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Always Looking Up [Hardcover]

Michael J. Fox
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

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Kindle Edition CDN $10.09  
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Hardcover, Mar 31 2009 --  
Paperback, Bargain Price CDN $7.20  
Audio, CD, Abridged, Audiobook CDN $13.51  

Book Description

Mar 31 2009
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.


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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.

About the Author

Michael J. Fox began his career as the lovable Alex P. Keaton, the star of the poular sitcom Family Ties. Since then, his career has been a nonstop success story, with blockbuster movies like Back to the Future, The Secret of my Success, Doc Hollywood, and the lead voice in Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire. He retired from his award-winning role on Spin City. Michael has won numerous awards, including four Golden Globes, four Emmys, two Screen Actors Guild awards, GQ Man of the Year, and the People's Choice award.
He actively lobbies for stem cell research around the country and is very visible in raising money for Parkinsons research with the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

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Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5 stars
Most helpful customer reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars encouraging, hopeful, very uplifting April 15 2009
By Gail Cooke TOP 50 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
Those of us fortunate enough to have read Michael J. Fox's first book, Lucky Man, know how courageous and optimistic he has been in his continuing battle with Parkinson's . Many have probably wondered how he has done in the ensuing years - now here is an update with Always Looking Up, an apt title as he's certainly maintaining a positive attitude . There's much to benefit all of us as he shares his personal philosophy, beliefs that have led him to a life of happiness and contentment despite physical adversity.

As Michael reflects upon the past decade we hear, "If I could go back today and speak to the me of 2000, as I waged my daily battles with Parkinson's disease, I'd have this to say: .You ain't seen nothing yet!.
In fact, having the benefit of my experience since, I know now that it was going to get a lot worse before it got . . . well . . . a lot worse. "

Yet here he is after having been forced to relinquish an extremely successful show business career, and practically remake his life. He had been an actor, that defined him. He is now a husband, a father, and an activist after having begun the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Always Looking Up is not only Michael's recent. story but also the experiences of others who have survived actually surmounted extreme difficulties. All of these stories combine to encourage, inspire and give hope. An extremely rewarding listening experience!

- Gail Cooke
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Always Looking Up July 23 2009
Format:Hardcover
This book helped me prepare for the future. My sister is 7 years into Parkinson's and I will be her caregiver in the future. I was looking for specifics on what happens next. What I learned from this book is that everyone is different, and Michael's experience may be different from my sister's future. His optimism is invaluable to caregivers and patients. I have given this book to her to read as well. She has been taking a course on how to fall and how to avoid falling. Also very useful.

I wish I had read his first book, but learning the later stages has been extremely helpful for me. Thank you, Michael!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Tall people need to look up more too! Aug 4 2009
Format:Hardcover
Michael jokes how this title came from being vertically challenged. I'm a 5'10" woman and was reminded through his thought provoking book to also remember to look up!

My Dad was diagnosed with PD in June and I was looking for some insight so I could be there for him. Although he may not be ready for this book, I have it in my arsenal for when he is. In the mean time, though, I've passed it on to my sister and we are both one step closer to understanding PD and realizing that life goes on, even well in some cases as MJF demonstrates, if you can get your mind set right.

Thanks for all your hard work taking on PD and I'm now moving on to your first book to see what other gems I can take from it.

Best wishes,

Sam

Toronto, Canada
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Most recent customer reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I had expected
I drive a lot and thought this would be a good companion on the road. I found it very detailed and time specific to the foundation and Mike's working with the foundation, if you... Read more
Published on Feb 13 2011 by Sheila Corneillie
4.0 out of 5 stars An attitude for all to emulate
A humourous yet informative insight into living with PD and how to have a positive outlook on life. A lesson for us all when life seems to put us down. Read more
Published on July 28 2010 by BC Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars Always turning the next Page!
Michael J. Fox is a wonderful writer. I find his use of language intelligent and thought provoking and at the same time, he'll use common language, slang and even curse words to... Read more
Published on April 26 2010 by Trina Pottie
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Product!
I was surprised at how quickly my order arrived! There was a whiff of musty smell to it but otherwise everything about the order - the service, the speed and the great condition... Read more
Published on Oct 10 2009 by seigmund23
5.0 out of 5 stars Latest Book
After reading this well written and inspiring book I cant wait to read more from him. Although US politics is a subject I usually dont find any interest in, Mr. Read more
Published on Aug 24 2009 by Lee Cowan
5.0 out of 5 stars What Really Matters
I have not read the book. I know of Mr. Fox's illness and commend him for his positive attitude. I know myself what it is to deal with a chronic health problem and I appreciate the... Read more
Published on July 29 2009 by Ken
5.0 out of 5 stars Leading the Search for a Cure, Adjusting to Parkinson's Disease,...
"Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to his... Read more
Published on May 23 2009 by Donald Mitchell
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