Review: Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist
So this weekend I took the time to read or rather listen to Michael J. Fox’s new book, “Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist.” Let me just say right off the bat, Michael J. Fox is the coolest guy on Earth already for being Marty McFly; not to mention he has an awesome name like Fox. (As you can tell I’m attracted to last names, Frost, Fox, it’ll be a continual reoccurring theme in my blogs.) Although, after reading this book, my respect for him has grown ten-fold.
The man has been through it all, the spotlight, the lowlight, the fights. This book is a very good showing of real optimism one can possess even in the intimidating face of a disease such as Parkinson’s. I believe listening to the book was actually far better than reading it, due to hearing the trembling voice MJF (Michael J. Fox) now possesses due to his illness. Michael J Fox is not only a face for how Parkinson’s effects someone but he now gives it a voice while listening to the book. It’s endearing, and touching, angering and inspiring. The man is another Superman (Christopher Reeve), and is working his ass off to find a cure not only for Parkinson’s but other diseases as a whole through stem-cell research.
He recounts moments with his children and how Parkinson’s made it difficult to be the father he wanted to be. His battle with alcohol abuse which was a direct result of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and his wish to deny he had such an illness. He tells us the stories on the campaign trail and his support of certain political parties, and the attacks he faced from it. The book was overall inspiring and gives you a much broader outlook on life. MJF specifically says in the book (I’m paraphrasing here), “Everything was up to me, the only choice I didn’t have was whether to have Parkinson’s or not.” We all have a choice, and we can make it optimistically or pessimistically, informed or uninformed. As human beings we can prevail or fall due to our decisions. In the face of adversity this book has taught me and shown me optimism is possible, it’s not only possible; it’s completely necessary.
I overall give this book an A-. I say A-, just due to the way some of the things were worded. But overall the storytelling, the subject matter, the way it was delivered, amazing. This is a must have book, or audio book whichever you prefer.
You can buy it here at Amazon.com. Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist