Saturday, May 9, 2009

New Book Review From James Myers, The Entertainment Critic-Always Looking Up By Michael J. Fox

ALWAYS LOOKING UP: THE ADVENTURES OF AN INCURABLE OPTIMIST

 

THE ENTERTAINMENT CRITIC BOOK REVIEW, BY JAMES MYERS

http://jamesmyerstheentertainmentcritic.blogspot.com/

 

ALWAYS LOOKING UP: THE ADVENTURES OF AN INCURABLE OPTIMIST

By Michael J. Fox

Published By: Hyperion, Harper Collins Special Markets Department

Publication Date: March, 2009

Price: $25.99

288 Pages

ISBN# 978-1-4013-0338-9

 

 

            It makes me wonder what Michael J. Fox has to be so happy about.  Portraying Alex P. Keaton on the sitcom Family Ties, achieving success in films like the Back to the Future trilogy, and his inspiring television role on the award-winning Spin City, only to have these things torn away from him in the prime of his life by Parkinson’s Disease, forcing his retirement in 2000, almost a decade ago.  Michael is not the type to be kept down and in addition to launching his Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, he has written 2 # 1 best sellers, Lucky Man, and this inspiring book, Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist.

 

            Check out this inscription from the back cover of his book:

 

            “At the turn from our bedroom into the hallway, there is a full-length mirror in a wooden frame.  I can’t help but catch a glimpse of myself as I pass.  Turning fully towards the glass, I consider what I see.  This reflected version of myself, wet, shaking, rumpled, pinched, and slightly stooped, would be alarming if it were not for the self-satisfied expression?’  but I already know the answer: ‘It just gets better from here.’“

 

            This is the type of compelling invitation to read this book, and many, many other insightful, inspirational passages that made me realize that this is more than just another celebrity recounting his life and his supposed triumph over some obstacle.  This is a book about a man who has taken obstacles in his path and turned them into open doors, taken isolation and turned it into dialogue, taken set backs and turned them into self-discovery, taken his self-discoveries and turned them into discovery of others.  Michael has rebuild his life, reconnected with his family, and challenged all of us in a gentle, enlightened, courageous way.  This little book is nothing short of inspiring.  From a man who had it all to a man who somehow now has more, this book is an instructional read for anyone who has a debilitating disease, middle aged setbacks, or the normal roadblocks in life.  His incredible positive outlook makes this one a must read.  Better than ever!  Way to go Mike!

 

Website: http://www.alwayslookingup.com/

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBMG3WOhIc

 

 

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