Lucky Man: A Memoir    by Michael J. Fox Order:  USA  Can Hyperion, 2003 (2002) Hardcover, Softcover, Audio, CD Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Angela Landreth Five years ago when you heard the name Michael J. Fox, images of characters like Alex P. Keaton and Marty McFly came to mind. Today, the name brings associations such as actor, producer, author, and advocate. For those of us in our mid-thirties / early forties, there is a certain affinity for this celebrity. It is as though he is a close friend, since he has been a part of our lives since our teen years. Michael summed it up well in describing meeting Rob Reiner for the first time ... 'The director's face, so familiar from All in the Family, that I felt as though I knew him far better than I did ...' The memoir Lucky Man reveals many sides of Michael J. Fox, that I am sure were unknown to the majority of his fans. There are recollections of his childhood in western Canada, the events that led to his decision to become an actor, his relationships with family members, and how he has dealt with the diagnosis and reality of Parkinson's disease. The reader's reward is a deeper knowledge not only of Michael J. Fox the man, but also of a debilitating disease that is estimated to affect over a million people in the United States alone. Michael has this to say about his fans, 'I've always felt a sense of appreciation and gratitude, to these people, who were, after all, my audience. So many of the good things in my life had come to me because of their support.' Yet, another facet of this incredibly complex man is his philanthropic involvement. For example, all profits from the sale of this book go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which is 'dedicated to ensuring the development of a cure for Parkinson's disease within this decade'. Read the book for yourself; you'll discover as I did the depth of character behind the familiar face (and voice) of an actor who has entertained us over the years in Family Ties, Back to the Future, Stuart Little and many other great roles. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews