written by William Shatner
with David Fisher
read by William Shatner

I was in the mood for something a little lighter. I’ve always found Shatner an interesting character. I was a huge Star Trek fan when I was younger, but I’ve enjoyed him over the years in other roles as well. I just think he’s an interesting blend of ego and self-deprecation. This 6-hour audiobook goes by pretty quickly. Shatner reminisces over his entire career.

One of the things that’s amazing about him is how OLD he is. As of this writing, he’s SEVENTY-SEVEN years old…but doesn’t look a day over 65! Born in Canada and (like Leonard Nimoy) of Jewish heritage…he had a successful career on stage and in movies before landing the part of James Tiberius Kirk in Star Trek…that little show (just 79 episodes) that changed the face of television.

This is no “gotcha” memoir. He’s quite kind, and never cruel. He speaks frankly about co-stars (whom he got along with and whom he didn’t), but never rubs anyone’s nose in anything. He’s very funny…whether talking about Kirk/Trek, T.J. Hooker or Denny Crane…whether talking about beautiful female co-stars, or his 4 marriages. He talks about his very early days…working with other actors who would later become very famous: Christopher Plummer, Lorne Greene, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman

Shatner’s delivery is very relaxed, but about 5% too fast for my taste…there are moments where I wish I’d had a few moments to absorb what he was saying. I’m sure they just didn’t want it to drag on and on. His easy humor is on display…and you’ll laugh out loud a few times, or certainly at least crack a smile.

Other than the account of the alcoholism and drowning death of his third wife, there was very little in the way of heavy subject matter. But the story was consistently interesting. I’m glad I took the time, and I’m happy to recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Shatman’s work.

by Ken Follett
read by John Lee

I was intending to wait awhile before listening to this book, as it had only been a few months since I’d listened to The Pillars of the Earth. However, I had enjoyed that one so much, and the reviews were quite good on this one, that I didn’t want to forget about it. Also, it clocked in at over 52 HOURS…and I was in the mood to listen to something substantive. After listening, I must say…I made the right decision.

I’m not sure if one of these books is better than the other. They are both grand, sweeping epics…filled with love stories, political machinations, grand tragedies…all set against the background of a world very unlike our own…and yet, with many very human things in common.
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by Stephen King
read by John Slattery

Since Stephen King is as much an institution as a writer, I should clarify where I stand on HIM before addressing this audiobook specifically. I have always been a fan of his writing. The Stand is one of my favorite books ever, and I’ve enjoyed nearly everything I’ve read by him on some level. I do not find his writing scary. For me, he’s all about the internal dialogue of key characters. And that’s why most of the movies based on his books have been so unsatisfying. They go for the horror, for the external stuff…which is nothing more than the context in which the story occurs. For me, his talent is for revealing what’s going on inside their heads…not good topics to try to communicate on screen.
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