No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality

Despite a diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s at the age of 29, iconic actor, author, and philanthropist Fox continued performing, raised four children, and started a foundation that has raised nearly a billion dollars for Parkinson’s research. In his fourth book, Fox reflects on his second career of roles that incorporated his physical challenges and revisits memorable moments in his personal life. Facing an empty nest, he adopted a dog named Gus, who quickly became his best friend; golfed regularly with Harlan Coben and George Stephanopoulos; and traveled the world. Then came 2018, a year of loss and excruciating setbacks, beginning with the death of his father-in-law, followed by surgery for a spinal tumor and a fall that led to a devastating arm injury. Rather than wallow in self-pity, he attempts to define his fears, find optimism, and confront his new reality head-on. Fox writes beautifully, with humor and the self-deprecation that defined his on-screen persona.