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Get a Life!
Get A Life! with the possible exception of "Beam me up, Scotty," is clearly the most repeated catchphrase in the history of Star Trek®. Poking fun at Star Trek's gung-ho fans and conventions in a now infamous Saturday Night Live sketch, William Shatner's comic rallying cry has been indelibly emblazoned into the collective psyche of trekkers everywhere. Through the years, the phrase has spurred laughter, anger, controversy, and far more than its fair share of debate. It's now also given birth to an honest, sentimental, insightful book.
Uncomfortable with speaking onstage, William Shatner had spent the better part of the previous quarter century steadfastly avoiding convention appearances. However, to publicize the release of Star Trek Generations, Shatner agreed to a rare series of speaking engagements at Star Trek conventions around the globe. He was jolted by an unavoidable dose of reality.
Shatner was met with wild enthusiasm, love, and good humor at convention after convention. Touched and fascinated, he was overwhelmed with the realization that in almost three decades of starship hopping, he'd never really taken the time to enjoy or understand Star Trek's fans or their conventions. That's when the light bulb clicked on; that's when "Captain Kirk" dove headfirst into action.
For the past several years, William Shatner has been treating each Star Trek convention like an enormous research project. Interviewing fans, dealers, fellow castmembers, convention organizers, and promoters -- even going undercover beneath alien makeup -- Shatner's been scouring convention floors. Having grilled trekkers and trekkies in all corners of the planet, Shatner's had his eyes opened and his mind boggled. He's amassed a small mountain of research material, and cultivated his findings in Get A Life!
This is a first-person journey of discovery told with self-deprecating wit, unflagging honesty, and his trademark enthusiasm and humor. Get a Life! tells William Shatner's own story of how the actor who played the now deceased starship captain, James T. Kirk, can finally come to grips with his past, his fans, their love, and his own intergalactic legacy.
Uncomfortable with speaking onstage, William Shatner had spent the better part of the previous quarter century steadfastly avoiding convention appearances. However, to publicize the release of Star Trek Generations, Shatner agreed to a rare series of speaking engagements at Star Trek conventions around the globe. He was jolted by an unavoidable dose of reality.
Shatner was met with wild enthusiasm, love, and good humor at convention after convention. Touched and fascinated, he was overwhelmed with the realization that in almost three decades of starship hopping, he'd never really taken the time to enjoy or understand Star Trek's fans or their conventions. That's when the light bulb clicked on; that's when "Captain Kirk" dove headfirst into action.
For the past several years, William Shatner has been treating each Star Trek convention like an enormous research project. Interviewing fans, dealers, fellow castmembers, convention organizers, and promoters -- even going undercover beneath alien makeup -- Shatner's been scouring convention floors. Having grilled trekkers and trekkies in all corners of the planet, Shatner's had his eyes opened and his mind boggled. He's amassed a small mountain of research material, and cultivated his findings in Get A Life!
This is a first-person journey of discovery told with self-deprecating wit, unflagging honesty, and his trademark enthusiasm and humor. Get a Life! tells William Shatner's own story of how the actor who played the now deceased starship captain, James T. Kirk, can finally come to grips with his past, his fans, their love, and his own intergalactic legacy.
321 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
7 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
William Shatner
134 books804 followersWilliam Shatner is the author of nine Star Trek novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Ashes of Eden and The Return. He is also the author of several nonfiction books, including Get a Life! and I'm Working on That. In addition to his role as Captain James T. Kirk, he stars as Denny Crane in the hit television series from David E. Kelley, Boston Legal -- a role for which he has won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 6, 2011
The best way to experience this book is as an audiobook, read of course by Shatner.
July 6, 2013
The very idea of this book is ludicrous. Wonderfully, hilariously ludicrous. Shatner, in an attempt to understand why STAR TREK is so important to people, goes undercover at conventions and interviews fans. Seriously, he put on a rubber mask so no one would know it was him, and he changed his voice, and he talked to all of these fans about why they dress up as Klingons, Romulans, etc. This book is also filled with the inside story of why Kirk was killed in STAR TREK GENERATIONS and other various anecdotes, including countless good-natured jabs at Leonard Nimoy. (There is even an account of a practical joke he TRIED to play on Nimoy by using a ton of fans from a convention.) If you love STAR TREK, this is a must-read for you.
June 29, 2016
I just listened to the audiobook of this, read by William Shatner himself. I must say, I will be seeking more of his narration work because he really is very entertaining.
The book itself, while short, is an amusing and good natured journey through Shatner's Star Trek career, particularly how he came to terms with being the subject of fandom, interacting with his fans, appearing at conventions and the like.
I enjoyed it immensely and only wish it had been a more meaty publication.
The book itself, while short, is an amusing and good natured journey through Shatner's Star Trek career, particularly how he came to terms with being the subject of fandom, interacting with his fans, appearing at conventions and the like.
I enjoyed it immensely and only wish it had been a more meaty publication.
April 24, 2025
Listened to the audiobook read by William Shatner himself! It was very entertaining.
September 19, 2008
In this period of his life, Bill is on the fan floor in an anonymous, obnoxious, monster mask at Sci-Fi conventions. Touching ending, I won't spoil it..
January 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book.
This is yet another book that was sitting, gathering dust in my apartment for over a decade, waiting to be read "someday."
Well, someday recently came and I breezed through this interesting little tome. I enjoyed the first two books written by William Shatner and Chris Kreski (Star Trek Memories and Star Trek Movie Memories), but I read them at the time of their publication. Now, over two decades later, I'm finally reading this third.
In this one, Shatner and Kreski explore the world of Star Trek fandom, which in turn is a look at communal fandom in general. Am I a diehard Trekkie/Trekker? I would have to say no... but I've always had a very soft spot for The Original Series and its cast, and even attended a few Star Trek conventions many eons ago as a young pre-teen. It was especially fascinating to learn the history of Star Trek conventions and I very much appreciated the sincere effort made by the authors to understand Star Trek fan psychology and experience.
The book is written in a breezy, very down to earth, very honest-sounding tone, but it explores its subject intelligently and with affection. Upon reading it, one feels that Shatner really has come to love and embrace Star Trek fandom which he avoided doing for so long.
I could have done without the interview excerpts concerning non-original-cast Star Trek, but at this point, I guess they are somewhat inseparable.
I am a passionate fan of many subjects, many far lesser know than Star Trek. This book caused me to reflect on my fandom of such subjects, and in many cases I realize that there is no "fan community" of any note associated with some of my passions, and that's unfortunate in a way. Star Trek fans will forever be part of that large, global community of Trekkies/Trekkers and clearly, their lives are enriched by it.
Anyhow, I did enjoy learning about all of it, and this book was a fun (and long overdue) read.
One bit of obscure random trivia that I learned from reading this book: Actor Bob Odenkirk (of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" fame) was the writer of the famous "Get a Life!" "Saturday Night Live" sketch from which this book received it's title.
This is yet another book that was sitting, gathering dust in my apartment for over a decade, waiting to be read "someday."
Well, someday recently came and I breezed through this interesting little tome. I enjoyed the first two books written by William Shatner and Chris Kreski (Star Trek Memories and Star Trek Movie Memories), but I read them at the time of their publication. Now, over two decades later, I'm finally reading this third.
In this one, Shatner and Kreski explore the world of Star Trek fandom, which in turn is a look at communal fandom in general. Am I a diehard Trekkie/Trekker? I would have to say no... but I've always had a very soft spot for The Original Series and its cast, and even attended a few Star Trek conventions many eons ago as a young pre-teen. It was especially fascinating to learn the history of Star Trek conventions and I very much appreciated the sincere effort made by the authors to understand Star Trek fan psychology and experience.
The book is written in a breezy, very down to earth, very honest-sounding tone, but it explores its subject intelligently and with affection. Upon reading it, one feels that Shatner really has come to love and embrace Star Trek fandom which he avoided doing for so long.
I could have done without the interview excerpts concerning non-original-cast Star Trek, but at this point, I guess they are somewhat inseparable.
I am a passionate fan of many subjects, many far lesser know than Star Trek. This book caused me to reflect on my fandom of such subjects, and in many cases I realize that there is no "fan community" of any note associated with some of my passions, and that's unfortunate in a way. Star Trek fans will forever be part of that large, global community of Trekkies/Trekkers and clearly, their lives are enriched by it.
Anyhow, I did enjoy learning about all of it, and this book was a fun (and long overdue) read.
One bit of obscure random trivia that I learned from reading this book: Actor Bob Odenkirk (of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" fame) was the writer of the famous "Get a Life!" "Saturday Night Live" sketch from which this book received it's title.
November 17, 2017
#26 A book by an author from a country you've never visited
Another book on the shelf that I have been waiting to get out of the running. I've read nearly all of his other books so I figured, why not this one, too? And Canada is somewhere that I have never visited. So there.
Having been to Comic Con a few times as well as some other fan convention similar to it, I can pretty much feel where he was trying to go with this book. It's completely different from a fan's perspective than it is for the celebrities. Though I can't tell you who has the better side of the deal (unless you're talking money-wise, and then it is DEFINITELY the celebs. Cons are EXPENSIVE AF!)
Hearing about him going around cons with a rubber mask was kind of hilarious.
Another book on the shelf that I have been waiting to get out of the running. I've read nearly all of his other books so I figured, why not this one, too? And Canada is somewhere that I have never visited. So there.
Having been to Comic Con a few times as well as some other fan convention similar to it, I can pretty much feel where he was trying to go with this book. It's completely different from a fan's perspective than it is for the celebrities. Though I can't tell you who has the better side of the deal (unless you're talking money-wise, and then it is DEFINITELY the celebs. Cons are EXPENSIVE AF!)
Hearing about him going around cons with a rubber mask was kind of hilarious.
October 31, 2018
The title was off putting, Thinking it was going to be a put down to all trekkies, Which is the kind of comments I had heard about William Shatner from different people at conventions. But I went ahead on the read any way. I was surprised and delighted to find that what I heard was Crap. This was a great book that took me on an emotional roller coaster of some of my best memories of going to some of the early Si-Fi conventions, I had almost forgot how exciting those days were to me. I am once again a fan of Captain Kirk and enjoyed his book very much. This was a Good Read.
September 18, 2014
I absolutely adored this book. I laughed so many times reading about his experiences with fans and what he didn't know about conventions. It was genuine, amusing, heartwarming and FUN! If you're a Star Trek fan, I think you'll enjoy reading it. I learned so much about the early days of the original series. The book is full of stories from fans, as well as other people involved in the series. It's a fun read.
May 17, 2009
Anna & me getting all into shatner's hilarious musesickal cds she recommended I hear her book by him, thought it was hilarious this man wrote a damn book in the 1st place. So far so good, but I will say I am more so reading it now to finish it. Funny parts but also many parts that get into star trek shite that don't interest me as much..
June 23, 2009
Surprisingly riveting; I was up until 3am reading because I literally could not put this book down until I'd finished it. Fascinating history of Star Trek conventions and fans in general from an unusual perspective.
September 9, 2012
I love this book. I have read it quite a few times and it never fails to make me laugh. Silly stories and interesting people set to the background of a popular sci-fi show. Love Star Trek? Read this book. Hate Star Trek? Read this book. It's really that much fun!
Read
July 27, 2011Really well written, in a classic Shatner style. I like how he is able to take the piss out of not only others but himself too. Shatner is a legend and this collection of stories centred around his, and other's, experiences of Star Trek conventions is just a good read.
February 10, 2015
I don't know why I read this at the time because I hadn't seen any of the original series episodes yet. I don't remember a lot about the book but I DO distinctly remember reading it on my way to work, sitting on the MBTA Red Line, and laughing out loud so much that people were giving me side eye.
January 13, 2017
Even after layers of cosmetics and the usual Shatner lies the guy still manages to come across as an extremely unpleasant personality.
So hear the Kirk authority how he magically embraced the fan circuit once his second rate actor career was setting.
So hear the Kirk authority how he magically embraced the fan circuit once his second rate actor career was setting.
March 31, 2008
hilarious
June 20, 2008
Hilarious! And a frighteningly accurate view into Fandom!
July 10, 2008
If you have ever wondered how Sci-Fi/Show Con's got started, this is the book for you. It is well told, and very enlightening.
July 26, 2009
Highly enjoyable, heart-warming and good fun.
September 14, 2010
Great stories by Shatner of his discovery of what Star Trek fandom is like.
July 24, 2013
As much as I loved Star Trek Memories, this one was better.
September 2, 2014
It's actually pretty illuminating.
And I love Star Trek.
I don't need to give you reasons...
And I love Star Trek.
I don't need to give you reasons...
February 18, 2025
William Shatner is always an entertaining figure, whether it's his acting, his promotional interviews, or, especially, his personal memoirs. This is the third in a sort of series - this book follows logically from Star Trek Memories and Star Trek Movie Memories. Now that James T. Kirk is dead, Shatner's connection with the Star Trek universe is primarily as an author and conference attendee. This book gives a personal and inside look at the Trek phenomenon from the man most responsible for the success of the franchise.
Shatner prowled the floor of many conventions, met fans and merchandise dealers, and quizzed organisers and his castmates. It is all arranged in a series of short chapters, each telling a specific story about a fan, an actor, etc. Shatner (and coauthor Kreski) keep the pace moving, and each individual story is amusing, entertaining, and/or informative, shedding a little more light on the extended Star Trek family. Personally, I wanted to hear more from his fellow actors - the emphasis is certainly on the fans and stories about/from them. Shatner's position at the heart of Trek's mythology gave him a special position to reveal the thoughts and stories of his fellow cast members, but there are precious few of those. All the original cast members (save Doohan) contributed to his Star Trek Memories books, but for this book, only Nimoy has any presence from his old "crew" (Voyager's Jeri Ryan and DS9's Terry Farrell round out the actors' contributions). However, this is a minor quibble, and overall the book is illuminating, entertaining, and very enjoyable.
Shatner prowled the floor of many conventions, met fans and merchandise dealers, and quizzed organisers and his castmates. It is all arranged in a series of short chapters, each telling a specific story about a fan, an actor, etc. Shatner (and coauthor Kreski) keep the pace moving, and each individual story is amusing, entertaining, and/or informative, shedding a little more light on the extended Star Trek family. Personally, I wanted to hear more from his fellow actors - the emphasis is certainly on the fans and stories about/from them. Shatner's position at the heart of Trek's mythology gave him a special position to reveal the thoughts and stories of his fellow cast members, but there are precious few of those. All the original cast members (save Doohan) contributed to his Star Trek Memories books, but for this book, only Nimoy has any presence from his old "crew" (Voyager's Jeri Ryan and DS9's Terry Farrell round out the actors' contributions). However, this is a minor quibble, and overall the book is illuminating, entertaining, and very enjoyable.
November 22, 2019
If, like me, you love STAR TREK but were never a hardcore Trekkie, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of TREK conventions, memorabilia, and fanzines. Shatner himself was willfully oblivious (even somewhat derisive) to these aspects of the TREK phenomena until very late in his career, after he'd already agreed to kill off his Captain Kirk character to help make STAR TREK GENERATIONS a must-see movie event. Turns out that, despite having thought of TREK as just another acting gig, permanently hanging up the 'ol tricorder delivered an unexpected emotional gut punch--one that resulted in a Road to Damascus moment as to how Shatner viewed the show and its dedicated, often eccentric fans.
With Kirk out of the picture and TEKWAR in the process of getting cancelled, Shatner decided to fill his schedule with convention appearances, this time hanging around to experience what these events were really all about. The result is GET A LIFE!, a book that chronicles Shatner's change of heart regarding the franchise he helped create, while also providing insightful answers as to why TREK has fostered such a rabid fan base. It's an entertaining read, perfect for flipping through on an airplane, but certainly not something with widespread appeal. For me, it works best as a fun reminder of the quasi-Beetlemania level of enthusiasm TREK enjoyed during its peak decades.
With Kirk out of the picture and TEKWAR in the process of getting cancelled, Shatner decided to fill his schedule with convention appearances, this time hanging around to experience what these events were really all about. The result is GET A LIFE!, a book that chronicles Shatner's change of heart regarding the franchise he helped create, while also providing insightful answers as to why TREK has fostered such a rabid fan base. It's an entertaining read, perfect for flipping through on an airplane, but certainly not something with widespread appeal. For me, it works best as a fun reminder of the quasi-Beetlemania level of enthusiasm TREK enjoyed during its peak decades.
January 23, 2022
This was pretty interesting. Shatner talks of his career. How it began, how it evolved and how he ended up as Captain Kirk. It was ok, but I must admit that the rumors of his being quick to ask for money for his autograph, or being less that kind to fans, may have tainted my reading process. However, it was a good read, and I found him to be pretty darn open, honest and therefore likeable. Would I recommend it....eh, maybe.
March 5, 2024
This is a good book if you are interested in Star Trek and curious about the culture of Star Trek conventions. The title comes from a classic SNL sketch where William Shatner was the host. If you loved that sketch, you might like this book. It's a loving tribute to Star Trek fan culture. It might take a minute to get used the writing style: breezy, cliche laden, ironic sarcasm typical of late 20th century comedy writing. But once you get used to it it's fine.
May 28, 2025
Shatner interviews convention attendees to better understand the heart of Star Trek fandom.
I quite enjoyed this. It feels like Shatner is sincere in coming to enjoy Trekkers more after he mingled (including wearing a rubber alien mask so he could be anonymous). The stories that will stick most in my head are non-Star Trek related with tales of Shatner being doused by a skunk and pooped on by an elephant.
I attended three Star Trek cons and enjoyed every one of them!
I quite enjoyed this. It feels like Shatner is sincere in coming to enjoy Trekkers more after he mingled (including wearing a rubber alien mask so he could be anonymous). The stories that will stick most in my head are non-Star Trek related with tales of Shatner being doused by a skunk and pooped on by an elephant.
I attended three Star Trek cons and enjoyed every one of them!
February 4, 2020
The premise of this book is to discover what makes Star Trek fans, and by proxy any fandom, so ravenous and dedicated. It boils down to love, as shown through stories from conventions and fan interactions. If you're a Star Trek fan, convention goer, or really any nerd who considers themselves deep in a fan base I'd recommend this book. You will see parts of yourself.
October 25, 2019
Enjoyed this thoroughly. Mr. Shatner goes undercover with an alien mask at ST conventions to get the low down, and learns Valuable Lessons About Life. I like his style and always enjoy his insider stories, his interviews, and his seemingly absolutely genuine joi de vivre.
December 29, 2021
Excellent. Full of funny and interesting stories about creating the show/movies/what its like to be famous. (audio)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews