First published 2003
Michael J. Fox opens his story with a stark reality: at thirty, doctors told him he had a disease that typically strikes octogenarians. For seven years, he kept his Parkinson's diagnosis hidden while continuing his acting career. When he finally announced his condition to the world in September 1998, the response overwhelmed him. Fox traces his journey from a small town in western Canada to international stardom through film and television roles that made him a household name. The memoir focuses heavily on the decade following his diagnosis, during which he learned to live with a degenerative neurological condition. He describes how his wife, family, and friends provided unwavering support as he navigated this new reality. Fox writes with his characteristic wit and ironic perspective, finding humor even in difficult circumstances. Rather than dwelling on loss, he explores what Parkinson's has taught him about appreciating life and career achievements he might have taken for granted. The book details his transformation from patient to advocate as he launched a campaign to fund research and raise public awareness. Fox donates all profits to his foundation dedicated to finding a cure.
Genres: medical, autobiography, memoir, biography-memoir, health, disability
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: personal-journey, resilience
Setting: Canada
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
282 pages · Kindle Edition · Hachette Books
Content warnings: mental-illness