No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality

Written by Michael J. Fox

Narrated by Michael J. Fox

This program is read by Michael J. Fox.

A moving account of resilience, hope, fear and mortality, and how these things resonate in our lives, by actor and advocate Michael J. Fox.

The entire world knows Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, the teenage sidekick of Doc Brown in Back to the Future; as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties; as Mike Flaherty in Spin City; and through numerous other movie roles and guest appearances on shows such as The Good Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Diagnosed at age 29, Michael is equally engaged in Parkinson’s advocacy work, raising global awareness of the disease and helping find a cure through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the world’s leading non-profit funder of PD science. His two previous bestselling memoirs, Lucky Man and Always Looking Up, dealt with how he came to terms with the illness, all the while exhibiting his iconic optimism. His new memoir reassesses this outlook, as events in the past decade presented additional challenges.

In No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, Michael shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, aging, 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 humor, his audiobook 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 recently 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 and “get out of the lemonade business altogether.”

Does he make it all of the way back? Listen to the audiobook.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Nov 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781250771513

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox gained fame by playing Alex P. Keaton on the sitcom Family Ties. His blockbuster movies include Back to the Future, The Secret of My Success, Doc Hollywood, Casualties of War, and The American President. He returned to television in his award-winning lead role as Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty on Spin City, followed by guest appearances in series like Rescue Me, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Good Wife. His many awards include five Emmys, four Golden Globes, one Grammy, two Screen Actors Guild awards, the People's Choice award, and GQ Man of the Year. In 2000, he launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which is now the leading Parkinson's organization in the world. He is the author of three New York Times bestselling books: Lucky Man, Always Looking Up, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future. Michael lives with his family in New York City.

[Christina B · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am a stroke survivor with a close friend that has p. D.
Frankly, I've spent a lot of time physically trying to get my Centerbalance back. Michaels book Has given me a mental center balance. His books should be required reading for all stroke survivors? ( I have read two)
The mental gymnastics that Michael fox has gone through in his journeys have read two Werecompletely relatable the way they were described in this book. This is necessary reading
For everyone in Recovery. I'm still looking for my purpose in life. The reason for my survival but you've taken a load off my mind

Thank you
Michael fox,

Sincerely ,
Stephn bernard
I IndianapolisIndiana

[Marissa Franz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic read(listen). Having disabilities myself I identified with so much in this book. Michael is very funny as well and I found myself laughing out loud at so many moments. Definitely Recommend!

[Stacy Saxe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a wonderful story of positivity through hardship. I haven't really watched Michael J. Fox since Family Ties, but obviously know of his medical struggle. This book was such a great insight into all that he's gone through. Stories are short and light, but with the appropriate heaviness of the topic when needed. Makes me want to go back and read his other books!

[Melissa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rather than read this book, I listened to it while driving. I do not knowingly suffer from Parkinson’s Disease, but my father has a sleep disorder that is considered to be a significant marker for potentially developing the disease. Due to this connection, I found the book to be especially meaningful.

This book is as insightful as it is inspiring, with numerous delightful sprinkles of Michael’s wit and clever sense of humor. Having the book read to me by the author himself also added a warmth and sincerity that I doubt would come through as strongly from simply reading it. Taking that just a little further, Michael’s writing and delivery left me feeling sort of like we are now good pals. I highly recommend this book.

[Steven Stankevitz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was great to here it read from Michael. Couldn’t put it down. Steven

[mark · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book gave me so many reflective moments.

Maybe it’s that Michael is around my age and we are all aging, changing, and if blessed, letting go along the way so we can be open for whatever arises.

I typically listen to audiobooks at 1.3 -1.5 speed but Michael is the first author that I’ve heard who speaks at that pace naturally! It was a treat.

I’ve learned a lot here about Parkinson’s Disease for which I’m grateful to know but mostly I’ve learned a lot on how one’s attitude can be so valuable to a life well lived.