"Life is great. Sometimes, though, you just have to put up with a little more crap." --Michael J. Fox
In September 1998, Michael J. Fox stunned the world by announcing 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. Now, with the same passion, humor, and energy that Fox has invested in his dozens of performances over the last 18 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 a small town in western Canada to his meteoric rise in film and television which made him a worldwide celebrity. Most importantly however, he writes of the last 10 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 is a very lucky man, indeed.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Michael J. Fox is donating the profits from his book to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which is dedicated to fast-forwarding the cure for Parkinson's disease. The Foundation will move aggressively to identify the most promising research and raise the funds to assure that a cure is found for the millions of people living with this disorder. The Foundation's web site, MichaelJFox.org, carries the latest pertinent information about Parkinson's disease, including:
- A detailed description of Parkinson's disease
- How you can help find the cure
- Public Services Announcements that are aired on network and cable television stations across the country to increase awareness
- Upcoming related Parkinson's disease events and meetings
- Updates on recent research and developments
- Kindle: 504 KB
- Print Length: 288 pages
- Publisher: Hyperion; 1 edition (April 9 2003)
- ASIN: B00606WU3S
REVIEW:
I've always been a fan of Michael Fox's. When I saw this memoir for only 2 bucks on Amazon, I couldn't resist. Boy, am I glad I grabbed it. I learned much about Michael the man, since I already knew the actor.
I thought I knew enough too but soon learned I knew nothing at all. I also got a bigger glimpse into Parkinson's Disease and the effects it has on the person who has it, and the people around them.
It's nice to see a celebrity like Michael using his stature to bring awareness, as well as attending senate meetings on behalf of people with Parkinson's, to try for more funding for research. Being so active in the fight is admirable, especially when you see the extents he has taken.
There were some funny moments too. I loved how he shared his family life, from childhood to now, his stories were heartwarming.
Lots of people will enjoy this read, a fan or not. For those not sure, believe me when I tell you that it's more than meets the eye.
3.5/5
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