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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,665 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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.
In A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future, Michael draws on his own life experiences to make a case that real learning happens when “life goes skidding sideways.” He writes of coming to Los Angeles from Canada at age eighteen and attempting to make his way as an actor. Fox offers up a comically skewed take on how, in his own way, he fulfilled the requirements of a college syllabus. He learned economics as a starving artist; an unexpected turn as a neophyte activist schooled him in political science; and his approach to comparative literature involved stacking books up against their movie versions.
Replete with personal stories and hilarious anecdotes, Michael J. Fox’s new book is the perfect gift for graduates.
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"This book may have been intended as a gift book for graduates, but there is something here for everyone. In a straightforward manner, Fox shares with us the ups and downs he experienced when he first was out on his own. We learn what worked, what didn't, and what he might have done differently, had he only known. With a touch of humor, Fox, a high school dropout, illustrates clearly how he learned about economics, physics, political science, literature, and geography all while trying to succeed in his chosen career. He eventually got his GED as well as more than one honorary doctorate, along with a distinguished career in acting. Though a small book, it is filled with good advice, including this quote: "None of us is entitled to anything. We get what we get, not because we want it or we deserve it or because it's unfair if we don't get it, but because we earn it, we respect it, and only if we share it do we keep it."
— Mayda (5 out of 5 stars)
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future Listener Reviews
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" OK writing, but I wasn't in the target demo. It's for recent or soon-to-be grads, and I'm a 34 yr old father of 2. "
— Dwight, 2/20/2014 -
" This was a very quick read of what is basically a speech to be given at a graduation ceremony. I enjoy the anecdotes about his own personal story the most. "
— Bednarzterry, 2/18/2014 -
" My favourite lines: "Being a starving actor, I couldn't afford to buy books, but I couldn't afford not to read books..." "
— lita, 2/13/2014 -
" I expected a bit more..but I like him so... "
— Francine, 2/12/2014 -
" A lot of repeat form Lucky Man, but still pretty good and funny. "
— Dara, 2/10/2014 -
" Short and sweet and kinda scattered. Basically a grown-up version of Oh the Places You'll Go, but I liked Suess's version better. I really liked MJF's first book Lucky Man. However I am not the target audience (graduates), so that may be the root of my low rating. "
— Karessa, 1/24/2014 -
" Wonderful book for a graduate! "
— Jen, 1/18/2014 -
" I have read Michael J. Fox's other books and enjoyed them thoroughly. This one, however, while still the same humorous, optimistic style, was not telling me anything new. "
— Lavonne, 1/18/2014 -
" Quick read written with recent graduate in mind, applicable to anyone. "
— Michelle, 1/10/2014 -
" Designed as a sort-of commencement speech for new graduates, Fox mixes stories from his life and lessons from the school of hard knocks. Simple, insightful, and not pushy. "
— Johnvano, 1/7/2014 -
" I love Michael J. Fox. His books are inspiring and motivate me to want to do more. "
— Kristina, 12/28/2013 -
" A very quick read. I think I finished it in an hour before bed! I enjoyed "Looking up" better but this would be a great gift for a graduate. I do enjoy how he writes with a bit of sarcasm and humor mixed in. "
— Wendy, 11/9/2013 -
" It's nice to hear someone's perspective on life, especially from a person like Michael J. Fox. His pros allowed me to reflect and appreciate my fortune, good and bad. "
— Laura, 9/28/2013 -
" A quick little insight into what motivated a high school dropout to become one of the greatest actors and humans of the past few decades. "
— Tracy, 7/20/2013 -
" Mainly aimed at young people starting out in the world, I still found it an interesting book. He has good insights into what is important in life. "
— Katherine, 6/11/2013 -
" Sometimes I am out of an audio book, so I run into the library and randomly choose. Sometimes more wisely than others. "
— Sharon, 5/23/2013 -
" A fun breezy read from everyone's favourite time travelling teen. "
— Julia, 5/1/2013 -
" If you are looking for a good motivational story for a recent graduate, this is a great graduation gift. Easy quick read. "
— Rayray, 11/4/2012 -
" cute, but not much to it. "
— Sarahb., 10/1/2012 -
" Read this book in one sitting. Reads like a commencement address to a graduating class. Some great advice on how to live a good life. If you have read his other two books, there is no new information. Makes a great graduation gift. "
— Laurie, 9/17/2012 -
" I've always loved Michael j fox and this book is awesome! "
— Jeni, 9/12/2012 -
" A great graduation gift for high school or College Graduate. "
— Jenifer, 8/24/2012 -
" I picked this up as an audio book while in a hurry because I needed to get home to finish packing for a trip I would be taking the next day. I loved this book so much that I started it over immediately after finishing it. "
— Rat, 7/4/2012 -
" Much repetition from earlier books. "
— Dawna, 6/13/2012 -
" Short but sweet. Many quotes to live by can be found in this book. "
— Nicolle, 6/12/2012 -
" A funny, quick read that shows off Fox's talents and humor but doesn't do his story full justice. I preferred his other books more. "
— Kristy, 11/11/2011 -
" Short, but sweet. How can you not like Alex Keaton? Definitely some pearls of wisdom in this book. We truly never stop learning. "
— Tara, 6/22/2011 -
" I love Michael J. Fox. I wish this book had been longer, but it would make a great graduation gift. "
— Blaine, 5/19/2011 -
" A quick listen in the car, enjoyable. "
— Dianne, 5/14/2011 -
" short and O.K. M.J. Fox shares his life lessons like a buddy in the passanger's seat on a long road trip. Everybody's life is interesting, and M.J.F. takes the glare off his celebrity status when sharing his story of the path that got him this far. "
— Rick, 5/10/2011 -
" It was a good short read. I learned a few things I did not know about Fox! "
— Loriann, 5/2/2011 -
" A must-read for any teen or young adult before they set out on their own. "
— Bryna, 4/26/2011 -
" I really enjoyed this book. I wish I had read it when I was younger. "
— Evan, 4/26/2011 -
" Great telling about the ups and downs and uncertainties you face in life. "
— Valarie, 4/14/2011 -
" too short. :-( But otherwise LOVED the wisdom and words of advise he shared. "
— Dawn, 4/9/2011 -
" Wonderful book for a graduate! "
— Jen, 4/3/2011 -
" The book was very clever "
— Elena, 3/26/2011 -
" An easy quick read. I liked learning some behind the scenes info on Mr. Fox and what it was being in a hit movie trilogy and a top rated television show at the same time. "
— Nikki, 3/23/2011 -
" Picked this up at the Lake Havasu library as a quick read. Suitable as a gift for a graduate. Life lessons from a pretty wise "Alex P. Keaton. "
— Caren, 3/12/2011
About Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox first gained fame playing Alex P. Keaton on the sitcom Family Ties. In addition to many other acting successes, including the Back to the Future trilogy and an award-winning role in Spin City, he has authored several bestselling books. In 2000 he launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which has leapt to the forefront of the effort to find a cure. Fox lives with his family in New York City.