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Shatner
Bloomsbury presents Shatner by Michael Seth Starr, read by Curt Bonnem.
In the early months of 1966, a handsome, hardworking thirty-five-year-old Canadian-born actor named William Shatner was cast as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, a troubled, low-budget science-fiction television series set to premiere that fall on NBC. Star Trek struggled for viewers and lasted only three seasons, but it found a huge, rabidly dedicated audience when it premiered in syndication following its cancellation—turning Shatner into a pop-culture icon and launching him on a career path he never could have imagined after graduating from McGill University with an economics degree twenty years earlier. As he approaches his ninetieth year, he's still working at a furious pace as a man of boundless by turns one of the most dissected, disliked, revered, respected, mocked, imitated, and beloved stars in the show business firmament.
Shatner takes a comprehensive look at this singular performer, using archival sources and information culled from interviews with friends and colleagues to transport listeners through William Shatner's remarkably bumpy his spectacular failures and triumphs; tragedies, including the shocking death of his third wife, Nerine; and, ultimately, the resilience Shatner has shown, time and again, in the face of overwhelming odds. Author Michael Seth Starr unravels the mystery of William Shatner, stripping away the many myths associated with his personal life and his relationships with fellow actors, presenting a no-holds-barred, unvarnished look at the unique career of an inimitable performer.
In the early months of 1966, a handsome, hardworking thirty-five-year-old Canadian-born actor named William Shatner was cast as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, a troubled, low-budget science-fiction television series set to premiere that fall on NBC. Star Trek struggled for viewers and lasted only three seasons, but it found a huge, rabidly dedicated audience when it premiered in syndication following its cancellation—turning Shatner into a pop-culture icon and launching him on a career path he never could have imagined after graduating from McGill University with an economics degree twenty years earlier. As he approaches his ninetieth year, he's still working at a furious pace as a man of boundless by turns one of the most dissected, disliked, revered, respected, mocked, imitated, and beloved stars in the show business firmament.
Shatner takes a comprehensive look at this singular performer, using archival sources and information culled from interviews with friends and colleagues to transport listeners through William Shatner's remarkably bumpy his spectacular failures and triumphs; tragedies, including the shocking death of his third wife, Nerine; and, ultimately, the resilience Shatner has shown, time and again, in the face of overwhelming odds. Author Michael Seth Starr unravels the mystery of William Shatner, stripping away the many myths associated with his personal life and his relationships with fellow actors, presenting a no-holds-barred, unvarnished look at the unique career of an inimitable performer.
320 pages, Audible Audio
Published January 7, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 7, 2020
Firstly thank you to Net Galley, the publishers and the author for an ARC copy for a honest review...
So let's start with a couple of comments....
Why was William Shatner so against a biography by the author?
Why had William Shatner taken a dislike against the author and blocked him on Twitter?
I guess we will never know...
Reading biographies and autobiographies, and knowing the personality of William Shatner, and read some of his books I think I understand.
William Shatner liked to control his own publicity, he also liked to control his career, especially when he believed he could make more money.
He enjoyed the limelight and the fame, and yes I believe correctly he enjoyed being on the screen and making sure he had most of the on time screen, but I guess he was the star.
I believe he was jealous of Leonard Nimoy's acting ability and talent, and directing which caused friction, he treatment of co-stars on Star Trek was bad, as many later autobiographies stated in their books.
But he has had a long career with many high and lows, always wanting to keep busy, often saying yes to below average films, commercials, but he worked to keep his family, his wife's his daughters and of course divorce settlements.
During low points in his career, becoming involved in so different genres to keep himself busy, with music, books, commercials, voice-overs, radio, stage, television and many, many guest roles in his career.
I think as he has aged he has bellowed, and co-stars in later shows actually said he was nice to work for, especially in his best work in Boston Legal and TJ Hooker, where earlier co-stars from Star Trek will not speak to him and very long feuds. Did not attend Leonard Nimoy funeral, saying they had not spoken for years, so sad, did not attend George Takei wedding, why, we will never know.
A man not afraid to argue, put forward his opinion, stand up for his thoughts, maybe why he is still working at nearly 89 years old in 2020, like it or not a success
Interesting book, a three star book for me.
So let's start with a couple of comments....
Why was William Shatner so against a biography by the author?
Why had William Shatner taken a dislike against the author and blocked him on Twitter?
I guess we will never know...
Reading biographies and autobiographies, and knowing the personality of William Shatner, and read some of his books I think I understand.
William Shatner liked to control his own publicity, he also liked to control his career, especially when he believed he could make more money.
He enjoyed the limelight and the fame, and yes I believe correctly he enjoyed being on the screen and making sure he had most of the on time screen, but I guess he was the star.
I believe he was jealous of Leonard Nimoy's acting ability and talent, and directing which caused friction, he treatment of co-stars on Star Trek was bad, as many later autobiographies stated in their books.
But he has had a long career with many high and lows, always wanting to keep busy, often saying yes to below average films, commercials, but he worked to keep his family, his wife's his daughters and of course divorce settlements.
During low points in his career, becoming involved in so different genres to keep himself busy, with music, books, commercials, voice-overs, radio, stage, television and many, many guest roles in his career.
I think as he has aged he has bellowed, and co-stars in later shows actually said he was nice to work for, especially in his best work in Boston Legal and TJ Hooker, where earlier co-stars from Star Trek will not speak to him and very long feuds. Did not attend Leonard Nimoy funeral, saying they had not spoken for years, so sad, did not attend George Takei wedding, why, we will never know.
A man not afraid to argue, put forward his opinion, stand up for his thoughts, maybe why he is still working at nearly 89 years old in 2020, like it or not a success
Interesting book, a three star book for me.
February 5, 2020
At 88 years old, William Shatner is still working hard and being a source of endless fascination. Sometimes derided, sometimes idolised, there is no escaping the Shatner brand. I was born around the time of Star Trek, so most of my knowledge of Shatner comes from Denny Crane which is still one of the best characters I think to have been on TV. (and when I saw him live in 2011 in his one man show)
Although Shatner didn't agree to participate in the book, there are enough quotes and information available that the author was able to give a thorough, and well balanced account of Shatner's career and some of his personal life.
Recommended to those who are fascinated with this larger-than-life character.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Although Shatner didn't agree to participate in the book, there are enough quotes and information available that the author was able to give a thorough, and well balanced account of Shatner's career and some of his personal life.
Recommended to those who are fascinated with this larger-than-life character.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2022
A little bit (actually, a lot) of everything. Michael Seth Starr doesn't exactly break new ground--or, to put it another way, boldly go where no one has gone before--but there are so many quotes, facts, and anecdotes here that whether you're a "Trek" aficionado, a Shatner fan, or simply a lover of juicy gossip, "Shatner" is a rollicking, fast-paced read. Starr covers it all, from Shatner's conservative Jewish upbringing in Montreal, to the start of his acting career at nearby McGill University, to his stage, screen and TV roles--including, of course, the one we all remember him for (fondly or not), Captain James T. Kirk on "Star Trek". We learn once again (and in more detail than ever) about what his "Star Trek" castmates thought of him, his relentless womanizing, his multiple marriages, the books he has written or co-written (he's a prolific writer), his enormously successful post-"Trek" TV career, and all the projects he has undertaken--and continues to undertake--even today, at the age of ninety. Most of all, though, we are left marveling at the rich and eventful life of an enormously talented man: tireless, ageless, driven to succeed by both his outsized ego and enviable work ethic, a man who may have made enemies along the way but also, lest we forget, more than his share of friends. It's easy to mock William "Bill" Shatner. It's even easy, considering some of the things he's done, to dislike him. But as Starr's book makes abundantly clear, it is not so easy--and it never has been--to ignore him.
December 12, 2019
This as author Michael Seth Starr points out is an unauthorised biography, indeed perhaps not surprisingly he found himself blocked from Shatner's twitter account because of this. However, despite the lack of access to the man himself and his personal archives, we have here a comprehensive and objective account of the life and works of this most enigmatic of characters. A seasoned reporter and columnist Michael Seth Starr has written other celebratory biographies. This book is both informative and very readable eschewing sensationalism and relying on known facts as well as relying on the sometimes contrary accounts given by his fellow actors.
Shatner even though approaching his 90's has an amazing appetite to continue working and his longevity in the entertainment business is matched by the sheer diversity of his work. Theatre, films, television, commercials, records, books, actor, author, producer, director, screenwriter, and singer have all been covered. Of course Shatner became a cultural icon for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise in the now cult 79 Star Trek television programmes from the 1960's and Star Trek forms a large but not exclusive part of the book. There is also space devoted to his other two famous television characters,T.J. Hooker and Denny Crane.
He had to say the least a rather up and down career combining this with a far from straight forward personal life. Indeed I read just today that he has now filed for divorce from his fourth wife, meaning his propensity for making news means that even this recently published book now needs updating. Whether any biography will enable the reader to fully under the full Shatner personality is doubtful but this certainly takes them a step nearer.
Shatner even though approaching his 90's has an amazing appetite to continue working and his longevity in the entertainment business is matched by the sheer diversity of his work. Theatre, films, television, commercials, records, books, actor, author, producer, director, screenwriter, and singer have all been covered. Of course Shatner became a cultural icon for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise in the now cult 79 Star Trek television programmes from the 1960's and Star Trek forms a large but not exclusive part of the book. There is also space devoted to his other two famous television characters,T.J. Hooker and Denny Crane.
He had to say the least a rather up and down career combining this with a far from straight forward personal life. Indeed I read just today that he has now filed for divorce from his fourth wife, meaning his propensity for making news means that even this recently published book now needs updating. Whether any biography will enable the reader to fully under the full Shatner personality is doubtful but this certainly takes them a step nearer.
December 26, 2019
Shatner is a fun and informative look into Bill Shatner’s life. The author is candid in stating that Mr. Shatner didn’t want to provide his own input on the book, and even provided a funny antidote about the whole experience of trying to garner interviews for it. Once the forward is done, the author removes himself from the book entirely, only stating the facts as he knew them. The research is extensive and unbiased. Starr doesn’t portray our Starship Captain as a villain nor a hero, but a human. He paints a picture of Bill that is both flawed, and strong, serious but funny, and ego ridden yet humble. The accounts in the book start from Bill’s parents meeting, up to now, over 80 years later. This book is a must-read for all Trekkie fans!
October 14, 2019
I was always a fan William Shatner, therefore I enjoined reading this book and getting some interesting informations very much. Not one boring moment in my view. I'm sure each and every fan of Mr Shatner will feel the same as I.
Thanks so much to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy!
Thanks so much to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy!
November 6, 2019
The author did the impossible - he was able to find tidbits of information that many of us hadn't read before about William Shatner. Shatner is a legend and there has been so much written about him, but this biography actually has some new information and it is well written.
January 24, 2025
Early on in reading this book, I found one glaring error when the author says Mark Piper was hired to play Enterprise Doctor Paul Fox in the second pilot of the original series, instead of the hollywood actor Paul Fix being hired to play Doctor Mark Piper.
There are two kinds of people out there, those that love Shatner and those that hate him. Those that hate him are geneally on the side of George Takei who loves to continue his feud with Shatner at every Star Trek event he attends. I'm in the former category.
I enjoy almost everything Shatner does, TV, Movies, Music and Books. I've read the two "Memories" autobiographies that Shatner wrote in the 90s, so much of this book covered ground that I've already read about. We get a little extra information from news reports and interviews with others to add to what Shatner already revealed in his books.
It wasn't until after the Star Trek VI, that this book entered new territory for me and it was very interesting. This was the first time I've heard about the lawsuits that Shatner was involved with and his marriages as Shatner did not discuss them in his early autobiographies.
This book was very interesting and a great read for those who want to learn about Shatner and don't want to read the five or six autobiographies that Shatner has written. This book covers a lot of ground through 2018. There aren't any new revelations that will shock the reader, but does highlight some great TV and film projects that the reader may not have seen that are worth seeking out.
All in all, a great book. It is sad that Shatner would not consent to an interview with the author, as this would have added much. But, since Shatner himself puts out a book every few years, we get his side of the story updated often. I do find it surprising that the other Trek actors have not updated their biographies since their initial ones. Koenig did publish an updated version of his autobiography after his son's death. And, Patrick Stewart has finally done his first autobiography which I will probably read next.
There are two kinds of people out there, those that love Shatner and those that hate him. Those that hate him are geneally on the side of George Takei who loves to continue his feud with Shatner at every Star Trek event he attends. I'm in the former category.
I enjoy almost everything Shatner does, TV, Movies, Music and Books. I've read the two "Memories" autobiographies that Shatner wrote in the 90s, so much of this book covered ground that I've already read about. We get a little extra information from news reports and interviews with others to add to what Shatner already revealed in his books.
It wasn't until after the Star Trek VI, that this book entered new territory for me and it was very interesting. This was the first time I've heard about the lawsuits that Shatner was involved with and his marriages as Shatner did not discuss them in his early autobiographies.
This book was very interesting and a great read for those who want to learn about Shatner and don't want to read the five or six autobiographies that Shatner has written. This book covers a lot of ground through 2018. There aren't any new revelations that will shock the reader, but does highlight some great TV and film projects that the reader may not have seen that are worth seeking out.
All in all, a great book. It is sad that Shatner would not consent to an interview with the author, as this would have added much. But, since Shatner himself puts out a book every few years, we get his side of the story updated often. I do find it surprising that the other Trek actors have not updated their biographies since their initial ones. Koenig did publish an updated version of his autobiography after his son's death. And, Patrick Stewart has finally done his first autobiography which I will probably read next.
December 26, 2019
Shatner by Michael Seth Starr is, as you know, an unauthorized biography pf William Shatner. The author is very honest about it being unauthorized and even goes into detail about how Bill blocked him on Twitter and told people not to have any contact with the author. Roadblocks were up in full force but we still got a pretty detailed book with some information I didn't previously know. I was worried knowing the challenges that this would be a sensationalized account but was pleasantly surprised by the objectivity presented.
If you are a fan of Bill's from Star Trek you get quite a lot of information about that part of his career as it's probably the most well known and therefore documented. We also get to see other aspects of is professional life that span more that many people know and actually showcase he's not just a 'bit' actor and has a lot more range that many people realize.
The story also delves into William Shatner's personal life, which is ever changing. We get to learn about his relationships with his family and some of his friends. If the subject had been involved in the writing of this story I'm sure this section would have had a more unique insight, as it is I think parts were taken from information in his autobiography. As his life is constantly changing no book can have it all but the author did a good job balancing the story and information available while providing a sympathetic character.
I received an advanced copy of this story through NetGalley and would like to thank them, the author and the publisher for making it available. This review and views expressed within are my own and are given honestly and voluntarily.
If you are a fan of Bill's from Star Trek you get quite a lot of information about that part of his career as it's probably the most well known and therefore documented. We also get to see other aspects of is professional life that span more that many people know and actually showcase he's not just a 'bit' actor and has a lot more range that many people realize.
The story also delves into William Shatner's personal life, which is ever changing. We get to learn about his relationships with his family and some of his friends. If the subject had been involved in the writing of this story I'm sure this section would have had a more unique insight, as it is I think parts were taken from information in his autobiography. As his life is constantly changing no book can have it all but the author did a good job balancing the story and information available while providing a sympathetic character.
I received an advanced copy of this story through NetGalley and would like to thank them, the author and the publisher for making it available. This review and views expressed within are my own and are given honestly and voluntarily.
March 1, 2020
William Shatner's quirks and flaws are well known, and New York Post television reporter Starr doesn't shy away from them. What I quickly realized, however, is how little I knew about his early life and career. That gets covered in detail here, and those early years reveal a lot about how Shatner has been able to live and work in the public eye for seven decades.
A lot of it is just old-fashioned tenacity. Shatner has acted in, directed, and even written a ridiculous number of plays, TV shows, and movies. Starr doesn't bother to count them up, but it's got to be hundreds of roles. It's also pretty clear from years of reviews that while many of the projects Shatner worked in may have stunk, he was almost always pulling his weight and then some. His best-known role may be "William Shatner", but the man has a lot of skills.
Those skills are wrapped up in some titanic issues-- chief among them the life-long insecurity that seems to drive his ambition. But his craftsmanship and charisma come through here, and Starr's portrayal does a lot to show just why this man has been a star for so long.
A lot of it is just old-fashioned tenacity. Shatner has acted in, directed, and even written a ridiculous number of plays, TV shows, and movies. Starr doesn't bother to count them up, but it's got to be hundreds of roles. It's also pretty clear from years of reviews that while many of the projects Shatner worked in may have stunk, he was almost always pulling his weight and then some. His best-known role may be "William Shatner", but the man has a lot of skills.
Those skills are wrapped up in some titanic issues-- chief among them the life-long insecurity that seems to drive his ambition. But his craftsmanship and charisma come through here, and Starr's portrayal does a lot to show just why this man has been a star for so long.
August 29, 2020
As a long time fan of classic Trek, having started viewing while still in diapers, I have never known a life that didn't have William Shatner in it. And it was the better for it.
As far as this particular biography of The Shat, all I can say is it not sanctioned by the man himself. I don't know how accurate all the details are (although I know most are true), but I can tell you that the author is definitely PRO-Shatner and this biography was written to pay homage to this unique man and NOT to expose him or rip him apart.
An enjoyable read for any Trekkie (Trekker) but anyone not into Star Trek you can give this a skip. (Although, I can barely conceive of someone NOT being a Star Trek fan. Perhaps you need to seek professional help?)
But since this is MY honest review in exchange for this free copy received from Netgalley, MY rating will reflect that.
Thanks for reading my review and going where many have gone before. (Definitely sounds more boring that way. But not to me!)
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
As far as this particular biography of The Shat, all I can say is it not sanctioned by the man himself. I don't know how accurate all the details are (although I know most are true), but I can tell you that the author is definitely PRO-Shatner and this biography was written to pay homage to this unique man and NOT to expose him or rip him apart.
An enjoyable read for any Trekkie (Trekker) but anyone not into Star Trek you can give this a skip. (Although, I can barely conceive of someone NOT being a Star Trek fan. Perhaps you need to seek professional help?)
But since this is MY honest review in exchange for this free copy received from Netgalley, MY rating will reflect that.
Thanks for reading my review and going where many have gone before. (Definitely sounds more boring that way. But not to me!)
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
Read
July 5, 2022A small correction: Star Trek (TOS) was NOT a low budget show-how could it be? It had state of the art SFX and exotic costume, set design, and makeup needs. If you are young & don't believe me look at the original reviews which say-"hey this show seems silly to us but wow these amazing SFX!"
It and Desilu's other hour long drama Mission Impossible were so expensive they bankrupted Desilu leading to its takeover by Engulf & Devour -(Gulf & Western) who merged it into Paramount. Lucille Ball was warned that this could happen of she went ahead with both shows at the same time but she wanted to show off what her little studio could do.
So Paramount bought a Goldmine with these two shows-still having sequels or movies made based on them today 55 years later-and Lucy got nothing! You'd think by now we could have a Star Trek time travel episode in which a Lucy-like character saves the universe!
It and Desilu's other hour long drama Mission Impossible were so expensive they bankrupted Desilu leading to its takeover by Engulf & Devour -(Gulf & Western) who merged it into Paramount. Lucille Ball was warned that this could happen of she went ahead with both shows at the same time but she wanted to show off what her little studio could do.
So Paramount bought a Goldmine with these two shows-still having sequels or movies made based on them today 55 years later-and Lucy got nothing! You'd think by now we could have a Star Trek time travel episode in which a Lucy-like character saves the universe!
January 28, 2020
Some obvious errors. Joy is Shatner's older sister, not his younger one, as stated in the book. And he has 2 grandsons and 3 granddaughters, not the other way around, as Starr writes. These lazy mistakes appear at the beginning and the end of the book, and makes me wonder how many more errors are stuffed into the middle pages. The photos are nice, at least.
February 15, 2020
Shatner is an openly unauthorised biography about the iconic actor, William Shatner.
Despite active roadblocks against the author, this book was an interesting insight into the man behind the legend and the highs and lows of his career. It shows a man very controlling over his image and publicity (perhaps why he was so against this biography?) and his feuds with his co-stars.
An interesting, but rather sad man who appears to be redeeming himself in his later years.
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Despite active roadblocks against the author, this book was an interesting insight into the man behind the legend and the highs and lows of his career. It shows a man very controlling over his image and publicity (perhaps why he was so against this biography?) and his feuds with his co-stars.
An interesting, but rather sad man who appears to be redeeming himself in his later years.
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
November 10, 2019I've struggled how to write this review as the focus should really be on the book rather than on its fascinating subject. I'm not sure that I will be able to suceed separating the man from the biography. perhaps that is a sign of a well written biography.
Shatner, a biography wriiten by Michael Seth Starr, is the latest of what seems to be a multitude of books about William Shatner. In it, the author informs the reader that Mr. Shatner was not involved with the writing of the book, evidently refusing to be interviewed and even blocking Mr. Starr from his twitter account. I'm not sure why he was unwilling to be involved as the book seems to be rather evenly balanced. It does not read as a "hit piece" nor is it so over-the-top in love with its subject that it is "stalkerish". Rather, Mr. Shatner's highs and lows, his good and bad points are discussed in an even tone. Star Trek, while discussed does not dominate the text, which in my opinion is a good thing as that is among the parts of his life that many of us are likely to be most familiar. Each time in his life gets attention.
Star Trek is what introduced William Shatner to my sister and me in syndication. I remember sitting on the floor with her on Saturday nights while our mother made dinner. It was, and is a great show, especially for kids as it showed us what could be. It sparked our imaginations in many ways. It showed, without any great fanfare or tricks, a future where people were just people. Genderless, colorless, it was a place of good will and possibility; so many life lessons presented in a subtle way. It brings to mind the way Dr. Seuss could also show us the way without necessarily hitting us over the head. There's no need, show how things can and should be, we get it and we work towards making it happen.
That's enough Star Trek, at least for now, Mr. Shatner has enjoyed such a long and varied career of which Star Trek is really the middle act. Think of it, stage, big screen, little screen, radio, music, the written word, the equine world, you name, I'll bet he has done it! I know that if I see his name listed, heck, I'll give a try and I haven't been disappointed yet. He has a terrific sense of humor about himself which is rare to find in anyone let alone a celebrity. How great is that?
I knew this would happen, I've ended up reviewing the subject and not the book. I apologize, it seems awfully difficult to separate the two. Here this is about the book ... it is well written, the research is extensive. Like the man, it is engaging and entertaining.
Shatner, a biography wriiten by Michael Seth Starr, is the latest of what seems to be a multitude of books about William Shatner. In it, the author informs the reader that Mr. Shatner was not involved with the writing of the book, evidently refusing to be interviewed and even blocking Mr. Starr from his twitter account. I'm not sure why he was unwilling to be involved as the book seems to be rather evenly balanced. It does not read as a "hit piece" nor is it so over-the-top in love with its subject that it is "stalkerish". Rather, Mr. Shatner's highs and lows, his good and bad points are discussed in an even tone. Star Trek, while discussed does not dominate the text, which in my opinion is a good thing as that is among the parts of his life that many of us are likely to be most familiar. Each time in his life gets attention.
Star Trek is what introduced William Shatner to my sister and me in syndication. I remember sitting on the floor with her on Saturday nights while our mother made dinner. It was, and is a great show, especially for kids as it showed us what could be. It sparked our imaginations in many ways. It showed, without any great fanfare or tricks, a future where people were just people. Genderless, colorless, it was a place of good will and possibility; so many life lessons presented in a subtle way. It brings to mind the way Dr. Seuss could also show us the way without necessarily hitting us over the head. There's no need, show how things can and should be, we get it and we work towards making it happen.
That's enough Star Trek, at least for now, Mr. Shatner has enjoyed such a long and varied career of which Star Trek is really the middle act. Think of it, stage, big screen, little screen, radio, music, the written word, the equine world, you name, I'll bet he has done it! I know that if I see his name listed, heck, I'll give a try and I haven't been disappointed yet. He has a terrific sense of humor about himself which is rare to find in anyone let alone a celebrity. How great is that?
I knew this would happen, I've ended up reviewing the subject and not the book. I apologize, it seems awfully difficult to separate the two. Here this is about the book ... it is well written, the research is extensive. Like the man, it is engaging and entertaining.
December 26, 2019
Shatner by Michael Seth Starr is, as you know, an unauthorized biography pf William Shatner. The author is very honest about it being unauthorized and even goes into detail about how Bill blocked him on Twitter and told people not to have any contact with the author. Roadblocks were up in full force but we still got a pretty detailed book with some information I didn't previously know. I was worried knowing the challenges that this would be a sensationalized account but was pleasantly surprised by the objectivity presented.
If you are a fan of Bill's from Star Trek you get quite a lot of information about that part of his career as it's probably the most well known and therefore documented. We also get to see other aspects of is professional life that span more that many people know and actually showcase he's not just a 'bit' actor and has a lot more range that many people realize.
The story also delves into William Shatner's personal life, which is ever changing. We get to learn about his relationships with his family and some of his friends. If the subject had been involved in the writing of this story I'm sure this section would have had a more unique insight, as it is I think parts were taken from information in his autobiography. As his life is constantly changing no book can have it all but the author did a good job balancing the story and information available while providing a sympathetic character.
I received an advanced copy of this story through NetGalley and would like to thank them, the author and the publisher for making it available. This review and views expressed within are my own and are given honestly and voluntarily.
If you are a fan of Bill's from Star Trek you get quite a lot of information about that part of his career as it's probably the most well known and therefore documented. We also get to see other aspects of is professional life that span more that many people know and actually showcase he's not just a 'bit' actor and has a lot more range that many people realize.
The story also delves into William Shatner's personal life, which is ever changing. We get to learn about his relationships with his family and some of his friends. If the subject had been involved in the writing of this story I'm sure this section would have had a more unique insight, as it is I think parts were taken from information in his autobiography. As his life is constantly changing no book can have it all but the author did a good job balancing the story and information available while providing a sympathetic character.
I received an advanced copy of this story through NetGalley and would like to thank them, the author and the publisher for making it available. This review and views expressed within are my own and are given honestly and voluntarily.
November 3, 2019
When a biographer admits that the subject of the biography refused to be interviewed, blocked them on Twitter and asked friends not to speak to the author, you know you are not going to get many new revelations. This book is a rather pedestrian, if very sincere, plod through Mr Shatner's long career, gleaning quotes and snippets from his autobiography and from those colleagues who would talk about working with him.
The book touches several times on the animosity felt by other Star Trek cast members, it quotes Shatner wherever possible but presumably only from second-hand sources, and often digresses into information about co-stars rather than the subject himself. The book is generally chronological, but does occasionally dart back and forth in time, which can be a bit disconcerting.
Having said that, it is an interesting read about Shatner's career, and it does provide some information about the man and his personal life, but you don't feel he is speaking on the page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rowman & Littlefield and Applause for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book touches several times on the animosity felt by other Star Trek cast members, it quotes Shatner wherever possible but presumably only from second-hand sources, and often digresses into information about co-stars rather than the subject himself. The book is generally chronological, but does occasionally dart back and forth in time, which can be a bit disconcerting.
Having said that, it is an interesting read about Shatner's career, and it does provide some information about the man and his personal life, but you don't feel he is speaking on the page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rowman & Littlefield and Applause for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
Interesting, objective biography
I enjoyed this book. It was neither a character-assassination nor a tribute, just an objective look at William Shatner’s life. But objective definitely doesn’t mean boring. Author Michael Seth Starr wrote a fascinating story about Shatner, that was hard to put down. A large part of the appeal of this book is its objectivity. I didn’t want to read a fan piece. The rest of the appeal of the book is Starr’s writing style. He writes in a conversational tone and didn’t linger unnecessarily at any one point in the book. The book wasn’t more weighted towards Star Trek than was Shatner’s life. Even as a fan of the original Star Trek series, this didn’t bother me. There are lots of books on Star Trek and I didn’t want to read another one. I recommend this book for fans of William Shatner and for anyone who likes biographies.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
I enjoyed this book. It was neither a character-assassination nor a tribute, just an objective look at William Shatner’s life. But objective definitely doesn’t mean boring. Author Michael Seth Starr wrote a fascinating story about Shatner, that was hard to put down. A large part of the appeal of this book is its objectivity. I didn’t want to read a fan piece. The rest of the appeal of the book is Starr’s writing style. He writes in a conversational tone and didn’t linger unnecessarily at any one point in the book. The book wasn’t more weighted towards Star Trek than was Shatner’s life. Even as a fan of the original Star Trek series, this didn’t bother me. There are lots of books on Star Trek and I didn’t want to read another one. I recommend this book for fans of William Shatner and for anyone who likes biographies.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
June 28, 2024
I want to thank Net Galley for the ARC copy I received. I really enjoyed reading this book about a man I have admired all of my life. I appreciate how the Author is frank about Mr. Shatner not being a part of the research, and in fact, blocked the Author on Twitter. I had no idea about this book being Unauthorized until I started reading it. Even so, this book goes into great detail about Mr. Shatner's early life, his marriages, his career, and his relationships with his colleagues. The Author manages to get a lot of information from friends, some family, and colleagues, but Mr. Shatner requested no one speak with the Author. So, with how many people that didn't speak with him, I wonder how much information is actually missing?
Truthfully, had I known this book was Unauthorized to begin with, I would not have read it, but since I had already started it, I was going to keep reading it until I finished it, and THAT is ONLY reason I gave it a 4 Star instead of 5.
Truthfully, had I known this book was Unauthorized to begin with, I would not have read it, but since I had already started it, I was going to keep reading it until I finished it, and THAT is ONLY reason I gave it a 4 Star instead of 5.
November 2, 2019
I've read two of Shatner's biographies and each time walked away wondering why I wasted the time because of the size of his ego. But I've always enjoyed when Bill Shatner "played Shatner" so I thought I'd read this book. The good and the bad about Bill Shatner are looked at in this biography.
Despite the fact that the author interviewed many people for the book, I still feel like we're just scratching the surface of what makes Bill Shatner tick. I thought the author did a good job of addressing his marriages and relationship with his daughters.
There was just the right amount of Star Trek for the casual fan or die hard Trekkie.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Despite the fact that the author interviewed many people for the book, I still feel like we're just scratching the surface of what makes Bill Shatner tick. I thought the author did a good job of addressing his marriages and relationship with his daughters.
There was just the right amount of Star Trek for the casual fan or die hard Trekkie.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2023
Audiobook. Quickly consumed and not much retained, I'm afraid, but Shatner has had a far more interesting career than just the original Star Trek and some well-publicized feuds with his colleagues from that show. Love him or hate him, he's a true original.
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