Always Looking Up

The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

By: Michael J. Fox

Narrated by: Michael J. Fox

Length: 4 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

There are many words to describe Michael J. Fox: Actor. Husband. Father. Activist. But listeners 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.

Always Looking Up is a memoir of Michael's past decade, told through the critical themes of his 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 in 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

Great listen and very inspirational.

I found listening to Michael J Fox read his book very easy and enjoyable. His use of the language makes him give better insight to his story. I found this book to be very motivational because of what he deals with on a daily basis, and what he gets done in spite of it; just makes one realize that if a man suffering with P.D. can do all this and still be such an optimist, surely I can do more and enjoy more.

Getting to know a friend

When I read the first book by MJF, it was a good effort and I appreciated his honesty, but I was so disappointed in him as a person having grown up watching him on my favorite shows. I felt I needed to read/listen to this second one in the hope that some personal development would be evident and I was not disappointed. It was especially nice to have it read by Michael himself despite some small language difficulties caused by his condition, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I'm now happily off the listen to the third book.

Fast, funny in places

I really like Michael J. Fox, so basically this was guaranteed to be a a winner with me.
He narrates, which is a plus, though the talks fast--his delivery seemed to be affected by his Parkinson's (I only had trouble following the story when my daughter was talking at the same time.)
The story moves quickly (regardless of delivery) and jumps around a bit, but is entertaining and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny.
I've read reviews that complained that he shouldn't be telling everyday people how to be optimistic because his life is so good (i.e. of course he's optimistic). He's not being preachy or telling you how to "look on the bright side of life". He tells stories about his life. He's funny. He's had some really amazing experiences. THAT is why one would (and should) read this book.

Deserves the Grammy nomination

I seldom choose abridged titles, and I tend to avoid "Read by the Author" unless the author is a professional performer. I am so glad to listen to this. I found it very inspirational. He tells his story in a way no one else can. Mr. Fox has been through it all, and lays it out frankly. His work on his foundation is a window into the workings of philanthropy that can be a real eye-opener.
Only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is that I wish it was unabridged.

Inspiring

I am Michael's age, mother of twins...the twins have PNKD, an episodic neuromuscular movement disorder. Michael's public awareness movement has indirectly improved our lives and the ability people to understand dyskenesias and other movements. We call them brain hiccups. Thank you Michael, for living large and moving through your life journey with others in mind, for making a difference. Your interview with Katie was a big Ah Ha moment for the world...for teachers who before the interview didn't believe our twins' condition...thank you!

Great! A truly thought provoking autobiography

Michael is very courageous to expose his soul as much as he has in this book. Hat's off.... I found the case that Michael made about stem cell research enlightening. I am pro-life, but Michael makes a very good point that if we have no moral objection to in-vitro fertilization, then we can't have a moral objection to using stem cells that result from in-vitro fertilization. The world must be saturated with this knowledge as there are people such as Michael as well as relatives of mine that need to be cured and whose quality of life could be greatly improved. One thing comes to mind... Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Jesus did not wait until Monday to heal the sick. .

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.

Misleading Title

This book should have been titled "Stem Cell Research: Taking on the System," because that is all it is about. There's nothing wrong with the book, in fact it is interesting at times and he makes some good points about hypocracy. But if all I wanted to hear was another rant about the evils of conservatism, I could just watch MSNBC or The View. I was just hoping for some real insights into optimism and didn't get it in ths book.

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.