good insider view

This was very entertaining, I only wonder what photos I missed from the printed book. I must give credit to Shatner, he included at the end what the cast disliked about him personally, which is not a small part of the story, and that was essential, I think.

A very entertaining read. Some bad language - be warned.

20 people found this helpful

Great

Very interesting to get Mr. Shatner's view of these events. Even if you are not a fan of his, you learn a lot about Star Trek and filmmaking in general. The only downfall is that it is abridged.

9 people found this helpful

Shatner; Reads. His Own. Book.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes. It's William Freakin' Shatner!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Star Trek Memories?

Listening to how one of the networks heard all of Gene Roddenberry's ideas about Star Trek. Passed on the idea. Then created Lost in Space from Gene's notes.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Well...it IS William Shatner.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Not really a "movie" kind of book

Any additional comments?

If you're curious about Star Trek or are a major fan, this is an awesome book.

5 people found this helpful

It's great to hear Shatner except...

Any additional comments?

I really liked the book, and Shatner has alot of good insights. But Shatner reads the book like he is performing, and so parts are almost inaudible because he lowers his voice at times to make a point. So recommend it on substance, but turn it up LOUD.

3 people found this helpful

Rushed performance, great details.

What made the experience of listening to Star Trek Memories the most enjoyable?

It is loaded with Trek trivia. Kreski really did a humongous amount of research for this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, Bill of course.

Have you listened to any of William Shatner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I have. This, like his narration of "Star Trek Movie Memories", feels rushed, as if he just wants to get through the reading. His "Up Till Now" was a much more enjoyable listen, and a lot more humorous a book to boot.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Drawling & Drowning in Detail.

Any additional comments?

It's a great source of details about the production of the Original Series, but you have to take it with a hefty grain of salt, because some of the stuff contradicts what Shatner has said or written before/after. For instance, he claims in this book that the controversial interracial kiss in the series never happened, while he's said many times before that it did. He also says that the actors frequently got together for barbecues and stuff off-camera, which is most certainly false. However, if you can look past the occasional fluff and misinformation, there is a great deal of interesting trivia here.

3 people found this helpful

Great Listen

Would you listen to Star Trek Memories again? Why?

If you're a Star Trek fan, and even if you're not, this is a gripping listen. Shatner's read at times is a little fast (as though he's trying to get it all in within a certain time) but the fact that he's reading it, makes it worthwhile. Great stories and insight for the true fan, or anyone interested in '60s-era television.

3 people found this helpful

Interesting

Shatner's reading seems rushed and oddly disinterested, but despite that it's still interesting and enjoyable.

2 people found this helpful

James T. Kirk in all his glory

Still remember the day we got our first color TV and one of the first programs we watched Star Trek in all it's colorful glory. William Shatner gives a good narration and keeps your interest. Funny, Sad, Interesting, Informative.......... it's well worth your listening time if your a Trekkie fan

2 people found this helpful

Great read--buy the book and skip Shatner's voice.

Would you listen to Star Trek Memories again? Why?

I would never listen to this again. Ever. You'd think that Shatner would breathe some emotion into these tales, since they're from his own life. You'd be wrong.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Star Trek Memories?

I honestly can't tell you one of the most memorable moments. The audiobook version has ruined the good memories I have of reading the print copy.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Shatner sounded less enthused than my college students reading about 5th-century Gregorian chant. I honestly wish I'd never listened to him read it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to be able to listen to it all in one sitting because of the stories but I couldn't do it because of Shatner's emotionless prattle.

Any additional comments?

I'm a Trekkie through and through--my Uhura dress remains in my closet even though I outgrew it years ago. My starship blueprints are at my dad's house but my encyclopedia, TNG Companion, and TNG trading cards are all safe in my home. But I encourage anyone even remotely interested in Trek to avoid this audiobook. Buy the print version, read it in your own voice (or your fave Shatner voice), and enjoy the photos. Don't waste a dime on this version.

1 person found this helpful

Behind the scenes at Star Trek The Original Series

A fascinating behind the scenes account of Star Trek The Original Series by someone who was there almost every step of the way, William Shatner. To be fair, I am a lifelong Shatner fan but his memories regarding the origination of Star Trek and his homage to the cast, crew and writers is informative and touching. However, things are not all rosie. He highlights many of the disagreements and struggles with filming and the network. Shatner‘s interviews with all but one of his fellow leading cast members, offers insight into the cultural phenomenon that Star Trek has become. Highly recommended reading!