Lucky Man
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Overview
"If you were to rush in to this room right now and announce that you had struck a deal-with God, Allah, Buddha, Christ, Krishna, Bill Gates, whomever-in which the ten years since my diagnosis could be magically taken away, traded in for ten more years as the person I was before, I would, without a moment's hesitation, tell you to take a hike."
In September 1998, Michael J. Fox stunned the world by announcing that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease -- a degenerative neurological condition. In fact, he had been secretly fighting it for seven years. The worldwide response was staggering. Fortunately, he had accepted the diagnosis, and by the time the public started grieving for him, he had stopped grieving for himself. With the same passion, humor, and energy that he has invested in his dozens of performances over the last eighteen years, he tells the story of his life, his career, and his campaign to find a cure for Parkinson's.
Combining his trademark ironic sensibility and keen sense of the absurd, he recounts his life -- from his childhood in western Canada to his meteoric rise in film and television which made him a worldwide celebrity. Most importantly, he writes of the last ten years, during which -- with the unswerving support of his wife, family, and friends -- he has dealt with his illness. He talks about what Parkinson's has given him: the chance to appreciate a wonderful life and career, and the opportunity to help search for a cure and spread public awareness of the disease. He feels as if he is a very lucky man, indeed.
In September 1998, Michael J. Fox stunned the world by announcing that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease -- a degenerative neurological condition. In fact, he had been secretly fighting it for seven years. The worldwide response was staggering. Fortunately, he had accepted the diagnosis, and by the time the public started grieving for him, he had stopped grieving for himself. With the same passion, humor, and energy that he has invested in his dozens of performances over the last eighteen years, he tells the story of his life, his career, and his campaign to find a cure for Parkinson's.
Combining his trademark ironic sensibility and keen sense of the absurd, he recounts his life -- from his childhood in western Canada to his meteoric rise in film and television which made him a worldwide celebrity. Most importantly, he writes of the last ten years, during which -- with the unswerving support of his wife, family, and friends -- he has dealt with his illness. He talks about what Parkinson's has given him: the chance to appreciate a wonderful life and career, and the opportunity to help search for a cure and spread public awareness of the disease. He feels as if he is a very lucky man, indeed.
Reviews (57)
Lucky Man
Written by McRoadDog on June 22nd, 2008
- Book Rating: 4/5
This audio book flowed from start to finish. Personally, I would have enjoyed a little more behind the scenes stuff from the Back to the Future series, but the story held my interest all the way.
Lucky Man
Written by Nanette Hott on May 9th, 2008
- Book Rating: 5/5
I can honestly say I was not what you would call a Michael J. Fox, the actor, fan. Thought he was okay as an actor. But now I can say I am a HUGE Michael J. Fox, the man, fan. This book was wonderful. What a wonderful human being he is. Most people probably would have taken the low road and felt sorry for themselves but Michael J. Fox didnt. Be prepared to be entertained. Bravo Mr. Fox!!
Pleasant Surprise
Written by Wyo Girl on February 5th, 2008
- Book Rating: 4/5
I normally avoid auto-biographies by celebrities seeing that we hear about most of them adnauseum daily through every media outlet anyway. However, I've so enjoyed Michael J. Fox through the years and was so saddened by his diagnosis of Parkinsons, I decided to go ahead and order it. It was such a pleasant surprise. I don't know if he wrote the entire book himself, but, if so, he is as gifted an author as he is an actor, if not more. It was a combination of funny, sad, heartwarming and uplifting. As an added bonus, he narrates it himself and you feel like you're sitting across the coffee table from him just having a chat. It does get a little speechy as an advocate for Parkinsons Disease research, but who can blame him. Whether you are a long time Michael J. Fox fan or not, I highly recommend his book.
Lucky Man
Written by E.C. Brooks on October 19th, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
My husband and I enjoyed this book. It was very well written, and read by the Author Michael J. Fox.It really makes one appreciate his struggle, as well as those of others who suffer with Parkinson's disease.He and his wife have gone through alot dealing with it, and with the Public's misconceptions,brought on by the HARSH Media press.What a great Story he has to tell!! Very entertaining.To him and his Family, as well as all the fellow Human beings who suffer with him,we wish ALL of you,Good Luck in dealing with Parkinson's. Michael truly is "A LUCKY MAN!" We HIGHLY recommend this Audio Book! E.C. & B.A.Brooks
Lucky Man
Written by Alfonso Hinojosa on April 23rd, 2007
- Book Rating: 2/5
I think America loves Michael J Fox and his life speaks of a giant, but his book fail to transmit that powerful message that surrounds his unique life. Alfonso
Lucky Man
Written by Cynthia on March 8th, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
This book is well written and Michael J. Fox does an excellent job of reading his own story - it felt like he was sitting in the room with me over a cup of tea, telling me about his life. The story is inspirational and I learned quite a bit about a disease whose name I knew but little else. It also made me want to know how Michael is today enough that I did some research on him.
Lucky Listeners
Written by Michael Herb on February 23rd, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
I would encourage anyone to listen to this book. Michael J. Fox's accomplishments as an actor were impressive but the grace and courage with which he has handled his illness dwarf those accomplishments. His ability to take misfortune and turn into a tool for enlightenment and peace provides a lesson for everyone. In additon to providing inspiration, one also has to be taken with Fox's talent for self expression. More than once throughout the course of the audiotape I went back to listen to the richness of his prose. His communication skills, coupled with the emotional depth he has acquired as a result of his suffering, create a moving memoir. His words, and the personal strength he has demostrated as result of confronting a crippling health problem, provide food for the soul. The meal he has served to the listener will stick with you for a long time.
Michael J. Fox - Lucky Man
Written by Richard Zdanis on January 31st, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
To date, the best memoir that I've read (or listened to). I could not stop listening! Michael has been able to "sum-up" his life in just a few short CD's. Discussions from his childhood memories/actions/reactions, to the present day Michael J. Fox.....advocate for funding research for Parkinson's...which he, in zero probability, thought he'd be doing at this stage in his life. He comes across as humble, sincere, and a great guy to know. I wish I knew more people like him (and I've never formally met him!). Great for anyone.
Lucky Man
Written by Anonymous on January 10th, 2007
- Book Rating: 4/5
I laughed. I cried. I became informed. After finishing the book I called two of my friends who gave PD and they were going to get it to read. I alsotalked to another who has all the symptoms but has never queried their doctor about a test for it.
Good Book
Written by Anonymous on January 1st, 2007
- Book Rating: 3/5
I liked this book primarily because it seemed very honest to me - which kept me hanging on during some of the slower parts. At the end, I learned a lot about Parkinsons.. I liked him and I liked his book.