Lucky Man : A Memoir
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Health, Fitness & Dieting
Book Type: Audio CD
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Health, Fitness & Dieting
Book Type: Audio CD
Nina F. (ninafel) reviewed on + 88 more book reviews
Amazon.com
The same sharp intelligence and self-deprecating wit that made Michael J. Fox a star in the Family Ties TV series and Back to the Future make this a lot punchier than the usual up-from-illness celebrity memoir. Yes, he begins with the first symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the incurable illness that led to his retirement from Spin City (and acting) in 2000. And yes, he assures us he is a better, happier person now than he was before he was diagnosed. In Fox's case, you actually might believe it, because he then cheerfully exposes the insecurities and self-indulgences of his pre-Parkinson's life in a manner that makes them not glamorous but wincingly ordinary and of course very funny. ("As for the question, 'Does it bother you that maybe she just wants to sleep with you because you're a celebrity?' My answer to that one was, 'Ah...nope.'") With a working-class Canadian background, Fox has an unusually detached perspective on the madness of mass-media fame; his description of the tabloid feeding frenzy surrounding his 1988 wedding to Tracy Pollan, for example, manages to be both acid and matter-of-fact. He is frank but not maudlin about his drinking problem, and he refreshingly notes that getting sober did not automatically solve all his other problems. This readable, witty autobiography reminds you why it was generally a pleasure to watch Fox onscreen: he's a nice guy with an edge, and you don't have to feel embarrassed about liking him. --Wendy Smith --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From AudioFile
Michael J. Fox begins his memoir by talking about the first signs of what he would discover to be Parkinson's disease. In a direct, conversational style Fox gives listeners a glimpse of his heady Hollywood life, starting with his early success of "Family Ties" and Back to the Future. The self-indulgent days as a young star through his denial and hiding of his illness to his final acceptance and then advocacy for Parkinson's sufferers make a fascinating story. His narrative and sentiment are heartfelt, although Fox does read rather than tell the story, and occasionally rushes. His emotional energy emerges best when he reflects on the support from his wife and family. R.F.W.
The same sharp intelligence and self-deprecating wit that made Michael J. Fox a star in the Family Ties TV series and Back to the Future make this a lot punchier than the usual up-from-illness celebrity memoir. Yes, he begins with the first symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the incurable illness that led to his retirement from Spin City (and acting) in 2000. And yes, he assures us he is a better, happier person now than he was before he was diagnosed. In Fox's case, you actually might believe it, because he then cheerfully exposes the insecurities and self-indulgences of his pre-Parkinson's life in a manner that makes them not glamorous but wincingly ordinary and of course very funny. ("As for the question, 'Does it bother you that maybe she just wants to sleep with you because you're a celebrity?' My answer to that one was, 'Ah...nope.'") With a working-class Canadian background, Fox has an unusually detached perspective on the madness of mass-media fame; his description of the tabloid feeding frenzy surrounding his 1988 wedding to Tracy Pollan, for example, manages to be both acid and matter-of-fact. He is frank but not maudlin about his drinking problem, and he refreshingly notes that getting sober did not automatically solve all his other problems. This readable, witty autobiography reminds you why it was generally a pleasure to watch Fox onscreen: he's a nice guy with an edge, and you don't have to feel embarrassed about liking him. --Wendy Smith --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From AudioFile
Michael J. Fox begins his memoir by talking about the first signs of what he would discover to be Parkinson's disease. In a direct, conversational style Fox gives listeners a glimpse of his heady Hollywood life, starting with his early success of "Family Ties" and Back to the Future. The self-indulgent days as a young star through his denial and hiding of his illness to his final acceptance and then advocacy for Parkinson's sufferers make a fascinating story. His narrative and sentiment are heartfelt, although Fox does read rather than tell the story, and occasionally rushes. His emotional energy emerges best when he reflects on the support from his wife and family. R.F.W.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
