A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned

by Michael J. Fox

Book Overview

A personal and hilarious gift for graduates.

Michael J. Fox abandoned high school to pursue an acting career, but went on to receive honorary degrees from several universities and garner the highest accolades for his acting, as well as for his writing. In his new book, he inspires and motivates graduates to recognize opportunities, maximize their abilities, and roll with the punches--all with his trademark optimism, warmth, and humor...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1401323863
• ISBN13: 9781401323868
• Release Date: April 2010
• Publisher: Hachette Books
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 7.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Not his best

While I loved all three of the other Michael J Fox books, this was a bit disappointing. Reads more like a commencement speech than his usual conversational delivery with humor and wit

Just a few notes for the trip ahead

I can't say I have followed Michael's career, I was not that old when Family ties was on. Though I do love the Frighteners, and pull it out every October. Not to mention I did like to watch Spin City when I could catch it, often work prevented me from doing so. I was compelled to to buy this book after Michael's shameless plug on the Cobert Report last night (lol). It was nice to read from someone that has it well in life, that life was not always well. It was not well all the time either. But he made the most of it, stumbled along the way. But then again we all do I think it best put that even though you missed some opportunities you can either reflect on their lose or move forward to new ones.

Lessons through stories, not just advice. Excellent.

Whether you're watching one of his movies or tv shows or reading one of his books, Michael J. Fox is one of those rare celebrities/ public figures who you feel like you know well. This book contains quotes and ideas that will stay with you for a long time, especially the ones about anticipating the worst situations and not living in the moment. While this book is supposedly written for newly graduated high school seniors, all ages will be able to find a personal connection and inspiration from the illustrative stories Mr. Fox has written. In a time when many of us feel powerless about so many issues, his stories illustrate just how much power we actually have. Children of the 80s like myself, who can quote just about every APK or Marty McFly line, will love taking a trip down memory lane as well.

a recommended read

In "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future," Michael J. Fox recounts his learning experiences in life, applying the lessons learned to subjects in school, while providing some Hollywood tales and student advice along the way. The tome is really small and easy to carry around. This book would probably make a good gift for not only Fox's legions of fans, but any new graduates looking for some simple insight into life. Fox applies his early life in L.A.--the life of a starving artist, a high school drop-out, and an optimist willing to risk everything for the life of his dreams--into subjects he would have learned, if he had gained this knowledge through a university education, rather than from his life. For instance, Fox compares his lessons in acting (the rules of supply and demand), in addition to poor money management during his first years in the U.S., to Economics. In a different section, he compares learning Comparative Literature, to going through tons of scripts for TV/movie projects. Other "subjects" included (compromised solely on Fox's life experiences with them), include Physics, Political Science, and Geography. The writing is witty, and entertaining. I especially like the last two sections of the book, part three "Pay Attention Kid, You Might Learn Something" and part four, "Victims of Pomp and Circumstance." Fox's voice comes across as meaningful and easy to relate to, and some parts are especially touching. This book proves that ultimately lessons learned in life, are more lasting than anything learned in school. A recommended read.

A fun, quick-read that is thoroughly enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this book. It made laugh out loud as I was reading it. This is the second book that I have read by Michael Fox and have enjoyed both. He is an engaging author and I look forward to his next book.

A charmer perfect for grads

This tiny volume-- barely bigger than a Poptart -- will only take a half-hour or so to read. Author Michael J. Fox of television and movie fame has penned this classic little book for graduates, and it's chock full of insight, humor and interesting stories from his life. Right up front high-school-dropout Fox poses a question to the reader: "What the hell were you thinking?" He has since earned a GED (General Equivalency Degree) and several honorary college diplomas, but all in all Fox has learned much more in Life 101: "an amazingly comprehensive education, albeit unstructured, and often unbidden." After listing other accomplished people who also bailed on formal education (including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp and Ben Franklin), Fox dives into stories from his youth. For example, Fox learns economics through his experiences as a teenage actor, before being cast in Family Ties, dealing with agents and taxes. Later he learns deeper lessons as a recovering alcoholic, family man and as a person stricken with Parkinson's disease. The overall impression is of a grateful and self-deprecating man with hard-won wisdom, writing with a light touch. Another good book for a recent grad is Dr. Seuss's incomparable Oh, the Places You'll Go!. Here's the chapter list: Prologue: Finally... The Beginning Part One Two Schools When Am I Ever Gonna Use This Stuff? Part Two Economics Comparative Literature Physics Political Science Geography Part Three Pay Attention Kid, You Might Learn Something Part Four Victims of Pomp and Circumstance The Beginning... Finally