William Shatner

Beautiful! This collection of memories about the Star Trek television show feels very much like a scrapbook: it’s filled with snippets from throughout the show’s run, photographs of people behind the scenes, and quotes from some of the series’ most beloved actors. It’s kind of a memoir, but it’s more a research project; Shatner meticulously pieces together the history of the show and of the people involved. He begins at the beginning, with Gene Roddenberry’s childhood and his show more love of stories, and he traces Roddenberry’s long and winding journey to sci-fi fame. The book tells, in chronological order, the different events that came together to make the show possible. He shares highlights from each season. He even tells how things began to unravel, and the different events that led to cancellation.

Shatner has also tracked down many of the people connected with the show, not just actors but also people involved with the production, and he’s interviewed them. I like that Shatner takes the time to quote these people directly; huge block quotes abound throughout the book. Shatner uses this to great effect. For example, in one chapter, he describes a series of pranks that he pulled on Leonard Nimoy. He also quotes Nimoy extensively on the same topic. The result is a hilarious back-and-forth, with both perspectives contrasting sharply. At the same time, the warmth and friendship between Nimoy and Shatner comes through loud and clear.

Finally, I admire Shatner’s openness. Some of the people he interviewed had some resentment or even animosity toward him. In one of the interviews, a fellow actor even said, “I need to tell you why I despise you.” Shatner could have left those parts out, but he didn’t. He could have tried to rebut, but he didn’t do that, either. He let them say it all; he gave them that chance to be heard. He even agreed with some of their points. This is freedom of speech at its finest; interviewees are being quoted and even supported, and never judged—not even by the one they’re criticizing. In this book, Shatner doesn’t even try to shield himself. And that may be because this book isn’t really about William Shatner; it’s about Star Trek. It’s a collective project about a group of people. It’s a chance to preserve many of the thoughts, feelings, and memories from the people at the heart of it. Shatner worked really hard on researching this book and writing it—he’s the author, after all—but he is never the focus. I think that takes both strength and humility, and I am quite impressed. show less

Absolutely stunning. I've read and enjoyed a few books by William Shatner, but none of them comes near to approaching the power and beauty of this elegy. Shatner comes off as very down to earth: a charming mix of strength and humility underscores every part of this homage. This book shows how Nimoy's talent, work ethic, and quiet dignity helped shape his career and his life. It doesn't paint a rosy picture of everything. Nimoy struggled with cigarettes and alcohol, and he had a complicated show more relationship with his family. Shatner, for his part, wasn't always as gracious as perhaps he should have been. I have read books by people who love themselves so much they can't admit to doing wrong, or who put their friends on pedestals, but that isn't Shatner's style. No, this rings much truer, and consequently, it's far more poignant. I recommend it for everyone, not just Star Trek fans. It might be of special interest to photographers or to people interested in Jewish heritage. I don't know what else to say except to read this book. It's part memoir, part tribute, and all heart. 5 stars. show less

I’ve now read a few books by William Shatner, and here, as ever, I am impressed. I am impressed with his style and his down-to-earth attitude. I am impressed by his honesty and his openness, even on topics that are deeply personal. He seems to be a very positive man in general, and that shines through in this memoir.

This book is much darker than the other ones I’ve read. Here, Shatner is 87, and he has already lost many loved ones. In this memoir, he reflects on his own death. He ponders show more his own mortality, and he recalls the many struggles he’s had over the years. He has had a great deal of sadness, even in childhood, and these experiences have shaped him. He writes of pain, and of his regrets.

There is much less humor here than I would have expected, although he does describe plenty of bizarre experiences, such as a party for a motorcycle that wouldn’t work, a co-worker who’d sabotage the production, and a hallucinogenic drug trip (described in detail). These tales are the kind of inane anecdote I’d expect from Mr. Shatner.

I was also impressed with his outright refusal to give advice. He has tremendous respect for every person as a unique individual, and he often makes the point that he can’t advise anyone. He can only say what did or didn’t work for him. He seems very open-minded, and even though he has strong opinions, he seems very accepting of people with different opinions.

The best part of this memoir, for me anyway, is when he talks about animals. Years from now, I think the parts of this book that describe his dogs and his horses will stand out more strongly in my mind than anything else he wrote. William Shatner is an animal lover. He describes the way that time with his animals will help him cope with other aspects of his life, and he tells of the joy he feels when he welcomes new foals and new puppies into the world. These passages are beautiful, full of warmth and hope.

Live Long and... What I Learned Along the Way is by far the most poignant book I’ve read by William Shatner. It’s less focused than some of his others, but that fits. This is a record of his thoughts as he takes stock of his long life. It’s an intimate look at his private fears, as well as at his joys. It’s moving and raw and definitely worthwhile. I highly recommend it. show less

William Shatner is a larger-than-life persona, and this humorous memoir will tell you exactly what you need to know to understand Shatner. Here is a list of simple rules—wisdom gained from his 80 years of life experience—that will guide you on a path of Shatneresque glory. All kidding aside, this book is funny. The writing is good, and the audio narration provided by Shatner is on point. There is a down-to-earth element, which sometimes competes with the overblown egocentrical element, show more and even here, Shatner is very self-aware and somewhat tongue-in-cheek. He shows the complicated relationship between “William Shatner” and just “Bill.” He talks about his life, his career, his family, his personality, his mistakes, and his achievements. He sort of pokes fun at, and at the same time revels in, his “big shiny ego.” Part memoir, part celebration, part inspiration—and with perfect comedic timing. show less