Sari Lynn G. (sari-lynn) -
Helpful Score: 9
Michael J. Fox has written another fine memoir, this one picking up where his "Lucky Man" left off and covering the past ten years of his life, from the time he gave up his role on "Spin City", through the startup of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and his political work promoting pro stem cell research candidates. His sense of humor shines through it all. His love for his wife and kids is truly heartening, and his optimism is encouraging, especially to those of us living with Parkinson's Disease or other debilitating conditions. A truly hopeful, feel-good read!
kickerdad -
Helpful Score: 1
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but I found it refreshing, athough I must admit sometimes a little challenging to read. I haven't quite been able to put my figner on it, not sure if it is the lexicon or the syntax but there are many brief passages I found myself having to slow down and re-read thinking "what did he just say." Other than this occassional minor distraction, I enjoyed "Always Looking Up". Often witty, typically pragmatic, Michael J. Fox brings us up to speed on the last 10 years of his life dealing with Parkinson's Disease. The book serves as another great reminder that we can have everything we imagine and more, and realize we can discover more, be more after we think we've lost it (or are about to lose it) all.
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent read very uplifting and he can be funny! I loved this book. He says, At the turn from our bedroom into the hallway, there is an old full-length mirror in a wooden frame. I can't help but catch a glimpse of myself as i pass. Turning fully towards the glass, i consider what i see. This reflected version of myself, wet,shaking,rumpled, pinched, and slightly stooped, would be alarming were it not for the self-satisfied expression pasted across my face. I would ask the obvious question, "What are you smiling about?" but i already know the answer: "It just gets better from here"
Margarita D. (margie13) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very upbeat and inspiring book. Reading about Michael J Fox, his offbeat humor, his wife & kids the tribulations posed by his illness and how he has been able to meet the disease head was a true gift. Michael shows us how you can be an optimist no matter what is going on your life. He showed me true grit and grace.
Margarita D
Margarita D
Kelly R. (fillingthebookcase) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book so much, I read it twice! Michael J. Fox had me hooked on the very first page. I had reservations about reading the book, assuming it would be depressing but I was mistaken. He does go onto his life with his illness but in a nice way. I loved his point of view and about how his family dealt with everything. This book was funny and left me feeling like I can handle whatever came my way. Very inspiring!
Pamela C. (pj-s-bookcorner) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 885 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Michael Fox delivers a poignant, funny recounting of his life with Parkinson's. While trying to balance his life and career, he also founded one of the top money raising foundations for research into this disease which robs sufferers of so much of their lives. Well written.
Nancy S. reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really expected great things from this book from the title of the book. I was looking for something positive and encouraging, and maybe some tips on how to be more optimistic. However, the book was not near as uplifting and optimistic as I expected. The politics section took up 100 pages of the book, and was was far too long. I finally skipped to the end of that section to move on. There were a few really funny sections, but overall the book was not what I was hoping for.
Kristin D. (kdurham2813) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 753 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
April is National Parkinson's Disease, so let's take this spring month and think of those who are afflicted with this disease. As this hits close to home for me with a grandmother that is battling each day the shakes and quakes in her little body, I am inspired by the actions that Fox has taken to make awareness and forward movements to finding a cure.
Now for my review of the book - an amazing book with an uplifting message. I had never read anything about Michael J. Fox's personal or professional life, so this entire book was a joy to read because it wasn't anything that I had heard before. Divided in sections, I thought it was laid out interesting, but I had a hard time because within the sections it still wasn't absolutely chronological. The stories of his family, siblings and children, were touching and made me feel like it showed him as a whole human being. I loved hearing about his political pursuits, I had no idea how involved and how he crossed the political lines - how respectable.
Go find this at the library or at the local bookstore - a great uplifting read with the best message - hope in the midst of any struggles. I would recommend this book to all readers, young and old, male and female.
Now for my review of the book - an amazing book with an uplifting message. I had never read anything about Michael J. Fox's personal or professional life, so this entire book was a joy to read because it wasn't anything that I had heard before. Divided in sections, I thought it was laid out interesting, but I had a hard time because within the sections it still wasn't absolutely chronological. The stories of his family, siblings and children, were touching and made me feel like it showed him as a whole human being. I loved hearing about his political pursuits, I had no idea how involved and how he crossed the political lines - how respectable.
Go find this at the library or at the local bookstore - a great uplifting read with the best message - hope in the midst of any struggles. I would recommend this book to all readers, young and old, male and female.
Michelle E. (mammaofour) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Michael J. Fox writes about life with Parkinson's disease yet manages to not let you feel sorry for him. Instead, I was awed by all he has been able to accomplish while battling PD. The book follows four major themes; work, politics, faith, and family. Fox does a wonderful job of connecting the four. The book opened my eyes to the hard work and the all too political aspects behind furthering medical research. I read this book because I was a fan of Michael J. Fox, the actor. After reading it, I have a new respect for Michael J. Fox, a man living his life to the fullest with Parkinson's disease, who happened to be an actor along the way.
Clare B. (ClareS) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 87 more book reviews
Interesting and insightful. I learned a lot about Parkinson's and Michael has a nice writing style.
Frank F. reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 378 more book reviews
Was hoping for more. He rambles on about stuff that has nothing to do with Parkinson's. He has been fighting the battle for many years and has taken it to National recognition. He has the money to ease the disease effects and live a full life.
Paula H. (medlib) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 5 more book reviews
I thought his previous autobiography was much better. This one didn't add to my knowledge of Parkinson's Disease or how he was coping with the worsening effects of the disease and the side effects of medication.
Barb S. (okbye) -
He has written previous autobiographies so there's not that much of that kind of info here, it's mostly about starting and running his Parkinson's research charity. It's interesting for the inside info of how these things work but not really a memoir.
Andrea R. (whatarush) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 15 more book reviews
Great positive uplifting book!
Debbie K. (mommy2twinsx2) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 5 more book reviews
It was okay, just not my cup of tea I guess. Felt a little slow to me.
Jean C. reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 7 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book, although not as much as Michael J. Fox's first book. I liked the beginning and end which seemed personal and heartwarming. The middle two chapters, one about the clinical aspects of stem cell research and another about politics, didn't keep my interest.
Jill M. (jmorang) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 2 more book reviews
This book is truly inspirational. Michael J. fox is very candid about his life since his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease.
Diana Batema (TigerLily2004) -
Very interesting and entertaining. You can really hear Michael J. Fox's own voice in your head.
Jenn O. (princelover) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 2 more book reviews
I loved his last book and I expected this to be better. It was very, very scattered and confusing.
Nicole B. (shootingstar985) -
I wanted to love this book because I have great respect for him as both an actor and a philanthropist. While some of his anecdotes stand out in my mind, this book simply didn't connect many of the major themes well and it was chronologically confusing. I skimmed or skipped pages in the 'politics' and 'faith' sections because they were repetitive and boring. It was a very eye-opening book about the challenges of Parkinson's and his fundraising efforts, but overall, it's not a book I would recommend or read again.
Michelle L. (fairygirl) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 2 more book reviews
GREAT READ!
Ella S. (sls) -
This was a good book but I thought it could have been better if the author had left out his politic view points. Of course anyone has the right t their opinion but his stance and stroong hold to be took away from the book regardless of what someone's politics views might be. I liked the book but it was not my favorite.
Robert S. reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 24 more book reviews
I love Michael J. Fox. BUT this book is bad, if you take the word Parkinson's out of it, it would be a pamphlet. I was disappointed it covers so little of his life even thought it portrays itself as an insight into his life.
GAIL L. (my2luvsemmyandmally) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 758 more book reviews
Excellent Book !!! He writes with such a passion and is so optimistic that I think it makes others learn to feel good about themselves no matter what life throws at them!
Fascinating details about his life and work.
Sharon J. (sharonkaye) reviewed Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist on + 32 more book reviews
What an amazing life Michael J. Fox has had. I really enjoyed reading this. Very inspiring and informative.
