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Take My Word for It: A Memoir
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Expected 10 Nov 26Win a free print copy of this book!
21 days and 07:58:20
15 copies available
U.S. only
The legendary actor behind Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Reading Rainbow shares never-before-told stories from a life that has shaped generations—told at last on his own terms.
This is my attempt to pull back the curtain. Not just on the roles I’ve played, but on the life I’ve lived. The fears. The fight. The survival. And yes, the joy. All of it.
Tracing the different eras of his life—from Kunta Kinte to Geordi La Forge to Reading Rainbow and far beyond the camera—celebrated actor LeVar Burton fearlessly opens up about growing up during the Civil Rights Movement, being raised by a remarkable mother, and discovering his calling as a storyteller. He explores how acting has served as both a source of transformation and an escape from the most difficult parts of his past, while also confronting the challenges of being a parent, husband, and householder.
As Burton honors the loved ones whose strength and resilience shaped him in this inspiring memoir, he also asks what we owe to our ancestors and to each other, reflecting on the deep necessity he’s always felt advocating for liberation and equity. Generous, deeply moving, and illustrated with personal family photos, Take My Word For It is a courageous self-portrait of an iconic artist.
This is my attempt to pull back the curtain. Not just on the roles I’ve played, but on the life I’ve lived. The fears. The fight. The survival. And yes, the joy. All of it.
Tracing the different eras of his life—from Kunta Kinte to Geordi La Forge to Reading Rainbow and far beyond the camera—celebrated actor LeVar Burton fearlessly opens up about growing up during the Civil Rights Movement, being raised by a remarkable mother, and discovering his calling as a storyteller. He explores how acting has served as both a source of transformation and an escape from the most difficult parts of his past, while also confronting the challenges of being a parent, husband, and householder.
As Burton honors the loved ones whose strength and resilience shaped him in this inspiring memoir, he also asks what we owe to our ancestors and to each other, reflecting on the deep necessity he’s always felt advocating for liberation and equity. Generous, deeply moving, and illustrated with personal family photos, Take My Word For It is a courageous self-portrait of an iconic artist.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
LeVar Burton
175 books555 followersLevardis Robert Martyn "LeVar" Burton Jr. is an actor, director, and educator who has been an icon for more than 35 years. He was the host and producer of the influential television program Reading Rainbow for more than three decades, and starred in the TV miniseries Roots and on Star Trek: The Next Generation. He lives in Sherman Oaks, California.
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June 13, 2026The voice of Reading Rainbow synonymous with the voice of our childhood for many of us born in the '80's!
Years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing LeVar Burton at The Greenfield Village (located on the campus of The Henry Ford Museum). He spoke for a bit and read his children's book. What an incredible performance! Absolutely mesmerizing!
Years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing LeVar Burton at The Greenfield Village (located on the campus of The Henry Ford Museum). He spoke for a bit and read his children's book. What an incredible performance! Absolutely mesmerizing!
July 5, 2026
Take My Word for It:A Memoir by LeVar Burton is a wonderful autobiography from a talented and fascinating actor.
Mr. Burton is more than just an actor, he is a talented, complex, and completely fascinating man that will always be such a huge part pf my childhood.
Whether it was watching hours of Reading Rainbow, Star Trek, or being introduced to the concept of slavery as a child through Roots, I encountered him on a daily basis.
I learned so much from a man that sadly until this book, I knew so little about. This just gives me a glimpse into what is the treasured life of a man that I will continue to respect and learn from.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Random House for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/10/2026.
Mr. Burton is more than just an actor, he is a talented, complex, and completely fascinating man that will always be such a huge part pf my childhood.
Whether it was watching hours of Reading Rainbow, Star Trek, or being introduced to the concept of slavery as a child through Roots, I encountered him on a daily basis.
I learned so much from a man that sadly until this book, I knew so little about. This just gives me a glimpse into what is the treasured life of a man that I will continue to respect and learn from.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Random House for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/10/2026.
reading-next-arc-approvals
July 9, 2026PUBLISH DATE: Nov 10, 2026
PUBLISH DATE: Nov 10, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Take My Word for It: A Memoir
AUTHOR: LeVar Burton
PUBLISHER: Random House
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 352
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
PUBLISH DATE: Nov 10, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Take My Word for It: A Memoir
AUTHOR: LeVar Burton
PUBLISHER: Random House
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 352
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 8, 2026
I’d like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I was always a fan of Reading Rainbow as a child and of course Levar, what a champion for reading and literacy. With that being said, I was excited to read his biography, he is very truthful about his life, and how he is not as perfect as people seem to think he is. He has had his ups and downs like everyone else. An interesting read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the only famous person people love as much as they love Levar Burton is Dolly Parton. They are most likely loved, in part, for the same reason – the sense of honesty that they carry with them.
There is always risk, however, when a beloved person writes a memoir. Put the image before the story and it comes across as boring, even turning people off. Too truthful, and you can hurt people and even turn people off as well. It’s a balancing act, made harder because a memoir is never about the person – it also impacts those in their own life.
Early in this book, Burton says he wants to be transparent, even though he is fearful about that transparency. And there were things in this book that I didn’t know about Burton. Yet, this is exactly you would like think a Reading Rainbow guy memoir would look like.
Burton is transparent – he deals with his drug use and other issues, and I’m sure that there will be a small minority that will make tut -tut noises. But, like Reading Rainbow, the transparency works in his favorite because this memoir continues what Reading Rainbow did, educates.
Burton divides his memoir up into three parts, each dealing with one of his famous works. The earliest deals with his childhood and his work on Roots, next is Reading Rainbow, and finally Star Trek: The Next Generation. While each section does contain stories about working the project, none of the sections are linear and the focus is on him. So, yes there are stories about TNG, Roots, and RR, but the what is present- front and center – is Burton’s love for his family and craft, as well as his seeking to understand himself, to find himself.
That’s a large part of the book. Burton makes it clear that what worked for him, worked for him and that for you the path might be different. He doesn’t come across as preachy, but more of a teacher sharing his experience. And that is what I argue Burton has been for much of his life in entertainment – an educator.
This is such a Levar Burton book, I really can’t describe it any better than that. Sure, if you are fan of TNG, you might grip about the lack of TNG stories, but that’s on you boo. Haven’t we heard most of them by now? The ones that Burton goes into are ones I didn’t know as opposed to that tired incorrect on about costumes that Stewart trots out every time. (He got the male costumes changed, not the woman’s). Some people might complain about the non-linear, more emotional/philosophical aspect. They would be wrong. It works. It’s like Burton is right there with you or you are watching him on Reading Rainbow.
Everyone of a certain age has a Reading Rainbow story – usually more than one. Here’ s one of mine, happened last year. I was encouraging my college students to read more. When one of them, an older student, pointed out the problem with her classmates was they didn’t know Reading Rainbow. She then started to sing the song. I joined in.
Burton has been involved in three things that have contributed to American, if not worldwide, society. This memoir is an apt illustration of why he has become such a touchstone or hero for so many.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the only famous person people love as much as they love Levar Burton is Dolly Parton. They are most likely loved, in part, for the same reason – the sense of honesty that they carry with them.
There is always risk, however, when a beloved person writes a memoir. Put the image before the story and it comes across as boring, even turning people off. Too truthful, and you can hurt people and even turn people off as well. It’s a balancing act, made harder because a memoir is never about the person – it also impacts those in their own life.
Early in this book, Burton says he wants to be transparent, even though he is fearful about that transparency. And there were things in this book that I didn’t know about Burton. Yet, this is exactly you would like think a Reading Rainbow guy memoir would look like.
Burton is transparent – he deals with his drug use and other issues, and I’m sure that there will be a small minority that will make tut -tut noises. But, like Reading Rainbow, the transparency works in his favorite because this memoir continues what Reading Rainbow did, educates.
Burton divides his memoir up into three parts, each dealing with one of his famous works. The earliest deals with his childhood and his work on Roots, next is Reading Rainbow, and finally Star Trek: The Next Generation. While each section does contain stories about working the project, none of the sections are linear and the focus is on him. So, yes there are stories about TNG, Roots, and RR, but the what is present- front and center – is Burton’s love for his family and craft, as well as his seeking to understand himself, to find himself.
That’s a large part of the book. Burton makes it clear that what worked for him, worked for him and that for you the path might be different. He doesn’t come across as preachy, but more of a teacher sharing his experience. And that is what I argue Burton has been for much of his life in entertainment – an educator.
This is such a Levar Burton book, I really can’t describe it any better than that. Sure, if you are fan of TNG, you might grip about the lack of TNG stories, but that’s on you boo. Haven’t we heard most of them by now? The ones that Burton goes into are ones I didn’t know as opposed to that tired incorrect on about costumes that Stewart trots out every time. (He got the male costumes changed, not the woman’s). Some people might complain about the non-linear, more emotional/philosophical aspect. They would be wrong. It works. It’s like Burton is right there with you or you are watching him on Reading Rainbow.
Everyone of a certain age has a Reading Rainbow story – usually more than one. Here’ s one of mine, happened last year. I was encouraging my college students to read more. When one of them, an older student, pointed out the problem with her classmates was they didn’t know Reading Rainbow. She then started to sing the song. I joined in.
Burton has been involved in three things that have contributed to American, if not worldwide, society. This memoir is an apt illustration of why he has become such a touchstone or hero for so many.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s in a Book
First off, a big thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Take My Word for It releases November 10, 2026.
Like many millennials I grew up being somewhat raised by television. I personally preferred educational programming and would gladly give credit where credit is due and specifically thank Steve Burns (Blue’s Clues), Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter), and LeVar Burton (Reading Rainbow) for shaping me into the knowledge-seeking person I am today.
So of course, when I saw that LeVar had a biography coming out, I jumped at the chance to possibly read an ARC copy. I admit, I knew little about the man before reading it- besides the fact that he is a kind and humble soul with an eloquent manner of speaking. I’d seen a couple short interviews with him as a young adult and watched Reading Rainbow obsessively as a kid.
The series created my love of reading and even inspired me to enter a design-a-bookmark contest held by my elementary school library. I was inspired by the “Reading can take you anywhere” mentality and drew myself being flown through the sky by a hot-air balloon- with a book instead of a basket. I won and copies of my bookmark were made available to other students for a bit (I was also given a laminated copy of my original- which I still have about 25 years later).
It should come to no surprise that LeVar writes as eloquently as he speaks. His biography was a joy to read. I felt blessed to learn the truth about the man who taught me to love books and the power of the written word. I also greatly appreciated him directly addressing the reader as “friend” throughout the book- it gave the story a much more intimate feel, like having coffee and chatting with the man himself. Ultimately, I learned that Levar is more than a tv legend and literary hero, he’s a person.
While reading, I frequently found myself pausing to admire his prose and highlight an inspirational quote. One of my favorite highlights was his insight that reading and writing are a form of liberation- freedom from whatever life may throw at us, a reprieve. I also found myself and my loved ones in his personal stories- a valuable insight that we are not alone in our experiences of life.
I’ve read a few biographies, but LeVar’s is by far my favorite. I implore you take a look, but don’t take my word for it- take his.
First off, a big thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Take My Word for It releases November 10, 2026.
Like many millennials I grew up being somewhat raised by television. I personally preferred educational programming and would gladly give credit where credit is due and specifically thank Steve Burns (Blue’s Clues), Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter), and LeVar Burton (Reading Rainbow) for shaping me into the knowledge-seeking person I am today.
So of course, when I saw that LeVar had a biography coming out, I jumped at the chance to possibly read an ARC copy. I admit, I knew little about the man before reading it- besides the fact that he is a kind and humble soul with an eloquent manner of speaking. I’d seen a couple short interviews with him as a young adult and watched Reading Rainbow obsessively as a kid.
The series created my love of reading and even inspired me to enter a design-a-bookmark contest held by my elementary school library. I was inspired by the “Reading can take you anywhere” mentality and drew myself being flown through the sky by a hot-air balloon- with a book instead of a basket. I won and copies of my bookmark were made available to other students for a bit (I was also given a laminated copy of my original- which I still have about 25 years later).
It should come to no surprise that LeVar writes as eloquently as he speaks. His biography was a joy to read. I felt blessed to learn the truth about the man who taught me to love books and the power of the written word. I also greatly appreciated him directly addressing the reader as “friend” throughout the book- it gave the story a much more intimate feel, like having coffee and chatting with the man himself. Ultimately, I learned that Levar is more than a tv legend and literary hero, he’s a person.
While reading, I frequently found myself pausing to admire his prose and highlight an inspirational quote. One of my favorite highlights was his insight that reading and writing are a form of liberation- freedom from whatever life may throw at us, a reprieve. I also found myself and my loved ones in his personal stories- a valuable insight that we are not alone in our experiences of life.
I’ve read a few biographies, but LeVar’s is by far my favorite. I implore you take a look, but don’t take my word for it- take his.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
LeVar (rhymes with ✨star✨) Burton played such a huge role in shaping my love of reading as a kid, so getting approved for an ARC of his memoir felt incredibly special. Reading Rainbow was such a big part of my childhood, and I especially loved the “field trip” episodes where he would take us somewhere new and somehow make learning feel like an adventure. That love of books and curiosity has stayed with me ever since.
Take My Word for It feels less like a typical celebrity memoir and more like sitting down with LeVar while he reflects on the experiences that shaped him. I definitely would have read even more about Reading Rainbow and Star Trek, but I also really appreciated that this book focuses more on who LeVar is as a person than on behind-the-scenes stories from his career.
The writing is warm, candid, and personal, and it genuinely feels like he is speaking directly to you. He shares his story with a refreshing amount of honesty while still treating the people and relationships in his life with a lot of care. There is also a strong focus on the way he has used storytelling and his platform to support literacy, equity, and liberation, which felt especially meaningful considering the impact he has had on so many readers, myself included. Finishing this book really felt like everything came full circle for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Take My Word for It releases November 10, 2026.
Take My Word for It feels less like a typical celebrity memoir and more like sitting down with LeVar while he reflects on the experiences that shaped him. I definitely would have read even more about Reading Rainbow and Star Trek, but I also really appreciated that this book focuses more on who LeVar is as a person than on behind-the-scenes stories from his career.
The writing is warm, candid, and personal, and it genuinely feels like he is speaking directly to you. He shares his story with a refreshing amount of honesty while still treating the people and relationships in his life with a lot of care. There is also a strong focus on the way he has used storytelling and his platform to support literacy, equity, and liberation, which felt especially meaningful considering the impact he has had on so many readers, myself included. Finishing this book really felt like everything came full circle for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Take My Word for It releases November 10, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall insightful, full of plenty of concepts I applaud and a few a I don’t, Take My Word for It is an extremely in depth look into the mind and life 0f LeVar Burton. He highlights his childhood, his pivotal roles in Roots, Reading Rainbow, and Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as his struggles with stardom, his family, and his place in the world.
I grew up watching him on Reading Rainbow (we couldn’t afford movies or cable, so local channels were our only tv) and I very much looked forward to unwinding after school listening to books. I love his continuous themes of being yourself (in much deeper and longer words) and not selling yourself short. His desire to be part of a change in the world that leads our culture ever closer to being accepting of everyone of every race and creed is commendable. I applaud his strong stance and fully agree.
One of the overarching themes centers strongly on his spirituality, which was the only aspect I didn’t really enjoy. I don’t prescribe to the same beliefs so talk of reincarnation and connecting with spirits and ancestors did not resonate with me.
A great read for those looking for the story of someone who knows what it’s like to spend your life struggling and striving and to come out thriving.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read and ARC of this book. My review is voluntary and my thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
I grew up watching him on Reading Rainbow (we couldn’t afford movies or cable, so local channels were our only tv) and I very much looked forward to unwinding after school listening to books. I love his continuous themes of being yourself (in much deeper and longer words) and not selling yourself short. His desire to be part of a change in the world that leads our culture ever closer to being accepting of everyone of every race and creed is commendable. I applaud his strong stance and fully agree.
One of the overarching themes centers strongly on his spirituality, which was the only aspect I didn’t really enjoy. I don’t prescribe to the same beliefs so talk of reincarnation and connecting with spirits and ancestors did not resonate with me.
A great read for those looking for the story of someone who knows what it’s like to spend your life struggling and striving and to come out thriving.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read and ARC of this book. My review is voluntary and my thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Going into this book, I didn't know anything about LeVar Burton. I was aware of, and probably did watch on occasion, Reading Rainbow (although I don't remember much of it), I have never seen Roots, and I am a Star Wars fan, so I never really watched Star Trek either. Despite all this, I feel like after reading his memoir, LeVar and I are friends.
I am interested in diverse voices and reading about experiences that do not necessarily reflect my own. His story centers on his faith, his family, and working in the entertainment industry. I was impressed by his many facets and how he continually evolved into the man he is today - even changing his name multiple times!
This was written extremely well. I've read memoirs by 90's pop stars and comic book superhero's that were hard to follow because the author's thoughts were scattered and their timelines didn't line up. Ultimately, this was because these individuals were not writers *I should note that these were not bad books, just that the stories were hard to follow. LeVar IS a writer. His story is told as though you were sitting next to one another and chatting as friends.
Overall, I did enjoy Take My Word for It and would recommend to a friend.
I am interested in diverse voices and reading about experiences that do not necessarily reflect my own. His story centers on his faith, his family, and working in the entertainment industry. I was impressed by his many facets and how he continually evolved into the man he is today - even changing his name multiple times!
This was written extremely well. I've read memoirs by 90's pop stars and comic book superhero's that were hard to follow because the author's thoughts were scattered and their timelines didn't line up. Ultimately, this was because these individuals were not writers *I should note that these were not bad books, just that the stories were hard to follow. LeVar IS a writer. His story is told as though you were sitting next to one another and chatting as friends.
Overall, I did enjoy Take My Word for It and would recommend to a friend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Take My Word For It: A Memoir presents an intimate and thoughtful journey of LeVar Burton’s life and professional career.
This is an honest look at his life, and it’s beautifully written with the assistance of Tracey Michael Lewis-Giggetts. I welcomed the opportunity to get to know LeVar Burton better and respect his need for transparency on his terms. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to explore his life story, family life, and his acting credits, as it was fascinating how his journey helped shape LeVar Burton's life. His memoir is very candid, and I commend LeVar Burton for showing deep vulnerability by openly sharing his past addiction and mental health issues with the world. I also loved the heartfelt chapter he dedicated to all the women in his life.
Overall, if you’re a fan of LeVar Burton or celebrity memoirs, I highly recommend this book.
This is an honest look at his life, and it’s beautifully written with the assistance of Tracey Michael Lewis-Giggetts. I welcomed the opportunity to get to know LeVar Burton better and respect his need for transparency on his terms. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to explore his life story, family life, and his acting credits, as it was fascinating how his journey helped shape LeVar Burton's life. His memoir is very candid, and I commend LeVar Burton for showing deep vulnerability by openly sharing his past addiction and mental health issues with the world. I also loved the heartfelt chapter he dedicated to all the women in his life.
Overall, if you’re a fan of LeVar Burton or celebrity memoirs, I highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Random House, for providing the copy of Take My Word for It by LeVar Burton. You probably watched and loved either Roots, Reading Rainbow, or Star Trek TNG, or maybe all three! For me, I remember sitting in the dorm common room watching Roots. Oddly, I don’t remember if anyone else was watching it, too, or even discussing it with anyone. But that was almost 50 years ago, so it’s natural that my memory fails me. I loved Burton's memories of the movie, and I DO have memories of some of the scenes Burton writes about.
I was too old for Reading Rainbow, and Star Trek was never really on my radar, so those parts of the book didn't resonate as much with me, but they were still interesting. I loved how vulnerable Burton was about his life. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I was too old for Reading Rainbow, and Star Trek was never really on my radar, so those parts of the book didn't resonate as much with me, but they were still interesting. I loved how vulnerable Burton was about his life. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What an emotional, thoughtful, and beautiful memoir.
Every story, every moment, felt authentic.
It was filled with the same warmth and connection I remember from Reading Rainbow.
This memoir is definitely proof that he is a storyteller. Every page feels like he’s just across the table from you, bright and wise, sharing story after story.
I will definitely be picking up a physical copy when it’s released.
I would recommend this to anyone who grew up watching LeVar Burton, to those who need a little hope, and to those who just want to read a good memoir.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What an emotional, thoughtful, and beautiful memoir.
Every story, every moment, felt authentic.
It was filled with the same warmth and connection I remember from Reading Rainbow.
This memoir is definitely proof that he is a storyteller. Every page feels like he’s just across the table from you, bright and wise, sharing story after story.
I will definitely be picking up a physical copy when it’s released.
I would recommend this to anyone who grew up watching LeVar Burton, to those who need a little hope, and to those who just want to read a good memoir.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Take My Word For It" LeVar Burton writes his memoir. I like the clever title he chose. He writes of his childhood and the important women in his life. He was known for Roots, Reading Rainbow and Star Trek the next generation series. His religious beliefs. His growing up and living his life as a black man. I liked reading about his work in Roots where we first meet this talented man. Reading Rainbow was a big part of his life and he continues to support the importance of reading. I enjoyed his book very much.
August 6, 2026
This book is everything and more that i thought it would be. LeVar Burton is so good with words that this was hard to put down. In it he reflects on his life, his work and his own personal growth. Sometimes those kind of books can be misses but this one was an A+. Very thoughtful and well written. Probably one of the better books I have read this year.
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so happy when I saw I had an ARC for this memoir, and I have been devouring it over these last couple of days. This is the guy who says, "I'll see you next time," and he always did, at least he did for me. This man has been a part of my childhood as long as I can remember, from Roots to Reading Rainbow and the weird dude of Star Trek.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Part memoir, part inspirational prose, LeVar Burton's book takes the reader through his early life, showbiz and literacy advicate life, while providing spiritual and inspirational practices that he learned.
Take My Word for It takes the reader on the journey of LeVar's life and the belief systems that guided him.
Take My Word for It takes the reader on the journey of LeVar's life and the belief systems that guided him.
July 25, 2026
What a truly well-written, insightful and deeply affecting auto-biography. LeVar was a fixture in my childhood and learning about his experiences firsthand was such a privilege. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Burton's memoir will be of interest to those who are interested in how he started out as an actor and those who want to learn more about his more spiritual journey becoming the man he is today. If you're looking for stories about Star Trek, you're mostly out of luck.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I enjoyed LeVar’s story of his life and recommend it to you.
This is a prepublication copy of the book. My views are my own.
This is a prepublication copy of the book. My views are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm convinced the phrase "don't meet your heroes" was never intended for LeVar Burton. After all, what could be even slightly negative about meeting him right where I first found him- in the pages of a book?
Take My Word for It is exactly the kind of memoir I would expect from someone who is so fiercely supportive of literacy and education. It's thoughtful, honest, and deeply compelling in its transparency. Burton makes such a clear commitment to his audience, promising and delivering authenticity. He displays a sense of humility that feels refreshing, showcasing the celebrations alongside the struggles. I didn't know much about him as a person prior to reading this, and I'm so glad I can now longer say that because I respect this man even more having read his memoir. He takes ownership for his hard moments, his rock bottom, and his healing. He puts the ugly right out there and holds himself accountable, but he walks through the work it took to come out of it all stronger. At no point does he try to preach a "solution", just simply does what he's always done- shares with us and educates us about what worked for him.
LeVar, we will always take your word for it.
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Random House, & LeVar Burton for this complimentary copy.))
Take My Word for It is exactly the kind of memoir I would expect from someone who is so fiercely supportive of literacy and education. It's thoughtful, honest, and deeply compelling in its transparency. Burton makes such a clear commitment to his audience, promising and delivering authenticity. He displays a sense of humility that feels refreshing, showcasing the celebrations alongside the struggles. I didn't know much about him as a person prior to reading this, and I'm so glad I can now longer say that because I respect this man even more having read his memoir. He takes ownership for his hard moments, his rock bottom, and his healing. He puts the ugly right out there and holds himself accountable, but he walks through the work it took to come out of it all stronger. At no point does he try to preach a "solution", just simply does what he's always done- shares with us and educates us about what worked for him.
LeVar, we will always take your word for it.
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Random House, & LeVar Burton for this complimentary copy.))
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Twenty percent in: Kunta Kinte pulls back the curtain on his life and career. I think of LeVar as a squeaky clean, unaccented actor who championed self-knowledge (Roots, the tele series) and reading.
He promises to dismantle some of that pedestal.
My popcorn is ready.
60% mark: It seems, from afar, that Levar has the midas touch. 3 iconic, timeless, career-defining projects. But behind the scenes, it wasn’t all roses.
There’s the familiar refrain of Hollywood wanting a Black face but not a Black voice. I remember when his earring stud was considered controversial. I love that he tells us how that played out behind the scenes.
LeVar spent most of his life in Cali. I should bot be surprised at how woo-woo he is. But I was.
Last chapters: summary of lessons learned, religious beliefs. More pontificating than action. This section did not resonate with me.
He promises to dismantle some of that pedestal.
My popcorn is ready.
60% mark: It seems, from afar, that Levar has the midas touch. 3 iconic, timeless, career-defining projects. But behind the scenes, it wasn’t all roses.
There’s the familiar refrain of Hollywood wanting a Black face but not a Black voice. I remember when his earring stud was considered controversial. I love that he tells us how that played out behind the scenes.
LeVar spent most of his life in Cali. I should bot be surprised at how woo-woo he is. But I was.
Last chapters: summary of lessons learned, religious beliefs. More pontificating than action. This section did not resonate with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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