Jes G. (jesgear) reviewed on 10/25/2014 + 5 more book reviews

I selected this book on a whim and didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I was a Trekkie when I was much younger and have some Trek books that I was posting here at PaperBack Swap when I saw this book listed. I've wondered about the Star Trek conventions and was intrigued to hear about Shatner's take on cons. Plus, I enjoyed his books about the making of the Star Trek television show and movies. So I selected receiving this book as a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining the book was; in fact, I read the whole book in one night. Shatner's descriptions of his experiences at Trek conventions, both on-stage and off- are very entertaining. His claim to not knowing about what really occurs at conventions and being motivated to experience the events while disguised (wearing a space alien mask) was really interesting, and his interactions with fans and convention vendors is often hilarious and at times surprising.
Two chapters discussing Shatner's interactions with fans were very interesting to read. One is of a shy fan who's gained a reputation at Trek conventions for his attending with his cat, having dressed the pet in a Star Trek costume. Shatner's interview of the fan is very charming. Although Shatner brings up the fan's shyness and lack of confidence, he does so delicately, and the fan doesn't seem to mind the slight ribbing he receives; I'm sure he was mostly happy to be involved with Shatner's book at all. But Shatner did a nice job encouraging the fan and seemed to enjoy conducting the interview.
I have mixed feelings about the other fan interaction. The book describes a visit by Shatner with a fan who suffers multiple personalities, three of which personalities are Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Encouraged by her doctor, the fan resorts to a couple of the personalities during Shatner's interview and even comes out as Spock briefly. I have to say that I found the interview a little uncomfortable to read, although very interesting. But I appreciated Shatner's not pushing the matter, admitting to the awkwardness of the interview and that he probably shouldn't even be there. But he did a nice job in comforting the fan and in his participation in the interview; as I said, it wasn't the easiest part of the book to read, but it was definitely fascinating.
My favorite aspect of the book, though, is the humor throughout, especially Shatner's references to Leonard Nimoy. Shatner often put down Nimoy, calling him ugly, old, vain, and with many other jabs, all in fun, of course. I wonder how Nimoy's reacted to this book.
Over all, I found the book very entertaining. I've attended other fan conventions (The Beatles, Buster Keaton), but now I'm interested in attending a Trek convention. And I think I'll dig out my copies of Shatner's other Star Trek books and reread them this weekend.

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