book 71 - William Shatner "Star Trek Memories"

[jazzy_dave]

William Shatner "Star Trek Memories" (Harper Paperbacks)





This is a very interesting look into the history of Star Trek told through the perspective of William Shatner. I have been reading this on and off for a good few months now, and found some of the insights fascinating. Full of details, both about the episodes and the behind the scenes politics that shaped the fate of Star Trek.

Now i have heard that for a long time he was known for having a huge ego that nobody could stand.... and what do you know..... with his odd combination of self-confidence and graciousness, he shows that there are two sides to every story. Not that he's necessarily everything he says he is - but the book shows the human behind the iconic actor. His role was so famous, that there really are three people here: Kirk, Shatner-the-public-image-of-the-over-the-top-actor, and Shatner the real man.

Shatner apologizes for his "stardom" not playing respectfully to his co-stars. How we do so want our idols to have wings on their heels rather than feet of clay.

Understanding the distinction between the public image of the actor and the real man is at times, as someone else would say..... fascinating.

Comments

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

I've seen him mellow and change over the years - and the enemies he made became friends eventually. It was a rather stormy time. ST became something none of them really expected and it kind of blew up in their faces in so many ways. I am not surprised that there is a difference between the man's public face and the man himself. Tis usually how it is.

*HUGS*

[casey28.livejournal.com]

I'd like to read the book to get his perspective on things.

[blessed-oak.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to see your review was this positive. I've loved this show since it was first on TV, and I can't help but admire the people involved. Looks like it was first published in 1993. I wonder how much would be different if he wrote it now.

[symian.livejournal.com]

One thing I can say for him is his ego, his narcissism, has served him well. I can't fault him because he has endured while those who complain about him have not.

A true narcissist can't help being a narcissist because that is how their brain is set up. His side of the story is never going to be the way others see him because he can't see it.

I stand amazed because he does more in a month than I do in a year or two. *chuckle* He does and has done EVERYTHING. He works constantly but also has relaxation time with his wife and horses and more. The man never stops doing things. Never. I could never be him and that's why there is only one of him.

;)

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

I have to admit I would be leery of reading this book. Part of me thinks it would be a really fun read, and another part of me would be worried that it would be a long read full of his ego.
I actually grew to really like William Shatner when he was on the show Boston Legal and his commercials for the travel company.
Hugs, Jon

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

This may be a way in to the Star Trek movies. I had never been a fan, so when my lecturer said that we had to watch them all I thought it was impossible (and think that still). So, when I did an assignment I only looked at one or two specifically (which I could do). Not only was it physically impossible, but I think it would have been torture was well :D

However, this has piqued my interest and I may watch some just for academic interest...or maybe I'll start watching one and not be able to go any further :P

[kaishin108.livejournal.com]

I used to not care for him but did I really know him as a person, no!
I love the commercials he has done lately with Penny from The Big Bang Theory. If you haven't seen them, he plays her father, lol.

[swordznsorcery.livejournal.com]

Shatner is undoubtedly an ego, but he does at least have a sense of humour. That's quite a saving grace.

If you're interested in "Star Trek", I'd recommend Water Koenig's book "Chekov's Enterprise". Well worth a read.