To the Stars

by George Takei

This is the autobiography of one of Star Trek's most popular stars, George Takei. It tells of his triumph over adversity and of his huge success, despite an inauspicious start in a wartime US Asian relocation camp. In his lifetime, he has become an actor, a successful businessman, a writer, and a man deeply involved in politics and the democratic process. His story also includes his early days as an actor when he had brushes with greats like Alec Guinness, Burt Lancaster and Bruce Lee, as well as his first meeting with a writer/producer named Gene Roddenberry.

Genres: Star Trek, Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

416 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

George Hosato Takei is an American actor best known for his role in the TV series Star Trek, in which he played the helmsman Hikaru Sulu on the USS Enterprise. His baritone earned Takei recurring appearances as the announcer for The Howard Stern Show starting on January 9, 2006, after that show's move to satellite radio.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought about starting this review off with the sentence, “This book is the perfect reason I don’t go into bookstores any more”, but that might tease you into thinking I’m about to describe a terrible read.

Nothing could possibly be further from the truth!

I was walking around a local big box bookstore one evening with a friend and, knowing my propensity to buy books just for the thrill when I know I’ve got bookshelves filled with unread books, I gave in and bought the autobiography of George Takei off the bargain books table. Mr. Takei is famously known as “Lieutenant Sulu”, helmsman of the starship Enterprise on the upstart 1960’s TV show, “Star Trek”.

Now, let’s just get this out of the way... yes, I’m a big Star Trek fan. I’m not a full-bore Trekker. I don’t have Vulcan ears, I haven’t memorized any of the scripts, and I don’t speak Klingon... well, not fluently, anyway. *laughs* What I love about Star Trek as it was originally conceived, was that it was a show about a future where intelligence is rewarded, poverty seems to have been eliminated, equality is woven into the fabric of the culture, and humanity seems to have realized it’s best potential. Episodes of later sequel series’ might serve to weaken that last point, but the original series really spoke to me and, it seems, many others.

When I came across this book, I saw it not as a lifelong devotee of helmsman Sulu.. just as a casual fan of the series and I found potential interest in reading the story behind the scenes. And then, as I’m wont to do, I left the book to collect dust for years, neatly stored in a bookshelf in my basement.

I picked this book up this summer as a guilty pleasure read. I just wanted to read something light and easy, after my last couple of selections. I couldn’t have imagined the delightful story that Mr. Takei was about to present for my consideration. The story of man who would be part of the ensemble cast that would leave an indelible mark on the world of science fiction and television, begins as a small child on a train. His destination; the one shared by his family and thousands of other Japanese Americans, was a detention camp in WWII era Arkansas.

I won’t do anyone the disservice of describing details of George Takei’s journey through life and fame... because I could never do justice to his story, his life, and his incomparable writing style. And what if you’re not a Star Trek fan? Don’t cheat yourself out of a great book. George Takei’s autobiography is a captivating, engaging, epic adventure. There is no question that, for a man born at a time when the patriotism and loyalty of his own family was heinously, outrageously, immorally questioned, Mr. Takei has led a great life, and to be absolutely certain, a great American life.

Whether George is sharing conversations, feelings, tender moments, triumphs, defeats, and agonies, both public and private, he takes you on a very personal ride. George Takei’s joy of life is infectious and his attitude is inspirational. His writing is simply fantastic... his ability to communicate a complex situation, deep thought, or passionate emotion is just astonishing. I can’t name a book anywhere on my bookshelf that conveys such a sense of connection; as if the author was sitting across from me, telling me their story.

Having read other reviews of this book, many Star Trek fans have lamented a comparative emphasis on Mr. Takei’s early life as opposed to a behind-the-scenes tell-all about the TV show, movies, and community that brought him such popularity and fame. I can see where, technically, those fans are correct, but I do believe that the story emphasis was far from accidental. Reading this book, it becomes obvious that Mr. Takei wanted to share -his- story, instead of the fictional story of Hikaru Sulu, and the reader is all the richer for that decision. George’s impact on our terrestrial world in the arenas of culture, theater, and politics is greater than the fictional impact of the helmsmanship of Lieutenant Sulu upon the 23rd century.

If you do believe that there will be accomplished navigators of great starships that celebrate the rich diversity of our planet on missions of exploration, peace, and discovery in the twenty third century, such an agreeable outcome and world order will not have been achieved without individuals living incredible, meaningful lives in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Lives like that of George Takei.

If a science fiction television show borne of the hopeful, optimistic dreams of one producer from the 1960s mean little to you, don’t rob yourself of the enjoyment and experience of the tale of one great American story. If the best autobiography reminds us that a great life is bestowed upon those brave enough to lead one, then please, by all means, enjoy this book!

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mar 28, 930am ~~ Review asap.

Mar 29, 8pm ~~ This 1994 book tells the story of the man behind Mr. Sulu, one of my favorite characters from the original Star Trek series. My brother and I used to fight for the best seat in the house every week when the show came on the air back in its day. I will never forget how excited we both were every time the theme music started!

For so many years all the Star Trek characters were just that in my mind. I never thought about the actors wearing the uniforms, the real people who were bringing this dream of the future to life for us all. From his childhood in the internment camps of paranoid America during World War II up to the death of Gene Roddenberry, George Takei shares his thoughts, his dreams, his career and his politics with the reader.

I got a sense of the struggles an actor can go through to try and get more lines, better camera angles, and stronger contracts. I also saw how much tension there actually was between the crew of the Enterprise. I suppose it is a credit to their acting abilities that they all seemed to get along fine during the actual shows, even if they might have wanted to rip each other's hair out.

I still cannot get over the injustice, the absolute stupidity of the internment camps holding so many Japanese-Americans prisoner during World War II. I have a hard time keeping myself from going off on a rant about that shameful time, so I will try to limit myself to this: it never should have happened. No family should go through such an experience. I wish we Americans would learn not to react first in fear, which seems to be the way we have done for years. Even now. And.....no, that is enough. I will try to keep believing that Someday we will all learn to look beneath the surface and see only fellow HUMAN BEINGS, not OTHERS.

Sigh.

Anyway, sorry. I thought the book was interesting, and I was impressed with Takei's personal character and desire to be involved in politics and community. He is an example for others to follow, and maybe Someday we will all manage to get ourselves to the stars.

[Mauoijenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh Myyy!


Loved this!! If you're a fan of Takei's, Star Trek, Sci-fi or just need a good laugh. Read this book. I bow to you sir!!

[Jeffrey Caston · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half of book (early life and breaking into acting) -- unbelievably powerful and moving. I learned so much 5+/5

Second half of book (getting Star Trek role and beyond -- not so much. 3.5/5

I wish I'd been able to get the unabridged audiobook. I hadn't realized it was abridged until it was almost done. The 3 hour run time should have been an indication, but oh well.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this autobiography by George Takei, narrated by the man himself. He’s such a warm and charming person, and his humour and positivity really shine through. It was shocking to hear him talk about his childhood experiences of being relocated and incarcerated in a Japanese internment camp in Arkansas. It's hard to imagine something like that happening in a free, democratic country, only three generations ago. George also shares his journey of becoming an actor, and I had no idea he’d also been engaged in politics for many years. As a Trekkie, I can’t deny that I most enjoyed hearing his stories and experiences on Star Trek, playing his iconic role as Mr Sulu. Takei reflects on both the highs and the lows of being on Star Trek, and how it affected his acting career. He also recounts his experiences with William Shatner, who we of course all know as Captain Kirk. I was aware that they weren’t exactly friends and listening to this book I can understand why.

George Takei narrating the book was a real treat. He has such a lovely voice - I could listen to it all day. It’s a pity though that the narrated version is abridged, so the book does tend to skim over certain aspects of his life. Takei shares his experiences growing up as an Asian American and the conflicts and difficulties he faced being treated differently. However, he also mentions some of the positive experiences he’s had in that respect, when people surprised him with their empathy and understanding. Takei also talks very lovingly and appreciatively of his parents. I was surprised though that the book contained virtually nothing about his private life. Neither does he discuss his sexuality in any way, but that is perhaps less surprising given that this book was published after he came out. It would’ve have been interesting though if his autobiography had touched on that as well.

[Harry Concepcion · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, the audiobook version is the only way to enjoy this book. What could be better than to hear George Takei tell his life story in his own voice? Oh myyy!!!!

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most people, I knew George Takei primarily as Mr. Sulu, the helmsman from the original Star Trek series, but reading this autobiography made it clear that he is so much more than that. (And if you love Star Trek, this book won't spoil anything for you but will instead enhance your appreciation.)

As a child, Takei was caught up in the anti-Japanese paranoia of WWII, so although he was born in Los Angeles he spent his younger childhood years in internment camps, first in Arkansas and then in one near the California/Oregon border, where half the 18,000 internees were other children.

He shares with us his memories of the camps, expanded with adult elaborations, including explanations of the full, dubious meaning behind the so-called Loyalty Questionnaire and the thoughtful reasons for answers deemed controversial. In those camps he discovered both the wonderful world of movies and an understanding of the fragility of American democracy.

Takei brings us with him on a journey of a new actor, one who didn't want to be cast in stereotypical roles, and who sought roles both in television and in the theater. He wasn't an overnight success (very few are) but hard work, good fortune and encouragement from his father kept him going: unlike many Japanese fathers, his wanted Takei to be the best black sheep possible, not to force him into a role he didn't want.

There are, of course, many stories of the actors and directors he worked with and volunteered with, from John Wayne and Richard Burton to Jane Fonda and Alec Guinness. There are stories from behind the scenes, of triumphs and hardships, mistakes and setbacks, but these were never maudlin or self-pitying, rather factual and therefore received with more impact. I was quite surprised at the variety of productions he had been in, and where his path had crossed with some of his future Star Trek crew.

And here we come, in the last third, to the section so eagerly anticipated: Star Trek. (Don't skip over the beginning - that's crucial.) Takei obviously has a great respect for many of his colleagues, especially Leonard Nimoy, and this reminds me I should rewatch TOS with an eye to the character interactions, appreciating the skill of such experienced actors, rather than just for the basic plots. He is generous with his praise of the others, and criticism is straightforward rather than emotional, though the implicit contrast between Ricardo Montalban (who played Khan) and William Shatner was clear.

There are plenty of stories from on set, admiration and fun as well as conflicts, explanations of timing problems when filming schedules changed, introductions to new characters (such as Walter Kroenig's Chekov), the impact of the various directors, and studio tricks with timing slots (Fox obviously learned from NBC) but the growing power of the fan base kept it alive.

We can see how Star Trek changed and inspired popular culture, and how its universe changed within the series and then with the movies, how the franchise made a slow start before becoming the huge success it is today, and the frustrating pendulum swings of the studios before finally settling on what they wanted. It's also notable - though not mentioned - that from TNG onwards all the major characters were featured more prominently within the series, rather than being centered so firmly on just the captain. Takei makes it clear which actors stood firmly for their beliefs, supporting the others in the cast and working always to strengthen the show, keeping it true to Roddenberry's vision.

Through it all, he weaves the issues facing Japanese Americans through his life story, not pushing an agenda but showing how they affected so many people: being forced into the internment camps, and then forced out; the discrimination they faced; the difficulties of so many people trying to find jobs at short notice; his first experience with direct racism; his understanding of the realities of democracy and citizenship; fighting stereotypes and cultural misapprehensions; and finally his tireless drive to show that his character Sulu is more than just a guy who sits at the helm.

It's also clear the deep love and respect he had for his father, to whom the book is dedicated.

His father was a gracious, honorable and hard-working man, who served others as block manager in the camps and then with an employment agency afterwards. He didn't discourage Takei from testing the acting waters but instead suggested ways with less risk and more chance of success, resulting in a change of study from architecture to acting.

Takei followed his father's example, serving others as a volunteer and political activist, supporting other candidates and eventually running for office himself, all while not neglecting his acting career or his fellow actors' interests (including with the "fair and equal screen time" requirement.) Always he was mindful that when in the public eye, whether in office or on screen, he represented more than just himself, and he took the opportunity to shape policy and stand up for his beliefs whenever possible.

It's all very readable, and extremely compelling. I'm not usually one for biographies or memoirs, but I found this difficult to put down even for essential sleep.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprisingly lukewarm on this book and didn't feel compelled to come back to it. Once I was reading it, I enjoyed it but I never really wanted to get back to it. I’m not really sure why, either. I don’t think it is what I expected but that’s not George’s fault. It seems plenty of people have enjoyed the book. I wonder if maybe his style just wasn't right for me. The most interesting parts to me were George’s time spent in the internment camps and his experiences with Star Trek, especially the behind-the scenes stories. I knew he and Bill hadn't gotten along, I didn't know Bill had been that much of a diva! I would certainly recommend this book to my Trekkie friends (or Trekker, as George seems to prefer).

[Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply delightful. George Takei is a lovely, thoughtful man, with a delightfully personable writing style. Throughout his rich life -- he begins by describing his experiences as a small boy in the Japanese American internment camps -- he maintains a clear sense of joy, a belief in the potential of humanity, and a wonderful sense of humor. As a Trekkie, I also love seeing the same stories from yet another perspective. His perspectives on the show, and on his fellow actors, are fascinating windows into the creation of a surprise classic television show. However, even if you have no strong feelings for Star Trek, you will still enjoy this telling of the life of a remarkable human being.

[Nick Gotch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually listened to the newly released audio book version read by Takei himself. An excellent insight into the man and some behind-the-scenes history of Star Trek.

The first few chapters are emotionally powerful, when he talks about his youth and time spent inside US internment camps with his family, but it does get lighter later on. Lots on his early acting career and even his brief dabbling with politics.

[Shirleynature · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Takei is a fantastic storyteller and it’s so great to listen to this author tell his own story in the audiobook! This is comparable to Born a Crime by Trevor Noah with references to social injustice; Takei shares his poignant childhood experiences with his parents persevering U.S Internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. He also reveals much of his acting career, including dramatic conflicts with William Shatner on the set making Star Trek.

[Mediaman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong opening 150 pages about his younger years, many spent in internment camps, make up for some of the many missing stories and failure to mention his homosexuality or any type of love life. Takei's first book covers the amazing story of his childhood in vivid details, then glosses over many years with no stories about milestones or acting work. Some of his films and TV shows just get a paragraph or two. About half of the book covers his Star Trek years but also includes way too much about his political work.

The well-told story of his shocking childhood in camps in Arkansas and northern California make this worth checking out the first eight chapters for even the non-Star Trek reader. Once Takei gets into high school and college he summarizes, skips details, and has few actual stories. He claims his decision to become an actor was made difficult due to his being Japanese, but in truth he very quickly got work due to the timing of post-World War II screenplays being written. I was surprised how many great roles he got very early in his career with little experience.

There is nothing about his personal life during his adult years beyond a few mentions of parents and siblings--it's all about career. You'd think at over 400 pages he'd have plenty of room to give details, but he hides his being gay and says nothing about dating. Takei hurries through mentioning some movie work with major stars and needed to give many more details (how can he act in Cary Grant's final film and say nothing about it beyond one silly paragraph with the megastar?).

Once George gets STAR TREK (which of some reason he insists on writing in all caps throughout the book) the sci-fi series fan will be happy. George praises some costars, points out flaws in others, and totally slams William Shatner non-stop. There are plenty of interesting details but also some factual errors and opinions that make you question how smart Takei is.

He has no problem spewing his warped political views on these pages, particularly his leftist political opinions. Most concerning is his failure to properly blame a Democrat presidential administration of FDR for his childhood internment and the mistreatment of the Asian community. Takei at one point in his 20s even gets excited about meeting President Roosevelt's wife while his father refuses to attend out of proper anger for how FDR abused the Japanese. What gets back-pedaled is his parents' refusal to sign a form saying they support the U.S. during the WWII, with the author going off on the "government" for requiring a loyalty oath without mentioning it was from a Democrat-led White House. Why did he spend the rest of his years supporting Democrat candidates when they were the problem for the Japanese people in the 1940s?

George criticizes the "social torpor" of the Eisenhower years, which shows how warped the author is in his stances, failing to admit the huge growth and personal success of many Americans (including Japanese) that came during that administration. George's failure to ever give Republicans any credit makes no sense when Ronald Reagan signs the bill apologizing and paying money to the Japanese who were forced into the camps.

There is also a very interesting side comment on fairness in awarding acting roles. He doesn't call for non-Asians to be banned from taking Asian parts, saying that any role should be open to any actor who can bring the character to life with integrity. But this was written 30 years ago before a woke culture started its lop-sided demands that minorities play minority roles but not equally require whites to play roles written as white characters.

I believe Takei has used his other recent books to make up for some of his illogical thinking in this memoir. But the opening third of this book should have all Americas fear an unfair presidential administration stifling the freedoms of Americans they don't agree with. The Democrats did it in the 1940s just as they are doing to conservatives they disagree with in the 2020s. Sadly, George Takei's head is so much in the stars that he fails to see that his support of liberal politicians takes away rights that he claims to want to protect.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Mr. Takei's early childhood memories with his family, start into show business and Star Trek memoirs. Now I'm eagerly waiting for the "true" autobiography that explains how he handled his homosexuality in Hollywood during a time where you needed to stay "in the closet" just to work. I am such a George Takei fan!

[Tisho Jessop · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content is very interesting (and not all about STAR TREK as you might imagine). The writing style is very matter of fact - nothing flowery or superfluous about it at all (a little detriment in my opinion). Good for learning more about the history of the Japanese internment camps and life in the early days of Hollywood.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a couple Star Trek memoirs ("I Am Spock" by Nimoy and "Leonard" by Shatner). The perspectives of each writer are fascinating and drastic in their own way. Takei's perspective is no less, and the brief memoir of his experience in Japanese internment camps are worth the read alone. A quick but good read.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book. Takei comes off as an energetic and ambitious actor, but ultimately as a fine human being. As a big fan of Trek, I liked a chance to look at the series and the movies through "Sulu's" experience. Of course, there is a lot in here that's not about Trek. I wasn't very interested in the political stuff, of which there was quite a bit. But I did like getting that look into Takei's past. One of the strongest parts was the early section about the time Takei and his family spent in an internment camp during WWII. It was amazing to see this through a child's eyes, where it often seemed for him a grand adventure, although he had little idea of how tough it was on his parents. Later he came to understand more about it.

[Michael Dean Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

“To the Stars” hits several personal notes for me, as I have met some of the amazing people, mentioned and not, in George Takei’s autobiography. George’s personal enthusiasm drives his purpose, and being both a genuine fan himself, as well as one of the essential “forces of nature” behind what he used to call the Star Trek “phenomenon.” He told me just that in Jan, 1973, as we discussed prospects for a rumored movie version. Alas, we all had to wait. I remember the man, the two hours we talked together, and his passion for living.

Readers of these recollections will hear his voice embedded in these pages, and if listening to his voice on the audio version, will discover within themselves a drive carrying them deeper into their-own realms of visualization and imagination. “To the Stars” was written as a memorial to Gene Roddenberry and all the dedicated Trekkers who now share their enthusiasm with generations born after the OS, original series, premiered. Thanks George, for focusing on the positive, yet including enough of the real-world tensions to keep it real..

Five stars for this journey from the Japanese-American internment-camps” through his journey as an actor to the twenty-fifth anniversary and death of its creator, Gene Roddenberry, in 1991. What is missing, Majel Barrett, who I also met with. Hopefully he will include her powerful presence elsewhere. She was creative, and could argue divergent-plot elements with a passion George no doubt encountered.. However, To the Stars is an achievement and I am thankful for the difficult decisions he made about what to include and what not to include in his introduction to these glimpses of his life and career. So, as noted, IMHO, *****!

[Carolyn Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very interesting. I enjoyed hearing George's account of his time spent on the Star Trek series. And it was nice listening to him narrate his own story.

[chiara]

i���m going to personally ask george for an updated version

update: he said a new book is coming out next year! such a sweet man

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

"So much was irretrievably lost. The business--abandoned. The rented house on Garnet Street--hurriedly vacated. The car, sold for the best offer, five dollars--better to get something than leave it behind. But the new refrigerator got no offer. It nearly killed Mama to have to abandon it to the vultures. Everything other than what we were allowed to carry--all abandoned. All memories now. All as fleeting as the sand blowing past the window. All gone."

Takei really takes us TO THE STARS--from the makeshift 1940s barracks in Arkansas to the brave idealism of STAR TREK, in which crewmembers from all races work together in the far future. Described within the cultural context of WWII, the civil rights movement, and into the Vietnam War--STAR TREK shines. I get it. I dig it. I couldn't help but fall in love with George.

I even read the first chapters a long time ago, and put it down for a while because it hit me so hard.

"With earphones over my head and intensely focused on the silent images, I stuttered, cried, pontificated, and shrieked. No, this was not some madman's asylum. It really was the modern-day equivalent of the benshi, the men who narrated the Japanese films I remembered from my boyhood back in the internment camps."

Oh, how I cried to think of the little boy whose imagination was sparked by one performer who made up for the lack of movies' sound.

Originally published in the 90s, discussing events as early as the 40s--TO THE STARS is all the more timely today, now that we have a nonsense leader's talk of creating a registry of people of the Islamic faith. With talk of the internment of Japanese Americans as "precedent." With talk of nuclear weapons. George, you hoped your story was a cautionary tale. Now we need you even more. Keep up the good work.

I wish I had learned more about George's love life and orientation in this book. I'd like to know why he decided to exclude it. But from the lows of the camps, to the ecstasy and anxiety of Hollywood, TO THE STARS is a fascinating, inviting tale.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The autobiography of George Takei, better know as the helmsman Mr. Sulu, is obviously a must read for any Trekkie out there. Though this book doesn’t require the reader to be overly familiar with the StarTrek universe. Takei’s story is a captivating, engaging adventure. Through his eyes we can see the issues he had to deal with for being a Japanese American, he grew up facing the anti-Japanese paranoia of WWII. He shares his memories from the camps, though retrospectively as he adds in adult elaborations. The discrimination he faces and the struggle for people to find a job, his experience with racism, and how he understand democracy and citizenship.
In his story he also elaborates on how it is to be a new actor, there are stories from set, behind the set, stories from people he has worked or volunteered with. Tales of triumph and setbacks, though even though he faced hardships the writing never turns into self-pity.
In the end, regardless what Takei is sharing, whether it is conversations or feelings, tender moments or triumphs, public or private, he always manages to make the story personal.
Though I will say my review this time might be slightly biased, I do firmly believe that this book is worth a read, even if you are not much of a StarTrek fan.

Originally Posted at: https://lindeay.wordpress.com/2015/04...

[Melissa McCauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so many things I did not know about George Takei by reading this thoroughly engaging autobiography. As a child he was interred in a WWII Japanese-American prison camp in Arkansas (my state!). He started college as an architecture major, but switched to theater and received both B.A. and M.A. degrees from UCLA. He spent a decade working on the board of directors for the Southern California Rapid Transit. He has been involved in politics since his junior high school days. He had many acting roles besides Star Trek’s Mr. Sulu and deeply regrets the times he was desperate for work and played a stereotyped Asian character.

Throughout the book, Mr. Takei maintains an upbeat attitude - always showing his deep concern for the equality of all people and his lifelong focus on advancing the cause of Japanese Americans. He gives glimpses of behind-the-scenes Star Trek, but does not engage in any tattle-telling or bad-mouthing that many people will want to read, so if this is what you are looking for, look elsewhere. (Although it is pretty obvious he doesn’t care for William Shatner, and says that he basically feels sorry for him) I kept asking myself if he could really be such a nice guy, but after hearing him speak in person… You know what? I think maybe he IS.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating biography by George Takei. The biography actually has only a little to do with his stint as Sulu on Star Trek.

What fascinated me was his description of growing up in the internment camps in the US during WWII. I knew the US interned Americans of Japanese descent during the war (our neighbors when I was growing up are Japanese and were interned during the war), but I did not stop to think about what it was like until I read this book. Strangely enough I read this book during a trip to Japan. I remember staying up until 3:00 in the morning one day reading this book, then having to explain to the engineers I was working with why I was so groggy the next day. I'm pretty sure they either thought I was extremely weird, or ran out to get a copy of this book.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lightweight and short but chock-full of interesting stories - both about his childhood at a US internment camp for Japanese Americans and his life as an Asian actor in white-dominated American show business - this memoir now seems premature in light of Takei’s more current “roles” as LGBTQIA activist and popular social media presence. I did enjoy most of what he wrote here, although the criticisms of the Star Trek movie franchise and particularly William Shatner seemed quite whiny and immature, and his claims of singlehandedly saving one of the Star Trek movies from being stolen by younger actors (by inspiring a groundswell of support from convention-goers for the original actors) seemed grandiose and borderline narcissistic.
3-3.5 stars

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

One night in Sept 1966, I sat down in front of the old black-and-white TV in my bedroom to watch a new TV show called Star Trek. From the very first episode all the way until today, I am still proud to be a big fan of the whole Star Trek world!

It should be no surprise that when I discovered "To The Stars" by George Takei (Mr Sulu to you), I downloaded it from audible.com and listened. A relatively short book (about 3+ hours of audio) it covered the life story of our favorite helmsman. From growing up a Japanese-American in the camps during WWII to his entry into acting and his efforts in the world of Star Trek.

A nice book for a Star Trek fan.

[Kris Sellgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This autobiography by George Takei, who plays Lt. Sulu on the original Star Trek TV series, is engaging and inspiring. It starts with his internment at a U.S. camp for Japanese-Americans during WW II, and ends with the U.S government's apology 43 years later. In between are sparkling stories of the headiness of getting his first acting jobs while at UCLA, the challenges of being Asian-American as a student and an actor, and the roller-coaster ride that his Star Trek career has been. This was an interesting and fun read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the casts' memoirs, Takei's autobiography is the most poignant. He spent several years with his family (his father a former doctor in San Francisco) in an American "internment camp" during WWII and their family lost everything.

I appreciated his honesty and ability to delve into such painful memories to bring to life that atrocity, but more importantly his conquest over racial prejudices that marred that period of history

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a veteran of the American internment camps during WWII and an aspiring actor during a time when the parts for Asian leads in movies were still going to the likes of Sir Alec Guinness, George Takei's perspective on race relations in the US is fascinating. This would be a worthwhile story from any author, but it carries special interest coming from someone who portrayed such a famous, groundbreaking character.

Plus, there are awesome behind the scenes Star Trek stories.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really surprised and pleased with this book - have already recommended it so many times my family's eyes begin to dim when I bring it up. Star Trek I expected. The history lesson, primer about show business, and the view of conventions from the other side of the stage I did not expect.

I REALLY recommend this book. Seriously.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read most of this one in the bookstore. It's by far the best of the Star Trek cast's biographies, many of which I have read or skimmed in the store. Seriously, Takei actually talks about his family's experience with the Japanese interment camps.