In this book, Star Trek's Captain Kirk sets out to understand the most baffling "Strange New World" of all, the world of Star Trek Fandom.After Kirk's cinematic death in "Generations" Shatner makes an effort to understand the bizarre sub culture that has made his career such a success.Long content to keep his association with Star Trek "on the clock", Shatner begins to don an alien mask and move incognito on convention floors. He begins to interview fans, convention organizers and merchants.As Shatner's understanding of Trek fandom mounts in the pages of the book, he becomes more and more in tune with a world that heretofore existed beneath his notice. His tales of revalation are often funny, sometimes touching, and always enteretaining.Shatner, in the twilight of his legendary career, sets out to undertand Trek Fandom, a phenomenon also in its twilight stage.This is one for posterity, and hilarity!

Some long-time fans seem to have a problem with William Shatner writing (with assistance from Chris Kreski) about Star Trek. As he has readily admitted in some of his other books (STAR TREK MEMORIES and STAR TREK MOVIE MEMORIES), he did have a period in his career where he distanced himself from the phenomenon. Because of this, there are times in his writing -- and even in this new book -- where it is obvious that Mr. Shatner shows a lack of interest in the background on ST or science fiction in general that would not please a segment of fans. Saying that, however, Mr. Shatner does bring an "outsider's view" to his work that makes it more refreshing than someone who has been in the fandom for far too many years. Very funny and refreshing; but don't be surprised if you've heard some of the stories before. I would have preferred less interviews and more insight from Mr. Shatner himself as well. Still, couldn't someone have told Mr. Shatner that the B5 star he was bugging at the convention was not Tracy Scoggins but Claudia Christian? Yikes! No wonder she ignored him.

It is a shame that William Shatner has never released a stand-up comedy album, or even an album of one of his "Star Trek Convention" talks, but the audio version of his book "Get A Life", comes close to what Shatner might be like live on stage. While the book is supposed to be more about the history of the "Star Trek Convention", most of the audio book goes over actual questions that Star Trek fans have asked him over the years. I have always liked William Shatner's arsine personality, and it really shines through during his reading of this book. For example when he explains his fear of flying, there is a part (like a good stand-up comedian) where Shatner talks about the old and young "peacefully sipping soda through plastic straws" while on the airplane and then states that people like that "makes (him) sick . . . and I like to punch those people in the head". Other stories like his encounters with a skunk and a wild African Elephant are also very funny, and if not true - at least the true are of a stand-up comic. Although Shatner would want us to consider this serious reading, but it is still worth the money if you can find a copy of it.

For this neo-Trekkie with a fascination for the future, "I'm Working on That: A Trek from Science Fiction to Science Fact", is an entertaining look at how our imaginations have converged with reality and how technology is impacting our lives now and will, exponentially, change the way we live tomorrow. The book should resonate even more with those well versed in the toys and voyages of the Enterprise. Chip Walter and William Shatner explore where fiction meets reality in a smart style that is absorbing, tangible, and fun, and will engage the novice futurist as well as those conversant in the theories and foresights of Kurzweil, Moravec, Teller, von Neumann, and their contemporaries.

Star Trek: I'm Working on That written by William Shatner with Chip Walter is simply... fascinating, as Spock would say. A book that is a true trek from science fiction to science fact as Shatner talks to different scientists as gets the scoop on whats coming down the pike in the future.

The book is written in an easy style narrative, as Shatner is talking to you and finding out whats in store for the future. From nanotechnology to suspended animation, raising consciousness in computers to scrambled atoms, Shatner takes the reader on a real TREK.

You'll find yourself reading this book and then reading it some more until you have it finished and time has simply melted away. Reading about people working on the future is an adventure from Caltech to MIT what was once considered impossible or improbable, just might be a real possibility.

If you're like me and you have just a little modicum of curiosity, you'll like reading this entertaining look into the future. Who knows, maybe there will be transporters, wrap drive, and replicators. Either way, though, I vote we move cautiously before kicking things into warp drive.

There could be advantages to that. Caution: reading this book will severely afflict you with "wonderment disease," as these technologies are appearing in the real world, someone must actually be out there making them happen.

You'll find a suggested reading list and web sites to surf making this book compellingly interactive.

This is a unique book that examines the connection between the science fiction universe of Star Trek and our current understanding of science fact. Inspired by Shatner's curiosity about how things work and the uncanny embodiment of 1960's Star Trek gadgetry, such as the flip-open communicator, in what are now common consumer products - Bill and Chip toured the country, with many fun adventures along the way, to find out what other Star Trek inventions are likely to pop into reality in the near future. To look for answers, they visited some of the premier think-tanks and universities in the US, posing the question to a host of leading researchers, including luminaries such as Edward Tellar (father of the hydrogen bomb - Los Alamos Labs), Eric Drexler (leading nanotechnologist - Foresight Institute) and Marc Millis (propulsion visionary - NASA). Using Star Trek episodes as a light-hearted guide, particularly reminiscent for the real fans that can recognize an episode in a few sound bites, all areas of Star Trek science and technology are examined. Teleportation, warp drive, time travel, computer science, robotics, genetics and nanotechnology are some of the hottest topics on the agenda.

The book raises the question, does science fiction help us invent technology and explore science by providing compelling visions of what might be possible? What comes first, the invention, or the fantasy about the invention? These are questions I also find myself asking as a researcher, one who had the good fortune to meet the authors during their visit to Xerox PARC, described in Chapter 8, Get Smart. Star Trek certainly inspired me in my career and influenced many of my colleagues who are also Star Trek enthusiasts. Reading this book you will discover that even the great physicist Stephen Hawkins is a fan, who's passing comments led to the title of this book. There is no doubt in my mind that a strong connection exists between science fantasy and science endeavor, and drives many of us to push the limits of what is possible.

The book does an excellent job of bringing these issues to the fore, and I can recommend the result as a good read. You'll have flash backs to all the best Star Trek episodes and find the commentary and technology discussions enjoyable, sometimes humorous, but always well informed.

This book, "Captain's Log: William Shatner's Personal Account on the Making of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" by Lisabeth Shatner (William Shatner's daughter, who was on the film's set & location shoots) is an excellent read on the making of a Star Trek movie. This book details the accounts on what lead star, co-writer, & director of Star Trek V, William Shatner, went through making this movie. Although this fifth movie is best remembered as not one of the best in the Star Trek film series, this book details the process on the making of a feature film. This book also includes details on the originally planned ending that had to be changed. Featuring interviews with the cast & crew, as well as 16 pages of photos, "Captain's Log" is an excellent read. For Star Trek fans as well as anyone interested on the process of filmmaking.

I think it was/is wonderful! William Shatner is a terrific writer!

Beyond the Stars is the fourth in the Quest for Tomorrow series. In the previous volume, Jim Endicott has used the power of the Omega Point to change the past. In this branch of the multiverse, his mother does not alter his DNA and, while still pursued by Delta and attacked by Commander Steele, his misaimed shot does not kill Carl as in the other timeline.

Jim, Carl and Tabitha all survive the attack, but Carl is badly wounded and Tabitha is in shock. They flee from the cabin to Hannaport on the other side of the mountain. There Jim is put aboard a freighter headed for the Outward Bound, a colony ship. Carl and Tabitha go elsewhere to lure away Delta's forces. On the Outward Bound, Jim becomes friends with the leader of the Stone Cowboys gang and more than friends with Samantha, a Stone Cowgirl.

Jim is alone, in a strange place and surrounded by strangers, with different ways and customs. For the first time, he must fend for himself, make his own path in the world. He has help from the Stone Cowboys, yet he must learn to meet their expectations or they will turn on him. At the same time, he wants to be true to the behavior and beliefs instilled by Carl and Tabitha.

This novel presents a new story of another Jim Endicott. It explores other facets of the ConFed society and other avenues for a young adult. Recommended for Shatner fans and anyone who enjoys young adult SF stories.

I just finished Beyond The Stars I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I have always like William Shatner books and this was an excellent addition to his collection. The ending did leave something to be desired but I can't wait for the next so I can see what happens to Jim Endicott.

Though their may be a few moans and groans about yet another Shatner novel I must say this one was somewhat riveting though his last book made my head hurt. Perhaps someday Shatner will seal Endicott's fate and give him a good end (within the next two, hopefully.)

Shadow Planet is the fifth in the Quest for Tomorrow series. These novels are fairly light science fiction. While intended for young adults, they also can be enjoyable reading for adults.

In the previous novel, Jim Endicott has discovered that aliens are supplying a deadly drug to the crew and passengers of the colony ship Outward Bound. He convinces the Stone Cowboys youth gang, who have been distributing the drug, to help him assault the alien ship, killing all but one of the alien crew. He then becomes Captain, renames the ship Endeavor, and sets a course toward Kolumba, the alien's home planet.

This novel begins with another set of aliens, the Communers, completely destroying the Outward Bound. The Communers are using the Kolumbans as stooges to attack the Terran Confederation. While the Kolumbans were originally noble savages, so to speak, the Communers have subverted them to consumerism by giving out picture boxes showing various sentients, including humans, using flashy cars and other goods. Sound familiar?

This series has an old fashion, pulp-era feel. While Shatner introduces contemporary scientific and technological concepts, they are usually only nonessential props rather than central elements of the plot. He also overuses coincidence to resolve problems, so the plot seems jerky at times. Moreover, only Jim Endicott shows any character growth; everyone else is fully defined when they are introduced. Overall, it would make a good script for a TV movie, but is not serious literature.

Recommended for young adults and more mature readers who don't mind a little light reading while awaiting the next Robert Jordan novel.

Quest for Tomorrow: Shadow Planet written by William Shatner is a gripping space saga. Shatner's writting ability is getting better as we see in this book.

This is Shatner's fifth book in this series called Quest for Tomorrow and his ability to continue to write in the series must come from his own life. I found the book to move quite rapidly once you start reading as Jim Endicott finds new life, he battles an insect race called the Communers. Drugs are killing people and are sold by the Kolumbians.

This book reminds me, in short, of a soap-opera or a western but with a space motif. Shatner does pace this book well and there are the twists and turns you'd expect. This is a very well-written and a high-tech thriller. As mankind starts to colonize the universe they will eventually meet some who think the colonization is threatening and will resort to covert actions. Thus, Shatner's book in a nutshell... but the ending I'll leave for the reader to enjoy.

The book hinges on hope and there are those who will like it for that reason alone. I have this nagging thought though, does Shatner have a ghost writer for this series if so who is it. If Shatner is writing this series by himself than more power to him this isseries, Quest for Tomorrow is an excellent Sci-fi grouping.

In the far distant future, mankind has colonized so many worlds that they are perceived to be a threat by the Communers, an insect like race with a hive mentality. Humanity doesn't know about this deadly enemy because the Communers prefer to remain in the shadows using guerrilla tactics and other races to destroy their enemy. Terran colony ships housing ten million humans are being given drugs that will cause mass destruction.

The Stone Cowboys, led by teenagers Kerry Korrigan and Jim Endicott figure out the truth and hijack the Kolumban ship, the Endeavor, killing all its' crew save one. Somehow, some way, they intend to stop the Kolumbans from producing the drugs that will harm humanity. However when he learns that the Communers deceived the Kolumbans, Jim must come up with a plan that will save both races from their common enemy.

William Shatner of Star Trek fame has made the transition from actor to writer very successfully. His "Quest For Tomorrow" series is great space opera in the tradition of Arthur C. Clarke and Andre Norton. SHADOW PLANET is full of heroic action, exotic aliens, and a young, bright, charismatic leader (think Luke Skywalker) who takes an ex-gang and forms them into a fierce fighting unit.

Harriet Klausner

SPOILER ALERT -- If you care, some crucial details will be revealed in this review: Written in the typically fractured, emotional Shatner style - but well-done nonetheless - Kirk faces the Preservers, as powerful as any gods we humans have made up. But several key flaws make the entire 6-book series not worth reading, all because of how these flaws affect the ending. 1) No need to bring Shatner's personal tragedy over to a major character. This action was totally arbitrary and ruled out innumerably interesting plot lines for future books. 2) Tiberius' change of heart was completely unsubstantiated and simply done to get him out of the way. 3) The last 2 chapters were meaningless in terms of the overall story. In fact, the basic premise - that the Preservers must teach the Federation that the Prime Directive is arrogant - was taken up by "Q" in ST:TNG Episode 1 !! The idea that the universe revolves around one man was used in the final episode of ST:TNG. It barely worked then & barely works now. But to use Kirk, Teilani, and the child for a useless lesson that could have been taught without tragedy is absurd and rings false. The plot turns simply to pull our heartstrings, and we don't appreciate the lack of storytelling skill in doing so. So the reader loses his faith in Shatner. What did we read 6 books for? To find Kirk evolve into a loving character - only to see the object of that love destroyed in order to "teach a lesson" about the Prime Directive and to make sure Kirk goes back out to the stars? Give us a break! Bill - earn our faith back by having Kirk go to the Guardian of Forever and change the events leading up to tragedy. Now, that's a violation of the PD we'd like to see and it continues the evolution of the Kirk character.

James T. Kirk and friends Vs Emperor Tiberius. This the 6th ST book done by William Shatner and friends (and book 3 of the mirror mirror trilogy) and it is a bit below the standards set by the first 5. I must say though that I haven't read the book, only the abridged audio CD. The chase part of the book was hard to follow.

If you read the other five, you have to read this one. Shatner and friends are the best story tellers in the ST universe. I hope they plan to keep the books coming, and include characters from all the series.

What about a trilogy called: DATA THE RETURN. Kirk and Picard go back to the time of Capt Archer and set out to steal a Borg Devise that could revive Data. ST has little continuity anyway, so what's the harm.

The end of the second trilogy brings everything full circle and then some for our heroes. Tragedy, triumph, and wonderful character moments are included in a story that reaches far back into Trek's past and brings everything up to the present. I have written reviews of all of Shatner's other books in this series and I will say again: I look forward to these books the way I used to look forward to the movies. Everything is so well written in them and the characters are treated so well that you can see them and hear them. In this last book of the second trilogy, Shatner and the Garfield Reeves Stevens couple present us a story worthy of two Kirks. The mysteries laid down on Dark Victory are given some answers but nothing is ever truly given away; indeed, there are even more mysteries. Think Star Trek meets X-Files meets 2001, and that's what this book is. There are some more surprises in store for Kirk and company, but what amazes me about these books is that even when there is all this activity going on, the time is always taken to treat all the characters with reverence. Everyone gets a moment to shine. Kirk sounds like Kirk, Spock sounds like Spock, Picard sounds like Picard, etc. Original series episodes like City on the Edge of Forever,Miri, The Corbomite Maneuver and The Paradise Syndrome among others all of a sudden have brand new meaning and validity. Even the events of Star Trek First Contact are given tons of meaning and suddenly the events depicted in that movie are given the feeling of importance that Berman and his people have been unable to convey since they took over the franchise. I look at all of these books as corrections on mediocrity. Some old friends from some of the other Shatner books resurface here, and the ending will have your draw dropping and probably a tear in your eye. After reading these books thus far, I just can't believe that Rick Berman turned down the story for The Return (the second book in this series.) That lack of taste and initiative shows to this day in the bland, irrelevant, and boring soap opera that Trek has become. I gurantee that if these books, starting with The Return, had been allowed to be made into movies, the Star Trek franchise would be as popular if not more so then it was when Star Trek IV came out. Instead of going for the quick buck, if you give the fans what they want, you may have to spend more time and money up front, but you reap what you sew, and these kinds of stories would insure that Star Trek would live to see its 100th anniversary. As is, I doubt it will see 40. Mr. Berman, let the big boys make the movies- stick with TV. Let some real writers back in there to freshen things up, too. (Besides the same TV writers.) If you want to see and remember what real Star Trek is and see the continuation of an ongoing saga in an entire universe, get all of these books! You won't believe the difference in quality.

This book, while entertaining and informative (sometimes beyond the interest of the reader), gave a rather clear and unsettling glimpse of William Shatner. Now I know that Kirk was a CHARACTER he played as an actor, but it is quite disappointing to see such a complete and total opposite personality between the character we all love and the actor who offends fans at almost every juncture. He really is an ego-maniac, and I have to admit, I don't understand exactly where that comes from. Star Trek made this actor his bread and butter, and instead of embracing the love and adoration, he tolerates it with tongue in cheek, and takes his paychecks straight to the bank, laughing all the way - at the fans, mostly! The book is entertaining - I will not take that away from it. However, after reading other 'behind the scenes' literature regarding Star Trek and it's cast, I find it eye-opening that Shatner can look himself in the mirror with a straight face every day. For me, this book further demonstrates that Capt. Kirk and all his qualities came from Gene Roddenberry, and was somehow brought to life - briefly - through a so-so actor named William Shatner.

Shatner wrote an excellent book about his experience during the making of the Star Trek series. It's funny, it brings back memories of watching the TV series, it's sad at points, but it's a lot of fun, and history. Shatner may have been unfair over the years with his costars, but he allows them moments at the conclusion of the book to state their unhappiness with him over the years, allowing for a fair and accurate book.

If you are, like me, a hard to kill fan of the original Star Trek series, if you miss Spock and Bones bickering at each other and if you have always wanted to know which rumours about the making of the 79 episodes are true, here is the book for you! Take a trip down memory lane, laugh and occasionally cry with Bill Shatner, who gives a detailed, well written and honest peek behind the scenes of oh so many years ago. Many of the cast and crew have taken the opportunity Shatner gave them to voice their opinions, thus giving us a wonderfully complete picture of how television history was made. And if you like it, go ahead and read Star Trek Movie Memories, it continues in the same wonderful style.

After reading the fantastic 'The Return' I was eager to devour another great visit from the literary world of William Shatner...and when 'Avenger' came out, I figured I had found my 'fix'. Unfortunately it was a few steps on the ladder below 'The Ashes of Eden' AND 'The Return' in the way of entertainment. I found it interesting indeed, and like another reviewer mentioned, I had to outright laugh when Kirk came on more physically able than Riker, smarter than Data and you could see the behind-the-scenes rivalry Shatner has with Picard because he out-thinks him at virtually EVERY turn, practically making him look stupid by comparison. It was these particular parts that I not only found overblown, but outright ridiculous.

Now with that said, I STILL enjoyed the book...WHY? you might ask? Well unlike some people who read books and tear them to shreds, I understand that I am NOT supposed to take a science fiction novel seriously. C'mon, it's Star Trek for heavens sake! Kirk doesn't really exist, and neither does ANY Trek character, so therefore I understand that no matter HOW contrived the plot may be, it was written for me to enjoy, and that I did, very much (not as much as his first two Trek books, or the subsequent follow-ups, though). Shatners collaboration with arguably the BEST Trek authors in existence (Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens') pays off for the most part, but despite a lightning fast plot and fun gadgets galore, its the plot itself that brings 'Avenger' down a notch or two. I find it a bit hard to swallow that the United Federation of Planets, with the combined resources of a slew of planets and preparations, that overpopulation could sneak up on them without a tremendous plan designed to correct it in place decades before it could become a problem...but if I suspend that belief because as I said earlier the book was written for FUN, it was a fairly fun read altogether. Now Shatner's follow-up ('Star Trek: Spectre' and 'Dark Victory') are actually MUCH better overall...and I very much look forward to reading 'Preserver'...but I can't say whether or not I'll wait for the paperback...

Having read the first 2 books of Shatner's "Star Trek" novels, I was more than eager to read "Avenger" when it came out 4 years ago! Once again, you have Kirk and Spock back together again (oh but look for 144-year old Admiral McCoy in this novel) along with the "Next Generation" crew to save the Federation from this lethal virus! What Shatner does with this story is go against Gene Roddenberry's theory that by the time period of the 24th Century, poverty, desease, war, and hungar will all be obliterated, and we will all live in a heavenly universe! Not so much the case when you have this group of anarchists trying to prove their point to the Federation by unleashing this virus upon solar systems! Shatner must have had this idea a long time ago, because if you read his novel "Teklords," it's the same type of story-telling and style! But it's still fun to read! Again, Shatner works with co-writers Judith & Garfield Reeve-Stevens for this book! They truly have clear knowledge of the "Star Trek" universe, and you can see how creative they are with their story-telling! What's more interesting is Kirk's statement in "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" of how he's always known that he will die alone! Finally, Shatner answers that question with this novel! Also, he re-unites Kirk with Teilani from "The Ashes of Eden!" She is probably the most perfect person in Kirk's life, and the 2 of them are great together in this novel! Although, we may never see him again on the big-screen or in TV episodes, Shatner keeps Kirk's torch lit with each new novel! Like the saying goes: "To boldly go where no man has gone before!" Keep it up Bill!

After reading The Return, I wondered how Shatner could top an all time showdown with the Borg, whilst having Kirk and his friends fighting alongside with Picard and his crew, but this story actually continues on just like you would expect the epic saga known as Star Trek to. (Unlike the watered down tepid crap they have been putting on TV and in the theaters these past few years or so) This book takes a story that originates back to Kirk's youth, and it involves Sarek and Amanda and Spock. A possible Vulcan defection? Maybe... Just watch the amazing character development that takes place in this thing. The Kirk/Spock friendship gets a new and deeper dynamic here. An intruiging tale that involves seeming corruption even to the highest ranks of the Federation, and an incurable disease that is spreading throughout the galaxy. I just wish with all my heart that Shatner's books would be considered canonical (I already consider them that way) and were put on the big screen instead of watered down hooey like Insurrection and what not. This is awesome, and just like all the others, you will read it again and again and realize "Hey, this is the way Star Trek used to be!"... and it should be again. Dear Mr. Shatner, Maybe you and Leonard Nimoy and some others that really care about Star Trek and its future ought to consider taking some kind of leadership role in its future.

I can't believe these 5 star reviews. Try to summarize the book, guys, and you'll see it's an in-between-events type of book. A corridor. Sure, it reveals some possible secret or subversive group in Starfleet, but basically mr Shatner is refuelling here, bringing up new motivations for the two Kirks to combat eachother again, in what resembles an ego trip to much for comfort.

I feel embaressment for the unsubtle way the Kirk-centeredness in this book is not hidden. Janeway has a non speaking role in the background, Picard is an inferior officer in both universes, and the two Spocks are dragged around for no real purpuse other than for background coloring. The whole universe - no, even two universes - revolve around two Shatners.

This series was fun when we were surprised by the crossover visits of our other beloved characters. It gave the story extra dramactic and emotional impact. But now they are sort of abused as ideal extra's. Ideal, because since we all know who they are, they don't require shaping and descripion and development. I'm really disappointed in this book.

Beside all that, a fair warning: if you haven't read the book that came right before this one, you'll miss the clue of the first part entirely. So don't start here.

This being the second novel in what I'm guessing is a trilogy started off with a bang. I think that the climax/cliff hanger for the 1st in this series had everyone chomping to get to their hands on this one.

The action picks up right where the other left off, but after chapter 2 things slow down. There is some action, not a lot, but that's not what this story is about. This whole book is about character (especially and obviously Kirk's) motivation and how much of a mirror he is of the Tiberius (his counterpart in the mirror universe).

There is some old fashion detective work that makes this novel more like a mystery at times. Guessing on who is manipulating who, how things are done, a shadow Starfleet organization and what its purpose is, plus a few surprises kept my interest.

What is missing from this book is much about the Next Generation cast. They are here, but the primary role revolves around Kirk, then Spock (or Spock's) and the shadow Starfleet organization.

What was a nice surprise is to see that Garak (DS9) plays a role in the book, as does a few other mentionables from the various TV series and movies.

Nearing the end of the book the action picks up again, but ends not so much with an outstanding cliffhanger, but yet another plotline which promises to answer some big overall questions on the history of both universes from the beginning.

It also looks as if the next book will include much more Next Generation involvement. Looking forward to it!

Arguably the best of the 6 ST books. Taken from the original Star trek TV series episode MIRROR MIRROR, Kirk's double - twin has not been defeated by spock as we hoped. "Spock is logical and the mirror universe is illogical. If I know my Spocks, he'll..." well he didn't. The Kirk Twin is now Emperor Tiberius (ET) and he has enslaved humans and Vulcan alike.

ET has left home and found a way to our universe and has bad things planned for the federation. Only kirk can stop him. But kirk has a lot of friends to help. Shatner has two Spocks, McCoy and Scotty, and Picard & crew to help. But how do we know which Picard is a mirror or not?

This is the second book of the second trilogy (5th of the double trilogy) written by Shatner and friends for the star trek galaxy. I had long been disappointed in ST books, because they often read as if throw together. Shatner's ST is clearly the best that ST has to offer. If started with ASHES OF EDEN which turned into a trilogy, with the second book being THE RETURN. So, you want to kill off James T. Kirk huh? If you haven't read at least SPECTRE, you will want to because it starts this story arch. The story doesn't end with this book, and continues with PRESERVER. This is great sci-fi and great ST stuff.
Some have called DV the weakest of the trilogy which can happen to the middle book for a series, because things end "up in the air". But for shear entertainment this was a lot of fun to read. You have to read PRESERVER for the ending. Do it. Shatner is a great story teller.

Since I am now boycotting Star Wars NJO with the killing of Anakin, I truly hope that the Star Trek people will do a better job giving us more high quality books that are fun to read. Shatner is great. But I recently read the Dominion War 4 book set and was disappointed. I read these for the familiar characters and especially like what Shatner has done, reviving kirk and putting him with TNG characters.

I saw this book in the bargain bin at the local Borders bookstore and being a fan of the original Star Trek movies, I couldn't resist it. Would this be a huge ego-trip recounting (and inventing) all of William Shatner's triumphs at the expense of his cast-mates? Would he spend too much time talking about his own brilliance instead of the input of the writers and directors? Would I hurl the book against the wall in disgust, vowing never to read another Star Trek autobiography again? Surprisingly, the answer to all of these questions was "no".

From his reputation I never thought I would say this, but Shatner really does not talk about himself enough in this book. I'll wait a moment while you digest this fact. The bulk of the book is spent describing the relationship between the writers and the directors, the producers and the writers, the producers and the directors, the producers and the studio, the writers and the studio, and everyone and Gene Roddenberry. Since Shatner was never involved in any of these early negotiations (with the exception of Star Trek 5) quite a lot of the story is told by large quotations of the people involved. This leads to a somewhat balanced, though occasionally dry, representation of all that goes on behind the scenes of a multi-million dollar movie franchise. Fortunately the stories of the back-stabbing and double-dealing are wildly entertaining in their own right, so the book doesn't suffer much as a result of this.

There aren't a lot of amusing or entertaining anecdotes here nor is there much of anything resembling personal remembrances. At times, one has to stop and remember that this was actually written by someone who was part of the cast and not some random Trek fan doing research and interviews. There are some nice touches here and there, such as his description of trying to patch things up with James Doohan and Walter Koenig on the set of the Generations film, and discussing the patch of unemployment that he went through immediately after the cancellation of the Star Trek TV series. The book would have been far better with more of these stories; however, it is an ultimately enjoyable read as it is.

Mr. Shatner's book opens with a tale that begins on July 16, 1968 - coincidentally, the day my father died, so it was also a very notable date for me. Although not a head-over-heels fan of W. Shatner, I bought and read this book, which - surprise! - held my interest from start to finish. I came away with an admiration for this man, whom, at the same time, I'd like to shake, with the admonition(and perhaps a smirk) "stop being so arrogant!". His tales of the movie-making trials of Star Trek are more interesting than the actual movies, themselves. I recommend this book for some laughs, some poignant insights, and a welcomed addition to any Star Trek library. It's like reading a most excellent school essay from a very bad, little boy from a broken home, who went on to charm his way into high society. Give it a try, and try not to smile.

Where do I begin? Before reading this book I merely thought of Shatner as an arrogant, ungrateful upstart who did not appreciate the full impact of his wonderful role on Star Trek. After reading this book I have come to realise that Shatner is Kirk, just as all the other characters on the Enterprise are exaggerated reflections of the actors which played them.

One thing that always baffled me was how Shatner could so easily give up the greatest, most popular and televised role in history, spanning over thirty years. This book explains his struggle to control the character and at the same time his sense of loss at finally killing him off.

Perhaps it was Shatner himself that made Star Trek what it is today.