“We are where we are. If we keep moving, we’ll be someplace else. We’ll know when we get there.” – Michael J. Fox.
When I think of Michael J. Fox, I immediately think of Marty McFly, the suave, cute and fun hero from the Back to the Future trilogy.
Then I pause and reality sets in and I think of the man. I think of the passionate advocate who’s devoted to his acting, his family and finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other degenerative diseases. The man who, because of this disease, is either seen stoically still or the opposite, unable to stop moving all over the place. A man that you start to feel sorry for, but then you find out how PD changed him and how he’s stronger than ever now that he’s fighting for this cause with all these people behind him.
About a year ago, I read his first memoir Lucky Man and was swept into his world as he spoke about his successful and lucky life leading up to his diagnosis. I enjoyed his writing style as he narrated his life story up to that point, including how he got into acting, the start of his family, his battle with alcohol and finally having to come to terms with having PD in his 30s.
It was a book I couldn’t put down and so I knew I had to get my hands on his second book – Always Looking Up – The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist.
I managed to get a copy recently at the library and, like his first book, devoured it within just four days.
The second book is organized into Fox’s four life pillars (work, politics, faith and family), which was a change but still easy to read and interesting. I liked how he would focus on one aspect and share what he did and felt in that arena over time. As the book went on, the four pillars eventually blurred together, drawing a whole picture of the man in my mind.
It was a well-written and moving book. He doesn’t deny his luck and the never-ending support he’s received over time, and he clearly and articulately explains his view on stem cell research without an abundance of bias. We know why he cares, obviously, but he addresses the other side of the debate as well.
It’s been a year since I read his first book, so I can’t tell you which one I think is better. But I can tell you that this was an inspiring read and it’s worth picking up – if only to get a glimpse inside of the life of this inspiring Canadian.
Rating: 4/5