The one with kalaidascope Eyesssssss!!!!!! ("Star Trek" Memories - William Shatner)

Member Name: adambrown400

Product:	"Star Trek" Memories - William Shatner
Date:	12/10/09 (71 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: hugely enjoyable

Disadvantages: none really

Star Trek is a show that has managed to last a huge number of years and has recently gone through another transformation into a major blockbusting movie based on the original crew. This book documents the origins of the classic show through the eyes of the man who fronted the classic sci-fi show - William Shatner AKA Captain James Tiberius Kirk.

It's a very easy book to read, but it certainly isn't a naïve read either. Its not a book that has been obviously ghost-written, although the book was written with Chris Kreshi, as Shatner's voice is obvious throughout. There are some very technical and geeky aspects of the book that will turn a lot of people off, but if you are a fan of Trek then you certainly will enjoy reading about it.

I was also very impressed with Shatner's honesty throughout the book. He knows he's a ham actor, but he's also frank about his past mistakes - especially his attitude about being the star of the show back in the day. He makes note of the fact that Koenig, Takei, Nichols and Doohan all hated him for a number of reasons. Its also telling how little Doohan is spoken about in the book as they hated each other for many years, even right up until Doohan's death.

The book also looks at the man behind Trek - Gen Roddenberry. Gene comes across as a larger than life guy who became so annoyed with the suits at Paramount that he gave up the ghost by the time Season 3 came around.

The book covers the original show's three season run from its unprecedented two pilot shows right up till its cancellation. It contains many photos and interviews with the shows stars and makers which are incredibly insightful.

Highlights in the book include Nichelle Nichol's being persuaded to stay in the role of Uhura by Martin Luther King as well as the country's first on screen interracial kiss with Shatner. The story behind why Leonard Nimoy's push bike was always stolen by Shatner and the origins of Spock's ears. Theres also a very interesting story as to how the show was saved by some super-fans who were outraged by rumours of its cancellation.

Star Trek Memories is a fascinating read and one that I really enjoyed. In fact, I've just ordered Star Trek Movie Memories, again by Shatner himself. Well worth a look in.

Summary: great stuff