Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Michael J. Fox (Author, Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2009

'At the turn from our bedroom into the hallway, there is an old full-length mirror in a wooden frame ...This reflected version of myself, shaking, rumpled, pinched and slightly stooped, would be alarming were it not for the self-satisfied expression pasted across my face. I would ask the obvious question, 'What are you smiling about?' but I already know the answer: 'It just gets better from here". Struck with Parkinson's - a debilitating, degenerative disease - at the height of his fame, Michael J. Fox has taken what some might consider cause for depression and turned it into a beacon of hope for millions. In "Always Looking Up", Michael's "Sunday Times" bestselling memoir, he writes with warmth, humour and incredible honesty about the journey he has undertaken since he came to terms with his condition.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Considering that this audio book opens with the author detailing the laborious steps necessary just to get out of bed, it's miraculous that Fox's voice sounds just as charming, stalwart and nearly as steady as it did during his long film and television career. There are no frills of any kind with this recording, but none are needed; Fox's tale is engrossing on its own. He pulls no punches describing the hardships—both physical and emotional—that accompanied his diagnosis with Parkinson's, but listeners are quickly reminded that for every challenge the disease brought, Fox trained himself to find the silver lining. The first CD is enhanced with five photos (both viewable and printable) featuring Fox; his wife of two decades, Tracy Pollan; their children; and his eponymous foundation—photos are accessible by using the embedded PDF or via a Web link. A Hyperion hardcover. (Apr.)
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Review

Well-written, unfailingly cheery and warm-hearted and ... truly gripping Daily Mail The book is funny, beautiful, informative and poignant. Read it Sunday Express --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: HarperAudio; Abridged edition (March 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401391478
• ISBN-13: 978-1401391478
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (147 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #848,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael J. Fox is best known today for his hit Channel Four sitcom Spin City that he also produced. In the eighties he became an international mega-star, first through TV shows such as Family Ties, then through the record-breaking Back To The Future movies.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

80 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book on a Number of Levels, April 1, 2009

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D. Buxman "A Seeker of Truth" (Pueblo, CO United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist (Hardcover)

Having grown up watching his Alex P. Keaton character on "Family Ties," I've always been a fan of Michael J. Fox, the actor. After he revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, I became more interested in him since my grandfather suffered from PD as well. This book is a remarkable examination of the things that fate can give you and the things that can be taken away but, more importantly, it is a celebration of the things that can not be taken away.
From a simplistic perspective, it's easy to feel sorry for Michael J. Fox. He seemed to have it all at one time, and to hear about how he struggles to get out of bed in the morning is heartbreaking. On a deeper and more important level, however, this book proclaims the triumph of an indomitable spirit.
As a biography, the book doesn't necessarily stick to the standard chronological order, but rather focuses on 4 key themes: Work, Politics, Faith and Family. When I got this book yesterday, I couldn't put it down. It is often funny and sometimes melancholy, but on the whole it is quite uplifting and entertaining. It is truly a wonderful book.

39 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Title For An Enlightened Gentleman, April 4, 2009

By 

Peter Thomas Senese - Author. ""A book is... (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist (Hardcover)

'Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist' is a wonderfully shared memoir of a gentle gentleman who positively affected the lives of many. Michael Fox suffers from the physical challenges of Parkinson Disease; however, what he has done in his life, and what he shares strongly in this book to his reader audience is that in one way or another, we all are faced with human hardship. What we do in the face of these difficulties ... these unexpected changes ... these new paths that our life may unexpectedly take us down - what really counts is to find the moments of happiness within the challenges, to never lose hope and faith in change, and to use the changes in your life in one way or another as an advantage. In fact, Michael shares that his relationship with his wife, the gentle-heart and compassionate Tracy Pollan (I say this of Tracy not because of her unquestionable love of Michael, but her sense of kindness she always acts within to others), that if fact, his relationship became stronger due to the challenges that he and Tracy faced together ... his battle with the neurological degenerative disease that is Parkinson's.
I am a fan of Michael's work; however, I am clearly an admirer of Michael J. Fox the man, the husband, and the father - and with good reason. Michael is on multiple missions : the first is clear: to find a cure for Parkinson's Disease. However, the second is equally as important: to teach the world to find the optimistic view no matter what the situation.
'Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist' is a very meaningful book that all readers will walk away from with an added perspective of the wonderments of our life no matter how difficult the challenges we have.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, as always..., April 5, 2009

By 

K. Williams (Michigan) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist (Hardcover)

I read "Lucky Man", and I was fortunate enough to be in the audience of the Oprah Winfrey Show recently when MJF was the guest. He's always articulate, quick-witted and shows both humility and grit. I purchased his book yesterday and read it within a day. A class act, he continues to express gratitude to those who orbit his life on a daily basis. The immediacy of the need for stem cell research must be so urgent for MJF and others suffering from debilitating neurological disorders, but as always, he expresses no criticism for those who hold an opposing viewpoint - he only asks that you carefully consider his viewpoint as a valid one as well. Blessings to Michael J. Fox and may his good fight continue until a cure is found!