on raising awareness of PD in the public and private sectors. Specifically, the acknowledgement that PD is prevalent in earlier ages vs. the medical textbooks statement that PD is diagnosed in later ages of 50-65 years. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease Research has become a passion in his life. To this date, the exact cause of PD is unknown. LUCKY MAN is not only biographical, it is a highly-informational writing with regard to the progression and research of PD. Medications associated with treatment are described, differing in results with each person. Fox says of his release of the diagnosed illness to the public, "Disclosure had allowed me to rearrange life so that I could get more from it."

Michael J. Fox possesses obvious penchant for writing. His exceptional narrative in LUCKY MAN is philosophical, uplifting and insightful. While reading LUCKY MAN, I laughed and I cried. I am in awe of Michael J. Fox for his honesty, humility, compassion, and courage (that includes wife/actress Tracy Pollan and his four children). Review based on paperback edition 2003

[Note: The author's profits from the sale of "Lucky Man" are donated by the author to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Please visit the author's website: michaeljfox.com]

Connected books recommended are: LIFE LESSONS by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross; THE WHEEL OF LIFE: A MEMOIR OF LIVING AND DYING by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross; SHAKING UP PARKINSON DISEASE: FIGHTING LIKE A TIGER, THINKING LIKE A FOX by A. N. Lieberman, Abraham, M.D. Lieberman

Rating:
Summary: Excellent and interesting book
Review: This is a wonderful memoir by a beloved actor. I have always been a fan of Michael J. Fox, as he always seemed so likable in every role in which he has been cast. His book is no different. His wit, charm, and self-deprecating humor resonate throughout this intensely personal memoir of his life. He is not only likable, he is a fine man who has come to terms with the hand with which he has been dealt and is making the most of it.

The book traces his beginnings as a Canadian army brat, his father having been in the military. He tells the reader about growing up in Canada, part of a closely knit, working class family. He credits his short stature with helping him get his start in the theatre and film business in Canada, as it enabled him to play children's roles. From there, he did a segue into the United States, where he eventually won the coveted role of Alex P. Keaton in the hit situation comedy "Family Ties.". From then on, he was on the path to fame and fortune.

Alas, the path to fame and fortune is not always an easy one. His take on his celebrity status is astute, and he describes the impact that it has had on his life, both good and bad. He details some mistakes that he has made while growing up, such as the drinking binges that were out of control and threatened to derail his life. He also discusses some of the good decisions he has made, such as his marriage to the intelligent and lovely Tracy Pollan. He also details where these mistakes and choices have taken him and how they have shaped him into the man he is today.

The specter of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease has overshadowed his life since 1990, when he first noticed the physical manifestations of the disease by an uncontrollable trembling and twitching of his left pinkie. At the time, he was still in his twenties. He would go on to live in a state of denial for some time. When denial was no longer an option, he spent years hiding his disease from everyone except for his immediate family. When he finally did the television series Spin City, he let the people with whom he worked closely in on his secret., until the day came when it could be kept secret no more.

In 1998, Michael J. Fox decided to go public with his diagnosis and prognosis and share with the general public his experiences with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease. He has been liberated by doing so. The book details how he has come to terms with the disease and how it has impacted on his life. He describes the disease in detail, as well his involvement in Parkinson's advocacy. He has certainly been an ardent spokesperson, directing his efforts to research fundraising in an attempt to find a cure for this disease. His celebrity status has served to put the spotlight on this debilitating and, eventually, fatal disease.

This is a very well-written, compelling memoir by a very fine man, intelligent and introspective. He is a family man who has a deep appreciation for his beloved and loyal wife, who has stood by her man through thick and thin. He is also a devoted father to his two children. Though he has met with much material success in life, Michael J, Fox has managed to remain grounded and true to himself. This no-holds-barred book reminds me as to why I have always liked Michael J. Fox. He is, indeed, a lucky man.

Rating:
Summary: Lucky to Know You
Review: Whether it was Marty McFly in "Back to the Future" or Alex P. Keaton in "Family Ties," America fell in love with the characters portrayed by Michael J. Fox. Now in his autobiography, we learn how the boy became the actor became the man. In an honest, well-written and often revealing self-analysis, Michael J. Fox gives us a closer look at his life in "Lucky Man." From his boyhood days to his recent struggle with Parkinson's disease, Michael J. Fox opens up his scrapbook of family, friends, producers and directors for all to see.

Unlike many Hollywood bios, "Lucky Man" is written without the aid of a ghostwriter; telling us that his story is "too personal" for any one else to write, I thought that no one except the real Alex P. Keaton was competent enough to tell the story; I'm glad that Fox showcased his writing talent in this book. This story makes you laugh and cry; it is about a life filled with real people who made a difference in Michael's life - from the influence of his parents and grandmother to the devotion and love of his wife and children.

Fox takes the wrapper off his public image with this memoir only to reveal a considerate, gentle and genuinely funny man. Fox describes with exceptional detail his encounter and treatment of Parkinson's disease and his commitment to help finding a cure. Anyone afflicted with Parkinson's would be devastated, but what about a big time actor at the pinnacle of his career? How would he respond? After much soul searching, Fox finally realizes that his celebrity can be a help. This book is so immensely readable and enjoyable that I strongly recommend it. It could have been titled count your blessings.