ALWAYS LOOKING UP

TITLE: ALWAYS LOOKING UP
AUTHOR: MICHAEL J. FOX
Pages: 279
Date: 04/07/2010
Grade: 4.5
Details: Sequel to "Lucky Man" / NF
Library

In "Lucky Man", Michael J. Fox described his life up to a few years after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, the initial denial of that diagnosis and the struggle to accept it and deal with the consequences.
"Always Looking Up" starts at the moment Fox decides to quit Spin City and has to figure out what to do with his life from then on.
We read about him setting up a foundation for Parkinson's research and his meetings with people like Christopher Reeve and Lance Armstrong. The book tells of his frustration when the Bush administration blocks stem cell research time and again and Fox's emergence into politics and campaigning as a result.
However, it's not just a story about illness and political activism. Among other things we learn more about his beliefs and his family too.
This felt like a very personal and honest life story. Yet at no time did I feel that I was shown too much of his life or his struggles. Fox shares experiences and feelings without embarrassing the reader or making us feel sorry for him.
In fact, the overwhelming emotion this book left me with was one of admiration. Michael J. Fox is a man I would love to know.


"You suffer the blow, but you capitalize on the opportunity left open in its wake."