Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This book is beautifully written. The memoir is a personal look into the last fifteen years of Fox's life. A very humbling story that is very inspirational.

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. .

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!

Uplifting and Inspirational. The narration was a bit shaky, but we obviously know why and it's easily forgivable. I enjoyed this one.