Book 49 of 52: Up Until Now by William Shatner
Another one I can’t say much about, but at least I can tell you what I read and, briefly, what I think about it. The book is Up Till Now: The Autobiography
I’m more of a Star Trek: the Next Generation Fan, but you can’t like that part of the Star Trek empire without at least acknowledging the original series. What I found most interesting about this book, however, was learning how hard Shatner worked before and after Star Trek because, after all, that series only ran three seasons and was not an instant success.
This is the only book in the series that has brought attention from strangers — at least to the point where a stranger approached me about what I was reading.
I read this one before and in between the last three books in this reading series, so I had it with me on Amtrak on my way to the American Society of Journalists and Authors conference. A man sat next to me at the Trenton stop. He was middle aged, had a slight paunch, stunk of smoke and talked on his cell phone — a big no no in my book. Once he took the spot next to me, I tried to hide the cover of the book with my hand. Shatner is, well, Shatner. He might now have awards attached to his name, but he’s still sort of campy, as is the cover of this book. But some time after his first phone call, he asked me (through my iPod no less) if that was the new Shatner book. I said yes and we ended up chatting into New York. There really are Trekkies everywhere.
I didn’t think I would like this book as much as I did, probably because he (and his ghost writer, David Fisher) let him be himself. It’s what made the book funny, and worth reading.
I’m glad to be done with it, though not because of the book but because I feel like I’ve finished a long sprint of assigned reading. I thought I’d want to take a break for a while, but, well, I just can’t stay away from the books. At least I can pick what I’d like to read next!
With that, I leave you with a clip that I couldn’t leave out of any post about Shatner (and something he writes about at length). Enjoy!
Funny story about the fellow on the train.
You know, I’ve never read this book, but I’ll tell you that Shatner never fails to surprise me.
For the record, I’m not a big Star Trek fan, though it is a decent show. But I am a fan of Ben Folds, and once picked up a William Shatner album – yes – he has an album – because I learned Folds served as producer.
Well, for anyone who hasn’t listend to the album – it’s called “Has Been” – I actually really reccomend it. It is poignant, catchy and heck … I’d have to say one of my favorite albums out there.
Maybe I’ll get a chance to read this book one of these days.