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.