Always Looking Up

The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

By: Michael J. Fox

Narrated by: Michael J. Fox

There are many words to describe Michael J. Fox: Actor. Husband. Father. Activist. But readers of Always Looking Up will soon add another to the list: Optimist. Michael writes about the hard-won perspective that helped him see challenges as opportunities. Instead of building walls around himself, he developed a personal policy of engagement and discovery: an emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual outlook that has served him throughout his struggle with Parkinson's disease. Michael's exit from a very demanding, very public arena offered him the time-and the inspiration-to open up new doors leading to unexpected places. One door even led him to the center of his own family, the greatest destination of all.

The last ten years, which is really the stuff of this book, began with such a loss: my retirement from Spin City. I found myself struggling with a strange new dynamic: the shifting of public and private personas. I had been Mike the actor, then Mike the actor with PD. Now was I just Mike with PD Parkinson's had consumed my career and, in a sense, had become my career. But where did all of this leave Me? I had to build a new life when I was already pretty happy with the old one..

Always Looking Up is a memoir of this last decade, told through the critical themes of Michael's life: work, politics, faith, and family. The book is a journey of self-discovery and reinvention, and a testament to the consolations that protect him from the ravages of Parkinson's.

With the humor and wit that captivated fans of his first book, Lucky Man, Michael describes how he became a happier, more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.

©2009 Michael J. Fox; (P)2009 Hyperion

Thank You Michael J Fox for your honesty

We tend to forget that celebrities are people just like us. Loved that Michael was the narrator. His openness has made me understand what a PD patient goes through and therefore I can understand what my dad may be going through. Michael is just like you and me. Thank you Michael for sharing your story. It means a lot.

Inspiring, moving, admirable... amazing

What did you love best about Always Looking Up?

It's a wonderful message of hope and positivity.

What did you like best about this story?

Michael J. Fox is funny, witty and one hell of an admirable guy.

Which scene was your favorite?

I love everything he says about hope and how he made the best out of his situation.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The way he talks about his family is extremely moving.

Any additional comments?

It's marvellous! Makes us feel better. Highly recommend it.

Profound and Captivating

l have always enjoyed Michael J. Fox the actor, but to hear him as a narrator was even more meaningful. To listen about his struggles with PD was heartbreaking, but the way Micheal tells the story with such strength and fortitude that he shows his humanity.

Wished for more

This book was amazing. Michael J. Fox's narration is wonderful and I was only sad that this book is abridged. I would love to see both of his autobiographical books offered in an unabridged version.

Eye Opener

I really appreciated the candor and the sense of humor that I got from this man whom I already respected and admired for the integrity that he has shown over the years. Aside from giving me a lot to think about when it comes to hardship, this book also widened my perspective on a number of issues and informed me about his own disease and the scientific issues that he fights for.