Rich (LordHighWarlock) -
Helpful Score: 4
It was rather enlightening...I didn't realize that both Shatner and Nimoy had been such jerks regarding 'Star Trek.' It was also interesting to read that he was such a good friend to Isaac Asimov -- the book includes LOTS of letters between the two of them.
If you're expecting it to simply cover things about 'Star Trek,' you'll be disappointed...it's nearly 100 pages before it's even mentioned. Before that, you learn about Gene's father and Gene's early childhood; his time in the military; his first marriage; his jobs as a pilot and a policeman; and how he finally gets into writing. Once it DOES start getting into the history of 'Star Trek,' you learn just how poorly the studios treated him over it...and why it took 4 years to get 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture' made. And it by no means paints Gene as a saint...some things about HIM may remove him from the pedestal that so many Trekkies hold him on.
The ending was quite moving, though...included are the speeches (in their entirety) from Whoopi Goldberg, Patrick Stewart, and others, given during Gene's funeral. Overall, this was a very informative read. I enjoyed it, along with the photos in the middle of the book, very much.
If you're expecting it to simply cover things about 'Star Trek,' you'll be disappointed...it's nearly 100 pages before it's even mentioned. Before that, you learn about Gene's father and Gene's early childhood; his time in the military; his first marriage; his jobs as a pilot and a policeman; and how he finally gets into writing. Once it DOES start getting into the history of 'Star Trek,' you learn just how poorly the studios treated him over it...and why it took 4 years to get 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture' made. And it by no means paints Gene as a saint...some things about HIM may remove him from the pedestal that so many Trekkies hold him on.
The ending was quite moving, though...included are the speeches (in their entirety) from Whoopi Goldberg, Patrick Stewart, and others, given during Gene's funeral. Overall, this was a very informative read. I enjoyed it, along with the photos in the middle of the book, very much.
Olif S. reviewed Star Trek Creator: The Authorized Biography of Gene Roddenberry on + 22 more book reviews
For fans and non-fans alike of the popular sci-fi TV series!
