Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Michael J Fox, Hachette Australia, $32.99.
Many of us remember Michal J. Fox from his role as Marty McFly, the teenage sidekick of Doc Brown in Back to the Future. His new memoir relates to his illness, how he suffers from uncontrollable physical tremors and severe speech difficulties.
How things like hope, fear, resoluteness and mortality resonate in our lives. It’s a poignant read.
In it the 59-year-old Canadian-American actor opens up about the devastating impact of Parkinson’s disease, describing his condition as “tough” on his family, in particular.
He shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, ageing, the strength of family and friends and how our perceptions about time affect the way we approach mortality. Thoughtful and moving, but with Fox’s trademark sense of humour, his book provides a vehicle for reflection about our lives, our loves and our losses.
Running through the narrative is the drama of the medical madness Fox experienced, that included his daily negotiations with the Parkinson’s disease he’s had since 1991, and a spinal cord issue that necessitated immediate surgery. His challenge to learn how to walk again, only to suffer a devastating fall, nearly caused him to ditch his trademark optimism.
Fox, who semi-retired as his disease progressively got worse, has received four Golden Globes and five Emmys. He has been in the spotlight, thanks to the sitcom Family Ties, political comedy Spin City and guest roles in The Good Wife.
Fox gives credit to his wife and former Family Ties co-star Tracy Pollan, who has been by his side every step of the way, for helping him get through everything.
Despite his difficulties with Parkinson’s, “the book is a love letter to Tracy”.
