No Time Like the Future

An Optimist Considers Mortality

By: Michael J. Fox

Narrated by: Michael J Fox

Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

The entire world knows Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, the teenage sidekick of Doc Brown in Back to the Future; as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties; as Mike Flaherty in Spin City; and through numerous other movie roles and guest appearances on shows such as The Good Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Diagnosed at age 29, Michael is equally engaged in Parkinson's advocacy work, raising global awareness of the disease and helping find a cure through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the world's leading non-profit funder of PD science. His two previous best-selling memoirs, Lucky Man and Always Looking Up, dealt with how he came to terms with the illness, all the while exhibiting his iconic optimism. His new memoir reassesses this outlook, as events in the past decade presented additional challenges.

In No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, Michael shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, ageing, the strength of family and friends, and how our perceptions about time affect the way we approach mortality. Thoughtful and moving, but with Fox's trademark sense of humour, his book provides a vehicle for reflection about our lives, our loves and our losses.

Running through the narrative is the drama of the medical madness Fox recently experienced, which included his daily negotiations with the Parkinson's disease he's had since 1991 and a spinal cord issue that necessitated immediate surgery. His challenge to learn how to walk again, only to suffer a devastating fall, nearly caused him to ditch his trademark optimism and "get out of the lemonade business altogether".

Does he make it all of the way back? Listen to the audiobook. 

©2020 Michael J Fox (P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

What an inspirational man

Being in my early fifties, I got to know Michael J Fox as Marty McFly and Alex P Keating, as the most of us did, I suppose. I simply adored (still do) the Back to the Future movies and Family Ties. He was very cool and seemed to enjoy life through his characters he portrayed.

I watched the Graham Norton show two weeks ago that had MJF as a guest. He stunned me into speechless adoration when he told his story while lying on the ground in agony after a shattered arm, shortly after having a tumour removed from his spine and suffering from Alzheimer's for 30 years, he felt depressed and sorry for himself. And then it came to him, "How can I feel this way? What about people with real problems?" I immediately downloaded the book on Audible.

I've always liked him as an actor, but now I respect him as a man who has done so much for his foundation fighting Alzheimer's. He is an inspiration and put much of my life in perspective. His positive spin in life and quirky humour made me realise that there is much more to the man, Michael J Fox.

The only negative point about the book is that I would have loved to hear more about the foundation that he and Tracy is involved in. I suppose as a humble man he didn't want to elaborate too much about it, but anyone who has managed to raise a billion dollars to help others, certainly deserves my respect.

Excellent.

Well written and obviously expertly narrated. This is Michael J Fox, feels as though I’ve grown up with him so it’s even more rewarding to hear how he’s turned this into a positive. His humour makes you feel part of his family in an endearing way.
The first 15 minutes of audio are poorly recorded but after that it sorts itself out. Enjoy.

Delightful to be able to live with Michael voice in my ears for a couple of days.

Being only a decade younger than Michael and a life long fan, I was content to just listen to the actor that I have grown up with and liked all my life. It was an added pleasure to find his book well paced, varied, entertaining and insightful. (It is a skilled narrator that can make chapters on golf interesting to a middle aged woman who until now, considered the sport little more than family avoidance). I was grateful for Michael’s honesty and what felt like trust, being privy to the intimate details of his physical and emotional experiences. This book supports the argument that age and experience result in wisdom worth sharing. Highly recommend to everyone.

A life changing & affirming listen

I couldn’t even begin to imagine what Michael J Fox has faced since he was first diagnosed with early-onset PD. What I wasn’t expecting was to hear such positivity, honesty and a list for life and the wealth that comes from supportive family & friends.
I urge everyone to listen and be moved to action.

A masterclass

What an amazing insight into the world of Mr J Fox. A look into what he deals with each day and I for one will be taking a lot of what he says with me onto each day to know what to take as a blessing.

Great book from a great inspiration

I’ve reviewed this book on YouTube and I have to say it’s a lovely listen. Michael himself narrates with his unique personality and charm. It’s warm and funny as well as full of interesting observations and lessons. I hope he does another one in a few years. Highly recommend

yet again another great book by a great man

whether you like Michael J Fox or not, this is a great book. I, like many others my age grew up with Michael and needles to say I was stunned with his PD diagnosis ,so after completing both his other two books I was excited to see this latest title on audible. After finishing his first book, I was also diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder, Michael's words and thoughts mirror my own. Great book. Thanks Audible and thanks Michael J Fox.

Like a North Star

This book was a funny, thoughtful and inspiring read. Michael J Fox has always been a source of humour and a wonderfully talented creative — this book blends those two elements of his personality flawlessly. I would recommend this to anyone especially anyone struggling to find perspective.

best book ever

This is the best book I've ever listened to - this man his courage strength humour and achievements in adversities. It gives me hope and comfort with my chronic battles. He's my new hero. Thanks MJF.

A must read

Don't think I have read a biography so personal for a very long time. Truly interesting, whitty and heartfelt. Puts life's challenges into perspective and to never take for granted what you have but also to realise what can seem a negative to an outsider actually makes that person and eveyones life for the better. Keep up the fight

Inspirational but…

It’s hard not to be inspired listening to this. He’s a great actor and has been through an unimaginable time yet remains positive.
It’s fantastic that he decided to read it himself however he does speak very quickly at times and I think many will struggle to follow the story. Of course it’s not his fault, but at times I felt it took some weight away from the story. I need to be honest.
Definitely recommended but maybe play at a lower speed?