Shatner Rules: Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large

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, 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 show more 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

An enjoyable - and quick - read. Some places I laughed out loud, and other places were nearly as funny. It is less of a classical memoir than a faux self-help book, centered around the massive ego of Shatner. He is ready to mock himself, but he isn't shy about pointing out funny things about others, too. It is well written, light, will not change the world, but might give you a laugh or two...or more.

What can I say, except that this book is pure Shat. If you you like The Shat you'll enjoy it and if Shat doesn't do shit for you then why would you pick it up in the first place?

Part advice from a workaholic, the notes of a crotchety old man and some surprising moments of passionate honesty, it does give glimpses of the man behind the magic without ever really leaving the stage.

It's nice light reading, recommended for planes, trains and automobiles (provided you're not the one driving). Just please, don't tell George Takei I said so.

ON THINGS THAT SHATNER SAYS

1) This "fifty-thousand-word rulebook/memoir" is a surprisingly fun and funny book. Not for me laugh-out-loud funny, but often smile-worthy. No doubt Shatner's co-author Chris Regan (in the small type), a writer for The Daily Show, had a lot to do with that. By the way, you may not want to read this book while balancing a cup of hot tea on your stomach. Well, while getting over a cold. If you don't laugh, the coughing fit can still get you.

2) It's a good thing given frequent snap quizzes I can read upside-down. (Don't have to reverse the book for the answer keys.)

3) Shatner's more than a little mean to his Star Trek co-stars. On the other hand, his co-stars do seem viciously mean to him. (See, Chapter 6) Or show more just google. You don't have to take his word for it.

4) For someone raised a nice Jewish boy, Shatner apparently had no problem providing wild boar for dinner--with bow and arrow. Of course, the experience did make him a vegetarian for a while. For a really hair-raising story though, you should hear about him and the fried turkey. I'm not making this up! (See, Chapter 9.)

5) I'm not sure however Shatner (or Regan) didn't make up that story about Shatner and his kidnapped undies. (See, Chapter 8)

6) Shatner is definitely a Canadian. Only a Canadian would take such pride that Canadians are above all a polite people. He's also a native of Quebec, and even a Francophone, which might explain a lot about how he enunciates the English language. (See, Chapter 2)

7) Also? He can proudly claim to be the "Top Esperanto Box Office Draw." (See, Chapter 10)

8) Shatner actually takes his singing seriously. Yes, seriously. Well, so did Yoko Ono. (See, Chapter 14)

9) Shatner can make Rush Limbaugh cry. (See, Chapter 20)

10) If you're a really, really big Shatner fan, unlike just a Star Trek and Kirk fan like me, add two stars to the rating. show less

this book was actually pretty good. I would really like to read more from him in future. alas it shall have to wait until the summer when my course load is somewhat lighter. there were some moment in here that were dead serious and very important. Some were just funny. Like how it took meeting Patrick Stewart to make him realize that taking every role seriously is how you hone your craft.

consider giving it a read.

I loved this book but then....William Shatner is one of my favorite Canadians and actors. This book was laugh-out-loud funny and there are a couple of surprises about the actor/author as well.

Full review (but not a long one) may be found at Novel Meals:
http://novelmeals.wordpress.com/2012/02/...

This book was a true joy to read. I wasn't even supposed to read, my plan was just to check in the first chapter but I was hooked, line and sinker. It was a quick read; it was both easy written and so funny that I couldn’t stop reading. Star Trek is kind of a big thing in America (see image below)



William Shatner is and always will be (I almost quoted the wrath of khan) best known for the role of Captain Kirk. If you want a deep biography about Shatner and Star Trek, this isn’t the book for you, then you should read Star Trek Memories and/or Star Trek Movie Memories. But if you want a couple of hour of entertainment, then this book is for you!