No Time Like the Future

October 15, 2020
In his fourth book, Fox expresses gratitude for the past and looks to the future with a firm grasp on how to be "both a realist and an optimist." Though the actor, activist, and author has lived a blessed life, he has also faced plenty of adversity. In 1991, at 29, following early success with Family Ties, Teen Wolf, and the Back to the Future series, he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease, a devastating blow that would stop many people in their tracks. But Fox continued to work. After his diagnosis, he had roles in Spin City, Rescue Me, Boston Legal, and The Michael J. Fox Show, among other TV show and film appearances. In his latest book, the author, who has recently suffered from a spinal cord issue, is both optimistic and self-reflective: "Have I oversold optimism as a panacea, commodified hope? Have I been an honest broker with the Parkinson's community? The understanding I've reached with Parkinson's is sincere, but the expression of it risks being glib." Fox is refreshingly candid about his latest ailment, which has necessitated frequent use of a wheelchair. He gracefully takes readers on his journey from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for the risky surgical procedure and then New York City for intense rehab, and he praises his compassionate doctors and their top-notch care. The tone of the memoir is not entirely somber; though Fox ponders death, he also shares memories of a safari in Tanzania and a trip to Mount Everest: "Flying over the Himalayas is like housesitting for God." Throughout, the author clearly expresses his love for his family: his wife of 30 years, Tracy Pollan Fox, their four children, and Gus, the family dog. A heartfelt, unselfish book about never giving up that should serve as good motivational material for readers.

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December 4, 2020

Despite a diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson's at the age of 29, iconic actor, author, and philanthropist Fox continued performing, raised four children, and started a foundation that has raised nearly a billion dollars for Parkinson's research. In his fourth book, Fox reflects on his second career of roles that incorporated his physical challenges and revisits memorable moments in his personal life. Facing an empty nest, he adopted a dog named Gus, who quickly became his best friend; golfed regularly with Harlan Coben and George Stephanopoulos; and traveled the world. Then came 2018, a year of loss and excruciating setbacks, beginning with the death of his father-in-law, followed by surgery for a spinal tumor and a fall that led to a devastating arm injury. Rather than wallow in self-pity, he attempts to define his fears, find optimism, and confront his new reality head-on. Fox writes beautifully, with humor and the self-deprecation that defined his on-screen persona. VERDICT Infused with intelligence, honesty, and the perfect dose of optimism, Fox's story will resonate with his fans, including those living with Parkinson's.--Lisa Henry, Kirkwood P.L., MO

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