Boldly Go by William Shatner with Joshua Brandon
Memoir, Non-Fiction, 13+
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for a copy of Boldly Go in exchange for an honest review.
The oddity of this well-known man is beloved by some and rubs others the wrong way. I feel that William Shatner in all his oddity is a kindred spirit. When I had the chance to review his newest memoir/essay collection, I felt a distinct honour. I have loved Star Trek deeply and completely for most of my life, and I am incredibly thankful to the actors and crew that put those shows together.
This particular book comprises ten essays that Shatner has written about different points in his life. The reader hears about his marriages and the struggles that went along with each, more in-depth detail about some of the relationships in his life, and some of the most ‘wow’ experiences he’s had (including going to space!).
I was riding the city bus from Kelowna to Vernon when I started reading Boldly Go. It felt like I was commencing a two-fold journey – passively while I sat on that bus and actively as I dove into Shatner’s incredible prose. The prologue had me in tears and that trend continued through most of the chapters. The emotion written into those stories is palpable. I think this is because it felt like he was sitting across the room, telling me the stories himself. I felt his pauses and moments of thought. And it helps that I’ve watched quite a few of his more recent documentaries (The Captains) and I enjoy listening to his way of speaking.
If you don’t like William Shatner for one reason or another, this won’t be the book for you. Readers who want to hear more about his life, or those interested in memoirs in general, should give it a try. It’s a quick read and I found myself crying and laughing–sometimes in the same breath. I hope this post finds you if you’re the right audience for this book. Live Long and Prosper.
(Yes, I’m a nerd…)
Lit&Leta 
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