First published 2020
Michael J. Fox opens his third memoir by examining how his famous optimism has weathered recent medical crises. The actor known worldwide as Marty McFly from Back to the Future and Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties has lived with Parkinson's disease since his diagnosis at 29 in 1991. His previous bestsellers Lucky Man and Always Looking Up chronicled his initial acceptance of the illness. Now Fox reassesses that sunny outlook after a decade of new challenges tested his resolve. A spinal cord problem required emergency surgery, forcing him to relearn walking. Then a catastrophic fall nearly shattered his trademark positivity entirely, almost convincing him to abandon what he calls the lemonade business. Fox weaves personal stories with observations about illness, aging, family bonds, and how we perceive time when facing mortality. He shares his daily negotiations with Parkinson's symptoms and the medical chaos that recently consumed his life. The book balances serious reflection with Fox's characteristic humor as he explores resilience, hope, fear, and the strength drawn from loved ones.
Genres: medical, autobiography, memoir, biography-memoir, illness, disability
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, personal-journey
256 pages · Hardcover · Flatiron Books
Content warnings: medical-trauma