Customer Reviews

Lucky Man

5 star:		(126)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although the condition he intends to hilight & bring predominately to the forefront in his novel is his Parkinson's Disease; it's amusing that it unintentionally becomes clear early on that, perhaps even more debilitatingly, MJF suffers from a severe "short-man" complex. This is a fact of which I wouldn't even have been aware had he not kept bringing up the subject of his height again and again and again in this book, to the point where it nearly became tiresome. I cannot understand why he insists on pointing out this perceived physical flaw of his continually. He also focuses a great deal on his lack of formal education (never finished high school), the fact that he's Canadian (something of which he does not seem at all proud, inexplicably), his former alcoholism, and other negatives.

The most interesting parts of this book are where he discusses his life post-Parkinson's diagnosis, however, there are other parts that I literally just skipped over where he rambles on and on about his childhood and the family he left behind in Canada.

It's interesting to read about his diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and reading this book actually gave me some educational insight into that particular medical condition - I had no idea it could get to be so debilitating.

I wonder whether this book and Christopher Reeve's "Still Me" and "Nothing is Impossible" were both ghost-written by the same author - wouldn't surprise me, there are many similarities to the writing style.

Both celebrities do come across as somewhat self-absorbed, focusing on their own individual and particular health issues. Perhaps, this could be a good thing if in the end it helps to find a cure for their respective diseases.

In my youth I had my first celebrity crush on Michael J. Fox. This books validates all my feelings. He is humble and honest about his past mistakes. His sincerity and general appreciation for his role in life is communicated thoughtfully as well as intelligently.

READ THIS WHEN IT ORIGINALLY WAS RELEASED SEVERAL YRS. AGO AND THIS YOUNG CANADIAN'S BRAVERY SHOULD BE APPLAUDED BY HIS FANS DAILY.

Michael J. Fox was born in Edmonton in 1961. Residing in Burnaby, British Columbia, while his father was in the Royal Canadian Army Signal Corps, he recounts growing up with parents, siblings, Nana, and friends. Describing himself in the toddler years, Michael says, "... a handful, a whirlwind... precociously funny in a what-spaceship-dropped-off-this-alien kind of way." Michael's early love of music, specifically the guitar (self-taught), was fruitful as a member in the "Halex" band. His love of drama and art was realized at age sixteen when Michael made his debut as a twelve-year old in the Canadian Broadcasting Company's production of the series "Leo and Me". Fox's American career was launched with Disney in "Midnight Madness". Career credits include the theater screen with "Back to the Future", "Teen Wolf", and "Doc Hollywood"; and popular television series, "Family Ties" (on the set, Michael met actress/wife Tracy Pollan), and "Spin City". With humor Michael describes success, '...those who got, get', i.e., if famous and with fortune, free offers abound. Just the mention of his favorite beer in a conversation, brought a truckload of the beverage to his front door... with a promise of more anytime he wanted it!

Fox's emotional journey in facing the reality of the diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (PD) began in 1990 with the twitching of a finger. In LUCKY MAN, Fox approaches his story with wit, positive attitude and honesty, emotions, and the trials in the continuation of his career. The diagnosis of PD was understandably kept from the public for seven years... shared only with his inner circle of family and trusted associates. Michael experienced the ritual commonly traversed with diagnosis of debilitating diseases including anger, denial and acceptance. Candidly, Fox tells his faults, ups and downs, the highs and lows of life and show biz, his philosophy, and the thrill of playing hockey against Bobby Orr. In admitting his problem with alcohol and the existence of PD, Michael is led to a therapist and engages a permanent neurologist for treatment of his illness.

As an advocate for PD research funding, Fox has testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing. His campaigning efforts, continued to this day, have had a definite effect on raising awareness of PD in the public and private sectors. Specifically, the acknowledgement that PD is prevalent in earlier ages vs. the medical textbooks statement that PD is diagnosed in later ages of 50-65 years. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease Research has become a passion in his life. To this date, the exact cause of PD is unknown. LUCKY MAN is not only biographical, it is a highly-informational writing with regard to the progression and research of PD. Medications associated with treatment are described, differing in results with each person. Fox says of his release of the diagnosed illness to the public, "Disclosure had allowed me to rearrange life so that I could get more from it."

Michael J. Fox possesses obvious penchant for writing. His exceptional narrative in LUCKY MAN is philosophical, uplifting and insightful. While reading LUCKY MAN, I laughed and I cried. I am in awe of Michael J. Fox for his honesty, humility, compassion, and courage (that includes wife/actress Tracy Pollan and his four children). Review based on paperback edition 2003

[Note: The author's profits from the sale of "Lucky Man" are donated by the author to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Please visit the author's website: michaeljfox.com]

Connected books recommended are: LIFE LESSONS by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross; THE WHEEL OF LIFE: A MEMOIR OF LIVING AND DYING by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross; SHAKING UP PARKINSON DISEASE: FIGHTING LIKE A TIGER, THINKING LIKE A FOX by A. N. Lieberman, Abraham, M.D. Lieberman

I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK. MIKE DOES A GOOD JOB DESCRIBING HIS DISEASE. HE GOES IN GREAT DETAIL WITH THE SYMPTOMS, DENIAL, MEDICATION, ACCEPTANCE AND FINALLY COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET IN DEALING WITH THIS DISEASE. HE ALSO GOES IN DETAIL WITH HIS OTHER BATTLE WITH ALCOHOL WHICH HE NOW HAS SEVERAL YEARS OF SOBRIETY. I FIND MIKE TO BE A PRETTY GOOD GUY WHO HAS FACED ALOT OF ADVERSITY. I LOVED HIM IN THE BACK TO THE FUTURE MOVIES AND AS ALEX KEATON IN FAMILY TIES. A VERY TALENTED AND FUNNY GUY. I GIVE ALOT OF CREDIT FOR FACING UP TO HIS DEAMONS AND COMING PUBLIC WITH BOTH OF HIS DISEASES. A VERY INTERESTING BOOK. ALSO GIVE CREDIT TO MIKE'S WIFE TRACY FOR STAYING WITH HIM THRU HIS DRINKING DAYS. THE ONLY THING I WISHED HE HAD DONE IS THIS BOOK IS TOLD US MORE ABOUT WAS THE MAKING OF HIS BACK TO THE FUTURE MOVIES. THIS IS A VERY SMALL COMPLAINT. A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE.

Short and Sweet, this book is great. I listened to the book-on-Cd which Michael J. Fox read, and it was a fantastic voyage through his life.

I Usually do not read books at all, but when I passed by the book store in the mall and i saw this book on display, it grabbed my attention immediatly. I bought it and started reading it. I have never been so intrigued by someone elses life before, but I sat through all my classes at school and read the book, I am only 17. Anything I have ever read (which was not much) or any story I have ever heard did not touch me in the way that this book did. Michael takes you through an incredible journey of his life of ups and downs. I learned a lot about life and decision making while reading. Michael did an oustanding job and I wish he would write another book. This one was just to good. His use of details is remarkable no matter what he is talking about. He is a very gifted man in so many ways. If you get a chance to read his book, i urge you to. It will touch you, even if you think their is no way possible. Just give it a try.

I've been a huge MJF fan since 1982 when I was only 8 but I never would have guessed this guy was such a talented story teller. His writing is also way beyond expectations. The appeal of this book, however, isn't his stardom or dealing with PD, but the over all story of his life. It's inspirational and entertaining in many different ways. I believe this book has mass appeal and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good biography or just a good story. I know this is the "Michael" he's willing to show us, but I must say, I have more than just a fan's admiration for him now. He is a tremendously good person who is not only entertaining America, but doing such important work through his foundation. Thank you Michael! I hope more and more success and happieness continues to come you way!

I have always liked Michael J. Fox since his days as Alex P Keaton. In this book he shares his life story--the good, the bad and the ugly story. The book talked a lot about his parkinson's disease and what he deals with on a daily basis with this disease. My grandmother had parkinson's and it was interesting to see the disease from his perspective and know what my grandmother felt. He talked about his treatments and how ironically enough, brought him closer to his family and even learned who he really was. MJF also tells stories of his acting days, of his family in Canada, and of his lovely wife and children. It's a very-well written book. I highly recommend this book to anynone--MJF fan or not!

This is a wonderful memoir by a beloved actor. I have always been a fan of Michael J. Fox, as he always seemed so likable in every role in which he has been cast. His book is no different. His wit, charm, and self-deprecating humor resonate throughout this intensely personal memoir of his life. He is not only likable, he is a fine man who has come to terms with the hand with which he has been dealt and is making the most of it.

The book traces his beginnings as a Canadian army brat, his father having been in the military. He tells the reader about growing up in Canada, part of a closely knit, working class family. He credits his short stature with helping him get his start in the theatre and film business in Canada, as it enabled him to play children's roles. From there, he did a segue into the United States, where he eventually won the coveted role of Alex P. Keaton in the hit situation comedy "Family Ties.". From then on, he was on the path to fame and fortune.

Alas, the path to fame and fortune is not always an easy one. His take on his celebrity status is astute, and he describes the impact that it has had on his life, both good and bad. He details some mistakes that he has made while growing up, such as the drinking binges that were out of control and threatened to derail his life. He also discusses some of the good decisions he has made, such as his marriage to the intelligent and lovely Tracy Pollan. He also details where these mistakes and choices have taken him and how they have shaped him into the man he is today.

The specter of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease has overshadowed his life since 1990, when he first noticed the physical manifestations of the disease by an uncontrollable trembling and twitching of his left pinkie. At the time, he was still in his twenties. He would go on to live in a state of denial for some time. When denial was no longer an option, he spent years hiding his disease from everyone except for his immediate family. When he finally did the television series Spin City, he let the people with whom he worked closely in on his secret., until the day came when it could be kept secret no more.

In 1998, Michael J. Fox decided to go public with his diagnosis and prognosis and share with the general public his experiences with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease. He has been liberated by doing so. The book details how he has come to terms with the disease and how it has impacted on his life. He describes the disease in detail, as well his involvement in Parkinson's advocacy. He has certainly been an ardent spokesperson, directing his efforts to research fundraising in an attempt to find a cure for this disease. His celebrity status has served to put the spotlight on this debilitating and, eventually, fatal disease.

This is a very well-written, compelling memoir by a very fine man, intelligent and introspective. He is a family man who has a deep appreciation for his beloved and loyal wife, who has stood by her man through thick and thin. He is also a devoted father to his two children. Though he has met with much material success in life, Michael J, Fox has managed to remain grounded and true to himself. This no-holds-barred book reminds me as to why I have always liked Michael J. Fox. He is, indeed, a lucky man.