Lucky Man: A Memoir

Written by:
Michael J. Fox
Narrated by:
Michael J. Fox

Abridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
231
Narrator
18
Release Date
April 2002
Duration
5 hours 30 minutes
Summary
Grammy Award Nominee for Best Spoken Word Album!

'If you were to rush in to this room right now and announce that you had struck a deal-with God, Allah, Buddha, Christ, Krishna, Bill Gates, whomever-in which the ten years since my diagnosis could be magically taken away, traded in for ten more years as the person I was before, I would, without a moment's hesitation, tell you to take a hike.'

In September 1998, Michael J. Fox stunned the world by announcing that 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. With the same passion, humor, and energy that he has invested in his dozens of performances over the last eighteen 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 western Canada to his meteoric rise in film and television which made him a worldwide celebrity. Most importantly, he writes of the last ten 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 feels as if he is a very lucky man, indeed.
Reviews
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Anonymous

I enjoyed every minute of this book, read by Michael himself. He's very honest and self depricating, and this story is much more than I expected. I admire the man he has become.

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Mary T.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My husband has recently been diagnosed with PD and MJF has it also. Learned much about Michael and his life; his outlook is amazing and gives me hope…

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Melanie J.

I LOVED listening this audio book and hearing Micheal J Fox's story from the man himself.

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Daniel W.

Great book, thank you MJF, you’re a Legend!

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Kelly R.

This book was so good. To hear what Michael J Fox went through when he first found out about his Parkinson's Disease, to how he dealt with it through work and with his family is just heart warming.

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kathryn` D

I bought this so I could read about MJ Fox's experience with Parkinson's Disease, as my son-in-in law is suffering with it, and he and Fox had the same surgeon for DBT; deep brain therapy. I will remember him as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties...funny, charming and attractive...with enthusiastic, fast speech. But a television/movie actor's delivery is not the same as a narrator, where body language and facial expressions are not visible. Please don't misunderstand me; I've always been a big fan. But, despite his theatrical experience, he speaks way too fast, often running his words together, making it difficult to understand what he said. I found myself having to pay more attention to his words, than to his story. I enjoy listening to audio books before I fall asleep so I can rest my eyes after a long day on my computer, and because they help me to relax. While I'd like to purchase some of his other books, I'll be buying them for reading, and not for listening.

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Sue Marshall

This has been my first download with my new subscription to audiobooks and I have not been disappointed. Michael J Fox described in a quirky yet honest and heartfelt manner the depths of his despair but most importantly the ability to recognise the gifts the Parkinson's diagnosis has bestowed on his journey through life.

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Caitlin Wright

What a beautiful person and love story! Perfectly written

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Brian Gutierrez

Michael J Fox is always a fantastic narrator. This book kept me interested the whole time.

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Nick Capps

If ever there was a reason to listen to an audiobook, this is it! MJF does a great job of emoting the heartfelt battle with his disease like no other narrator could!

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Maria Ahlstrom

Really enjoyed this memoir by Michael J Fox. Very well told and narrated by himself. Insightful and frank about himself and his carreer, and his Parkinson diagnosis which he as a young actor, husband and new father had to come to terms with. Interesting and highly recommended!

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Anonymous

I found this a little difficult to get into but well worth sticking around for. It is read by the author which makes it much more interesting and insightful. While he describes the effects Parkinson's Disease has on him as well as his treatment course, he doesn't overwhelm the reader with medical jargon and the entire book is not written around the disease. There are plenty of whimsical tales from childhood through his rise to fame and beyond. Most enjoyable.

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Rick O

Lucky Man is an interesting and motivational journey through the first 40 years of Michael J. Fox's life. Fox has managed to check any ego at the door, and is willing to show that he's made some dumb decisions in his life. His story is one of perseverance and acceptance, even with the torrent of emotions that come with life's problems. While he does take pains to say that he wants people to see him and not his Parkinson's Disease, almost every section is book-ended by the PD. This can be understood, as it's been part of his life for a long time now, but to say that the memoir is only somewhat about PD would be disingenuous. I don't read many memoirs, so I can't say whether this one holds up to similar material. I can say that I finished it in a single day because it's well told and compelling. Listeners struggling with their own addictions and afflictions can find motivation in Fox's lessons of owning up to one's life, both the highs and the lows.

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ML

I was pleasantly surprised by how great this book was. Michael's reading really made the stories come alive and gave it the personal touch so many readers are missing. The only reason it didn't get a 5 was some of the timeline was hard to follow when the stories jumped around. It is a great look into how Michael J. Fox got to be where he is, and, how he and his family dealt with his illness. A feel good book!

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Anonymous

This was a great eye opener not only into people with Parkinsons' but Michale J Fox as well. There was a lot I did not know about him and I have much more respect for him after hearing this story. I highly reccomend this audio book!

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McRoadDog

This audio book flowed from start to finish. Personally, I would have enjoyed a little more behind the scenes stuff from the Back to the Future series, but the story held my interest all the way.

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Nanette Hott

I can honestly say I was not what you would call a Michael J. Fox, the actor, fan. Thought he was okay as an actor. But now I can say I am a HUGE Michael J. Fox, the man, fan. This book was wonderful. What a wonderful human being he is. Most people probably would have taken the low road and felt sorry for themselves but Michael J. Fox didnt. Be prepared to be entertained. Bravo Mr. Fox!!

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Wyo Girl

I normally avoid auto-biographies by celebrities seeing that we hear about most of them adnauseum daily through every media outlet anyway. However, I've so enjoyed Michael J. Fox through the years and was so saddened by his diagnosis of Parkinsons, I decided to go ahead and order it. It was such a pleasant surprise. I don't know if he wrote the entire book himself, but, if so, he is as gifted an author as he is an actor, if not more. It was a combination of funny, sad, heartwarming and uplifting. As an added bonus, he narrates it himself and you feel like you're sitting across the coffee table from him just having a chat. It does get a little speechy as an advocate for Parkinsons Disease research, but who can blame him. Whether you are a long time Michael J. Fox fan or not, I highly recommend his book.

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E.C. Brooks

My husband and I enjoyed this book. It was very well written, and read by the Author Michael J. Fox.It really makes one appreciate his struggle, as well as those of others who suffer with Parkinson's disease.He and his wife have gone through alot dealing with it, and with the Public's misconceptions,brought on by the HARSH Media press.What a great Story he has to tell!! Very entertaining.To him and his Family, as well as all the fellow Human beings who suffer with him,we wish ALL of you,Good Luck in dealing with Parkinson's. Michael truly is "A LUCKY MAN!" We HIGHLY recommend this Audio Book! E.C. & B.A.Brooks

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Alfonso Hinojosa

I think America loves Michael J Fox and his life speaks of a giant, but his book fail to transmit that powerful message that surrounds his unique life. Alfonso

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Cynthia

This book is well written and Michael J. Fox does an excellent job of reading his own story - it felt like he was sitting in the room with me over a cup of tea, telling me about his life. The story is inspirational and I learned quite a bit about a disease whose name I knew but little else. It also made me want to know how Michael is today enough that I did some research on him.

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Michael Herb

I would encourage anyone to listen to this book. Michael J. Fox's accomplishments as an actor were impressive but the grace and courage with which he has handled his illness dwarf those accomplishments. His ability to take misfortune and turn into a tool for enlightenment and peace provides a lesson for everyone. In additon to providing inspiration, one also has to be taken with Fox's talent for self expression. More than once throughout the course of the audiotape I went back to listen to the richness of his prose. His communication skills, coupled with the emotional depth he has acquired as a result of his suffering, create a moving memoir. His words, and the personal strength he has demostrated as result of confronting a crippling health problem, provide food for the soul. The meal he has served to the listener will stick with you for a long time.

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Richard Zdanis

To date, the best memoir that I've read (or listened to). I could not stop listening! Michael has been able to "sum-up" his life in just a few short CD's. Discussions from his childhood memories/actions/reactions, to the present day Michael J. Fox.....advocate for funding research for Parkinson's...which he, in zero probability, thought he'd be doing at this stage in his life. He comes across as humble, sincere, and a great guy to know. I wish I knew more people like him (and I've never formally met him!). Great for anyone.

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Anonymous

I laughed. I cried. I became informed. After finishing the book I called two of my friends who gave PD and they were going to get it to read. I alsotalked to another who has all the symptoms but has never queried their doctor about a test for it.

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Anonymous

I liked this book primarily because it seemed very honest to me - which kept me hanging on during some of the slower parts. At the end, I learned a lot about Parkinsons.. I liked him and I liked his book.

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Anonymous

Very honest look at the good & the bad in Michael's life. Listening to him read made me miss seeing him on tv. It brought back memories of the laugh-out-loud performances we've been fortunate enough to witness. It's wonderful to see that he's been able to appreciate the next stage of his life. Well worth the time to listen to this; you will feel inspired to be a better person.

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Teri Durfee

This is a wonderful book written and read by a wonderful Human Being. It takes a great man to tell the entire world everything about yourself. I could tell you more but you must read this book yourself. Just listening to Mr. Fox's voice reminds us of all the laughs we have shared with him over the years. Michael J Fox is one of those people who can make the world a little bit brighter just by being in it. Keep fighting the good fight, Mike, and keep helping us to laugh. You truly are blessed.

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Pamela Galvin

Ok so I've loved Michael J Fox since I was 13 so this is a bias review but the book made me think how lucky we are to have family and health and how maybe I sould be more active in change, esp. when it comes to health care.

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Bryan Parlee

Excellent book, great insight into Michael's life and his struggles with PD. Very inspirational and well worth every minute. As it is read by Michael you really get a personal touch and hear the emotion behind the words.

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Andrea Bracken

What an inspiring, honest and down-to-earth actor, family man and human being. How can you not like this guy? Not only is he unafraid to expose his faults and weaknesses, but his recounting of his strugle with alcohol, depression, and coming to grips with his disease is inspirational.

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Sabrina Lightfoot

If I wasn't already a fan of Michael J. Fox, I certainly would be after reading his autobiographical memoir. His lively and often introspective take on the ups and downs Parkinson Disease has brought to his "charmed" life was refreshing. I learned a lot more about the disease and more importantly about human nature in general. Thank you Michael. Good luck to you and all the Parkinson patients waiting for that cure. You all have my support and admiration!

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Carol

I enjoyed the book and liked the fact Michael narrated it. I am a Nana and the book reaffirmed my role in my grandchldren's life. I could not listen to it with them around due to some of the language; not all of it necessary. Michael is to be admired for his courage and his attitude, and his proactive approach to Parkinsons.

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Mary Ann

What an inspiration, we all have something to learn from Michael; he gets it. He knows that his most important asset in life is his family. He knows that because of his celebrity he has a responsibility. He is candid and honest in his memoirs. There are times when he doesn't paint himself in the best light, which was pre-Parkinson. The disease gave him the opportunity to understand himself, his family and to test his limitations. The contributions that he is making to publicize this disease could have only happened with a celebrity of this magnitude. This book made a difference to me, it touched me deeply and I respect Michael J Fox, the man....

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Connie Harding

I enjoyed hearing about Michael's childhood particularly about his beloved Nanna and learned a great deal about Parkinson's disease that I didn't know. I recommend this book to family and friends.

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Anonymous

This was a good selection, although it was hard to follow the sequence of events because he jumps around quite a bit. It was interesting to hear about his life and how much he has struggle with his disease. Would recommend, liked the fact that he read it.

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Mark Rose

I have a entirely new respect for Michael Fox beyond acting. He is outstanding as a writer and narrator. His story on Parkinson's is enlightening.

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Anonymous

Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. My dad has parkinsons. The story pace is quick and Michael does a great job reading.

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Nancy

Best book I have rented so far! A real plus that Michael himself narrated. Up close and personal. Inspiring and heart warming. God Bless him for sharing so much of his personal battle. I hated for it to end.

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Shane Nixon

Good but not great. The truth is I think that if not for the power of the voice of Alex P. Keaton, I'd not have finished this one. Again, it wasn't bad, but it was more the life BEFORE Parkinson's than a statment about dealing with it. Even that isn't entirely fair, as he does spend a great deal of time talking about PD, and life with it. I am not sure why I didn't love it. I just liked it.

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Anonymous

This book is both well written and well read. We have all been amazed and amused by his talent. Now we know the story behind those performances. Insites into his drinking as well as illness. Thank you, Michael, for your honesty and humor.

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Maren

Excellent. Michael J. Fox is inspiring and entertaining in his candor about his life... the good the bad and the ugly. I feel privileged to have listened... as though given a gift.

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Don

I was looking forward to getting this book, and it surpassed my expectations. I found myelf empathizing with his situation, even though there was nothing approaching self-pity in the author's tale. Michael J. Fox has the best attitude toward something literally career ending that I have been exposed to in the recent past. Listening to this book should give almost anyone a better perspective on their life and /or perceived challenges. Thank you for the book.

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Pamela Pitcher

What an amazing man! I liked Michael J. Fox before listening to this audio book, now I admire him as well. What strength and determination!

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Anne

Wonderfully written. Powerfully read by the author. A testament to seeing the glass as not just half full, but overflowing.

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Carla Huckabee

This was a wonderfully written book that spoke to my heart about the day to day struggles of a celebrety. I have a new respect for the great man and actor that is Micheal J Fox.

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Anonymous

I usually am not a big fan of celebrity life stories, but this one was exceptional. A very close look at how he fought through his life.

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Leigh

I love this man! Michael Fox shares a candid journey thru the seasons of his celebrity life as he comes to terms with Parkinson's disease. I miss seeing him on TV and it was a joy to hear his voice again. He is clever and witty as one would expect of him! His narrative gives an awesome glimpse into living life with PD. The chapters are read like seasons and you feel like he is sharing his personal diary with you.

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Anonymous

Michael J. Fox's story is a model for humanity and anyone who has had to deal with adversity in their lives. While we all have to learn to deal with the lost of a love one, or perhaps serious injuries or illnesses, few of us have all the elements contained in Michael's story. Only in his late twenties when diagnosed, recently married, rising star, nationally recognized, and new father he shares his inner thoughts as he wrestles with the reality of his Parkinson's. How it altered his life, his relationships and how he became an example to all of us as we struggle with life's adversities.

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David Gardner

Michael J. Fox shares the story of his life before and after his diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease. He is quite candid about the experience and the reaction of his family, friends, and co-stars. Listening to this book is like sitting down and having a very personal conversation with someone you know very well. Fox tells all sides of his story and even describes some of the uglier aspects of his behavior after the diagnosis. Ultimatly, he is able to live with his own struggle in a productive manner. With the support of his wife and son, he continues to lend his voice to the pursuit of a cure for Parkinson's. A very personal, honest look into the life of someone courageously struggling with the early onset of a crippling disease. If you admired Michael J. Fox before, you will admire him much more after reading Lucky Man.

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Betty Redfield

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Michael speaks with honesty . integrity, courage , humor and a wonderful sense of who he truly is. His straight forward presentation is charming , witty and painful. I felt so many different emotions as I listened to his life story. I was so very glad I chose this one!! I was the lucky one!

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Angela Jones

Great listen! It was so much more powerful since Micheal J. Fox read the book himself. Listening to his life struggles and tribulations made him a real person not just another T.V. fantasy. I applaude his courage and strength through out his life, many people would have crubled under the pressure. I have a new respect for him. He has given me a new wisdom to deal with my personal struggles.

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Donald Boulanger

Good read. I had a lot of respect for Michael's comedic sense but when I was made aware of the anguish he suffered in mid career he became a real person and I sort of suffered right along with him. No lagging moments either.

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TJR

Michael J. Fox did a really good job of mapping out his life and reporting the true facts...he didn't hold back. When you finish listening, I think you will join the rest of us in saying, we wish the best for him and his family as he struggles with this terrible disease.

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Judy Quate

I enjoyed this book. Because Michael J. Fox narrated his own book it made it so much more real to me. Anyone who is a true fan of his talent should listen to this book. I recommend it highly.

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Anonymous

This is a GREAT book. I liked the way it was put together and the way it was read. Michael J Fox did a great job telling his story.

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Anonymous

I grew up when Family Ties was on TV and was a big Michael J. Fox fan. This story is very personal and I am glad he took the time to tell it.

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Evan Shear

A great book! Very touching. It's a worthy ride to be with Michael J. Fox and learn about and from his ups and downs.

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Dave Jackson

I love this guy. Grew up watching him. It was so weird to hear him curse (occasionally). It was great to hear of his childhood, his thoughts on tv, and his illness. What an attitude this guy has. He had some funny stories, and it was interesting to hear about the "partying" side of MJF. I thought it might be a bit more inspiring, but it was still very good.

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Michael Lane

I loved this book, could not stop listening. It was raw, honest and refreshing. Do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

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Brad Zerkel

WOW!! This is a celebrity that in the long run did not sell out. I was so impressed with his candor and struggle. Unfortunately it took his illness for him to come to "reality" and recognize what truly mattered. In the end though most "non celebrities" have to do that .He really made you think..Not feel sorry for him, but think.... He indeed is a "Lucky Man"

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Beverly Lawrence

Great read and an extra treat with Michael J. Fox reading it...

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GEM SPECTOR

Insightful look into the life of someone coming to terms with a degenerative neurological illness. Since I have one I can attest that everyone comes to terms with it in their own way. Mr. Fox really took a hard road, however, the end of the road is the same for all...change, acceptance, a totally different life, offering challenges and rewards

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Aurora, Ontario

I really enjoyed listening to his story. It was filled with highs and lows of his life, which made you laugh and cry. It made me realize that any situtation, no matter how difficult, is something to learn from and better yourself.

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Anonymous

If one is a Micahel J. Fox fan, this is a good listen. Since it is narrated by him, it makes it more interesting. A little tedious at times, but still pretty good.

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Anonymous

Michael J Fox is forthright about his disease and the events leading up to his acceptance. He is exceptional in the way he meets and overcomes the emotions that would bring him down with the diagnosis. He does have many things in his life for which he is lucky. Fortunately, he focuses on these things. It was an inspiring story.

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Michael

Wow what a great insight into MJF. I would highly recommend this book.

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Sean Neville

I really enjoy audiobooks that are narrated by the author. Michael J. Fox's narration is sincere and give this biography more of an edge. It is both entertaining (the life of a movie star) and emotional (dealing with Parkinson's). A great listen.

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Anonymous

I am not much for Biographies but this one peeked my interest because I grew up watching Family Ties. This was a life changing book. It was by far the best biography I have ever read. It is a must read!!

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Anonymous

We loved this book, read by the author. Very insightful, demonstrating yet again that he has a great personality and loving family. Documents his disease process without dragging the story down. Well integrated and holistic coverage of the man and his illness. Highly recommended.

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Beth Paquette

I absolutely salute Michael J. Fox for this book. Having grown up watching him and loving almost every performance I was stuck when he annouced his diagnosis. He is an inspiration to us all. I suffered from Breast cancer when I was pregnant with my second child and now four years out from the so called tragedy I felt compeled to hear his story and related to the denial, humor and self discover of it all. You go Micheal I love you.

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Sue Studer

Oh, my goshl! Michael has touched my heart with his words! My mother in law has PD, and I work on her as a massage therapist. She drools and forgets sometimes, but we always have so much fun together in never, never land. (We make up stories to forget about what's going on). PD is taking its toll on her, and she is so alive inside. Michael J..........thank you! I have re-rented your voice so she can hear!

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Sanjay Singhal

This has got to be the best biography I've ever read. Hearing Fox tell it in his own voice makes it even more powerful.

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