This is the autobiography of one of Star Trek's most popular stars, George Takei. It tells of his triumph over adversity and of his huge success, despite an inauspicious start in a wartime US Asian relocation camp. In his lifetime, he has become an actor, a successful businessman, a writer, and a man deeply involved in politics and the democratic process. His story also in
This is the autobiography of one of Star Trek's most popular stars, George Takei. It tells of his triumph over adversity and of his huge success, despite an inauspicious start in a wartime US Asian relocation camp. In his lifetime, he has become an actor, a successful businessman, a writer, and a man deeply involved in politics and the democratic process. His story also includes his early days as an actor when he had brushes with greats like Alec Guinness, Burt Lancaster and Bruce Lee, as well as his first meeting with a writer/producer named Gene Roddenberry. The story continues with his days as Mr Sulu on Star Trek, with tales of what really went on behind the scenes, and a look at the production of the original TV series and the feature films.
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Hardcover
,
352 pages
Published
October 17th 1994
by Simon & Schuster Ltd
(first published 1994)
I thought about starting this review off with the sentence, “This book is the perfect reason I don’t go into bookstores any more”, but that might tease you into thinking I’m about to describe a terrible read.
Nothing could possibly be further from the truth!
I was walking around a local big box bookstore one evening with a friend and, knowing my propensity to buy books just for the thrill when I know I’ve got bookshelves filled with unread books, I gave in and bought the autobiography of George Ta
I thought about starting this review off with the sentence, “This book is the perfect reason I don’t go into bookstores any more”, but that might tease you into thinking I’m about to describe a terrible read.
Nothing could possibly be further from the truth!
I was walking around a local big box bookstore one evening with a friend and, knowing my propensity to buy books just for the thrill when I know I’ve got bookshelves filled with unread books, I gave in and bought the autobiography of George Takei off the bargain books table. Mr. Takei is famously known as “Lieutenant Sulu”, helmsman of the starship Enterprise on the upstart 1960’s TV show, “Star Trek”.
Now, let’s just get this out of the way... yes, I’m a big Star Trek fan. I’m not a full-bore Trekker. I don’t have Vulcan ears, I haven’t memorized any of the scripts, and I don’t speak Klingon... well, not fluently, anyway. *laughs* What I love about Star Trek as it was originally conceived, was that it was a show about a future where intelligence is rewarded, poverty seems to have been eliminated, equality is woven into the fabric of the culture, and humanity seems to have realized it’s best potential. Episodes of later sequel series’ might serve to weaken that last point, but the original series really spoke to me and, it seems, many others.
When I came across this book, I saw it not as a lifelong devotee of helmsman Sulu.. just as a casual fan of the series and I found potential interest in reading the story behind the scenes. And then, as I’m wont to do, I left the book to collect dust for years, neatly stored in a bookshelf in my basement.
I picked this book up this summer as a guilty pleasure read. I just wanted to read something light and easy, after my last couple of selections. I couldn’t have imagined the delightful story that Mr. Takei was about to present for my consideration. The story of man who would be part of the ensemble cast that would leave an indelible mark on the world of science fiction and television, begins as a small child on a train. His destination; the one shared by his family and thousands of other Japanese Americans, was a detention camp in WWII era Arkansas.
I won’t do anyone the disservice of describing details of George Takei’s journey through life and fame... because I could never do justice to his story, his life, and his incomparable writing style. And what if you’re not a Star Trek fan? Don’t cheat yourself out of a great book. George Takei’s autobiography is a captivating, engaging, epic adventure. There is no question that, for a man born at a time when the patriotism and loyalty of his own family was heinously, outrageously, immorally questioned, Mr. Takei has led a great life, and to be absolutely certain, a great American life.
Whether George is sharing conversations, feelings, tender moments, triumphs, defeats, and agonies, both public and private, he takes you on a very personal ride. George Takei’s joy of life is infectious and his attitude is inspirational. His writing is simply fantastic... his ability to communicate a complex situation, deep thought, or passionate emotion is just astonishing. I can’t name a book anywhere on my bookshelf that conveys such a sense of connection; as if the author was sitting across from me, telling me their story.
Having read other reviews of this book, many Star Trek fans have lamented a comparative emphasis on Mr. Takei’s early life as opposed to a behind-the-scenes tell-all about the TV show, movies, and community that brought him such popularity and fame. I can see where, technically, those fans are correct, but I do believe that the story emphasis was far from accidental. Reading this book, it becomes obvious that Mr. Takei wanted to share -his- story, instead of the fictional story of Hikaru Sulu, and the reader is all the richer for that decision. George’s impact on our terrestrial world in the arenas of culture, theater, and politics is greater than the fictional impact of the helmsmanship of Lieutenant Sulu upon the 23rd century.
If you do believe that there will be accomplished navigators of great starships that celebrate the rich diversity of our planet on missions of exploration, peace, and discovery in the twenty third century, such an agreeable outcome and world order will not have been achieved without individuals living incredible, meaningful lives in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Lives like that of George Takei.
If a science fiction television show borne of the hopeful, optimistic dreams of one producer from the 1960s mean little to you, don’t rob yourself of the enjoyment and experience of the tale of one great American story. If the best autobiography reminds us that a great life is bestowed upon those brave enough to lead one, then please, by all means, enjoy this book!
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For me, the audiobook version is the only way to enjoy this book. What could be better than to hear George Takei tell his life story in his own voice? Oh myyy!!!!
Like most people, I knew George Takei primarily as Mr. Sulu, the helmsman from the original Star Trek series, but reading this autobiography made it clear that he is so much more than that. (And if you love Star Trek, this book won't spoil anything for you but will instead enhance your appreciation.)
As a child, Takei was caught up in the anti-Japanese paranoia of WWII, so although he was born in Los Angeles he spent his younger childhood years in internment camps, first in Arkansas and then in o
Like most people, I knew George Takei primarily as Mr. Sulu, the helmsman from the original Star Trek series, but reading this autobiography made it clear that he is so much more than that. (And if you love Star Trek, this book won't spoil anything for you but will instead enhance your appreciation.)
As a child, Takei was caught up in the anti-Japanese paranoia of WWII, so although he was born in Los Angeles he spent his younger childhood years in internment camps, first in Arkansas and then in one near the California/Oregon border, where half the 18,000 internees were other children.
He shares with us his memories of the camps, expanded with adult elaborations, including explanations of the full, dubious meaning behind the so-called Loyalty Questionnaire and the thoughtful reasons for answers deemed controversial. In those camps he discovered both the wonderful world of movies and an understanding of the fragility of American democracy.
Takei brings us with him on a journey of a new actor, one who didn't want to be cast in stereotypical roles, and who sought roles both in television and in the theater. He wasn't an overnight success (very few are) but hard work, good fortune and encouragement from his father kept him going: unlike many Japanese fathers, his wanted Takei to be the best black sheep possible, not to force him into a role he didn't want.
There are, of course, many stories of the actors and directors he worked with and volunteered with, from John Wayne and Richard Burton to Jane Fonda and Alec Guinness. There are stories from behind the scenes, of triumphs and hardships, mistakes and setbacks, but these were never maudlin or self-pitying, rather factual and therefore received with more impact. I was quite surprised at the variety of productions he had been in, and where his path had crossed with some of his future Star Trek crew.
And here we come, in the last third, to the section so eagerly anticipated: Star Trek. (Don't skip over the beginning - that's crucial.) Takei obviously has a great respect for many of his colleagues, especially Leonard Nimoy, and this reminds me I should rewatch TOS with an eye to the character interactions, appreciating the skill of such experienced actors, rather than just for the basic plots. He is generous with his praise of the others, and criticism is straightforward rather than emotional, though the implicit contrast between Ricardo Montalban (who played Khan) and William Shatner was clear.
There are plenty of stories from on set, admiration and fun as well as conflicts, explanations of timing problems when filming schedules changed, introductions to new characters (such as Walter Kroenig's Chekov), the impact of the various directors, and studio tricks with timing slots (Fox obviously learned from NBC) but the growing power of the fan base kept it alive.
We can see how Star Trek changed and inspired popular culture, and how its universe changed within the series and then with the movies, how the franchise made a slow start before becoming the huge success it is today, and the frustrating pendulum swings of the studios before finally settling on what they wanted. It's also notable - though not mentioned - that from TNG onwards all the major characters were featured more prominently within the series, rather than being centered so firmly on just the captain. Takei makes it clear which actors stood firmly for their beliefs, supporting the others in the cast and working always to strengthen the show, keeping it true to Roddenberry's vision.
Through it all, he weaves the issues facing Japanese Americans through his life story, not pushing an agenda but showing how they affected so many people: being forced into the internment camps, and then forced out; the discrimination they faced; the difficulties of so many people trying to find jobs at short notice; his first experience with direct racism; his understanding of the realities of democracy and citizenship; fighting stereotypes and cultural misapprehensions; and finally his tireless drive to show that his character Sulu is more than just a guy who sits at the helm.
It's also clear the deep love and respect he had for his father, to whom the book is dedicated.
His father was a gracious, honorable and hard-working man, who served others as block manager in the camps and then with an employment agency afterwards. He didn't discourage Takei from testing the acting waters but instead suggested ways with less risk and more chance of success, resulting in a change of study from architecture to acting.
Takei followed his father's example, serving others as a volunteer and political activist, supporting other candidates and eventually running for office himself, all while not neglecting his acting career or his fellow actors' interests (including with the "fair and equal screen time" requirement.) Always he was mindful that when in the public eye, whether in office or on screen, he represented more than just himself, and he took the opportunity to shape policy and stand up for his beliefs whenever possible.
It's all very readable, and extremely compelling. I'm not usually one for biographies or memoirs, but I found this difficult to put down even for essential sleep.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Simply delightful. George Takei is a lovely, thoughtful man, with a delightfully personable writing style. Throughout his rich life -- he begins by describing his experiences as a small boy in the Japanese American internment camps -- he maintains a clear sense of joy, a belief in the potential of humanity, and a wonderful sense of humor. As a Trekkie, I also love seeing the same stories from yet another perspective. His perspectives on the show, and on his fellow actors, are fascinating windows
Simply delightful. George Takei is a lovely, thoughtful man, with a delightfully personable writing style. Throughout his rich life -- he begins by describing his experiences as a small boy in the Japanese American internment camps -- he maintains a clear sense of joy, a belief in the potential of humanity, and a wonderful sense of humor. As a Trekkie, I also love seeing the same stories from yet another perspective. His perspectives on the show, and on his fellow actors, are fascinating windows into the creation of a surprise classic television show. However, even if you have no strong feelings for Star Trek, you will still enjoy this telling of the life of a remarkable human being.
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I actually listened to the newly released audio book version read by Takei himself. An excellent insight into the man and some behind-the-scenes history of Star Trek.
The first few chapters are emotionally powerful, when he talks about his youth and time spent inside US internment camps with his family, but it does get lighter later on. Lots on his early acting career and even his brief dabbling with politics.
I enjoyed Mr. Takei's early childhood memories with his family, start into show business and Star Trek memoirs. Now I'm eagerly waiting for the "true" autobiography that explains how he handled his homosexuality in Hollywood during a time where you needed to stay "in the closet" just to work. I am such a George Takei fan!
I learned so many things I did not know about George Takei by reading this thoroughly engaging autobiography. As a child he was interred in a WWII Japanese-American prison camp in Arkansas (my state!). He started college as an architecture major, but switched to theater and received both B.A. and M.A. degrees from UCLA. He spent a decade working on the board of directors for the Southern California Rapid Transit. He has been involved in politics since his junior high school days. He had many act
I learned so many things I did not know about George Takei by reading this thoroughly engaging autobiography. As a child he was interred in a WWII Japanese-American prison camp in Arkansas (my state!). He started college as an architecture major, but switched to theater and received both B.A. and M.A. degrees from UCLA. He spent a decade working on the board of directors for the Southern California Rapid Transit. He has been involved in politics since his junior high school days. He had many acting roles besides Star Trek’s Mr. Sulu and deeply regrets the times he was desperate for work and played a stereotyped Asian character.
Throughout the book, Mr. Takei maintains an upbeat attitude - always showing his deep concern for the equality of all people and his lifelong focus on advancing the cause of Japanese Americans. He gives glimpses of behind-the-scenes Star Trek, but does not engage in any tattle-telling or bad-mouthing that many people will want to read, so if this is what you are looking for, look elsewhere. (Although it is pretty obvious he doesn’t care for William Shatner, and says that he basically feels sorry for him) I kept asking myself if he could really be such a nice guy, but after hearing him speak in person… You know what? I think maybe he IS.
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A fascinating biography by George Takei. The biography actually has only a little to do with his stint as Sulu on Star Trek.
What fascinated me was his description of growing up in the internment camps in the US during WWII. I knew the US interned Americans of Japanese decent during the war (our neighbors when I was growing up are Japanese and were interned during the war), but I did not stop to think about what it was like until I read this book. Strangely enough I read this book during a trip
A fascinating biography by George Takei. The biography actually has only a little to do with his stint as Sulu on Star Trek.
What fascinated me was his description of growing up in the internment camps in the US during WWII. I knew the US interned Americans of Japanese decent during the war (our neighbors when I was growing up are Japanese and were interned during the war), but I did not stop to think about what it was like until I read this book. Strangely enough I read this book during a trip to Japan. I remember staying up until 3:00 in the morning one day reading this book, then having to explain to the engineers I was working with why I was so groggy the next day. I'm pretty sure they either thought I was extremely weird, or ran out to get a copy of this book.
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One night in Sept 1966, I sat down in front of the old black-and-white TV in my bedroom to watch a new TV show called Star Trek. From the very first episode all the way until today, I am still proud to be a big fan of the whole Star Trek world!
It should be no surprise that when I discovered "To The Stars" by George Takei (Mr Sulu to you), I downloaded it from audible.com and listened. A relatively short book (about 3+ hours of audio) it covered the life story of our favorite helmsman. From growi
One night in Sept 1966, I sat down in front of the old black-and-white TV in my bedroom to watch a new TV show called Star Trek. From the very first episode all the way until today, I am still proud to be a big fan of the whole Star Trek world!
It should be no surprise that when I discovered "To The Stars" by George Takei (Mr Sulu to you), I downloaded it from audible.com and listened. A relatively short book (about 3+ hours of audio) it covered the life story of our favorite helmsman. From growing up a Japanese-American in the camps during WWII to his entry into acting and his efforts in the world of Star Trek.
This was a fun autobiography to read for a lot of reasons. Published over 20 years ago, well before George Takei stole the hearts of millions over social media, the book offers many details over George Takei's life before and during STAR TREK. I've been trying to write a coherent review, but I'm clearly suffering from some kind of mental block, so I'm just going to list the things I liked and then the thing I didn't like.
LIKE:
- Child point of view of Japanese internment during WWII. George Takei
This was a fun autobiography to read for a lot of reasons. Published over 20 years ago, well before George Takei stole the hearts of millions over social media, the book offers many details over George Takei's life before and during STAR TREK. I've been trying to write a coherent review, but I'm clearly suffering from some kind of mental block, so I'm just going to list the things I liked and then the thing I didn't like.
LIKE:
- Child point of view of Japanese internment during WWII. George Takei starts us off with a childlike curiosity and confusion about the Japanese internment camps, and then sprinkles in an increased understanding and downright anger about the treatment of Japanese Americans during that time and continued horrible treatment over the course of the book.
- Takei's admiration for his parents, especially his father.
- Takei's generosity with compliments for most everyone mentioned in the book
- His honesty for his failures
- All the phone conversations with Walter Koenig
- Watching the early stages of Takei's political activism come to life
DISLIKE:
- Everything about William Shatner could have probably been condensed to one or sections. Not necessarily b/c I think Takei was slandering Shatner unfairly or anything (I've read some of Shatner's books - I've got a pretty good idea about his ego), but the bitterness detracted from a lot of otherwise good stories in the book.
Fun read for any TOS fan and I think even fans of Takei in general who haven't watched TOS or the movies would enjoy this a lot.
***My e-book copy provided generously by NetGalley***
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I originally read the hardcover book, checked out from my library, but the publisher is now offering an e-book version so I am basing my review on the new e-book, released March 10, 2015. I was able to read this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This autobiography of George Takei is a great look at one of the most famous Asian actors during his early career, as well as an in-depth look at how it was to be on Star Trek, TOS (The Original Series). Takei's personality shines t
I originally read the hardcover book, checked out from my library, but the publisher is now offering an e-book version so I am basing my review on the new e-book, released March 10, 2015. I was able to read this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This autobiography of George Takei is a great look at one of the most famous Asian actors during his early career, as well as an in-depth look at how it was to be on Star Trek, TOS (The Original Series). Takei's personality shines through the book, giving it charm and class while sharing personal stories of his life on and off-screen and sharing stories of his interactions and friendships with the Star Trek cast.
TO THE STARS first takes us into Takei's past, and how living in an internment camp in WWII made him the person he is today. We forget, when teaching children about WWII, that the US also put it's own citizens into camps. While they may not have been death camps, this people lost everything they owned, were separated from family and treated like second class citizens, even after the camps closed and they were "allowed" to live like normal people again. This autobiography touches on what George Takei experienced in those camps, and the impressions it made on him.
Once free from the internment camp, we are shown Takei trying to become himself instead of what others wanted him to be. From the beginning, he wanted to be an actor. His parents supported him in this, encouraging him to get a degree that would be useful even if the acting career didn't take off. Luckily for us, Takei struggled through the early auditions, sometimes-mediocre plays, and "I'll do anything!" movies and ended up working with Eugene Roddenberry on making Star Trek into the cult hit it is today. Takei also shares how Roddenberry constantly pushed for Sulu to have more of a speaking part, to go more deeply into Sulu's character, and to encourage the show's producers to show strong characters, regardless of their race or gender. George Takei's autobiography also shows his life after Star Trek, and how he became involved in politics.
TO THE STARS concludes with Gene Roddenberry's death in 1991, with the closing of a door in Star Trek's history. Though there is so much more about George Takei's life - post 90s - that would be exciting to read about, especially his work in the LGBT community and with Allegiance, this autobiography delivers exactly what was promised: George Takei's journey to boldly go where no man has gone before.
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As a veteran of the American internment camps during WWII and an aspiring actor during a time when the parts for Asian leads in movies were still going to the likes of Sir Alec Guinness, George Takei's perspective on race relations in the US is fascinating. This would be a worthwhile story from any author, but it carries special interest coming from someone who portrayed such a famous, groundbreaking character.
Plus, there are awesome behind the scenes Star Trek stories.
The autobiography of George Takei, better know as the helmsman Mr. Sulu, is obviously a must read for any Trekkie out there. Though this book doesn’t require the reader to be overly familiar with the StarTrek universe. Takei’s story is a captivating, engaging adventure. Through his eyes we can see the issues he had to deal with for being a Japanese American, he grew up facing the anti-Japanese paranoia of WWII. He shares his memories from the camps, though retrospectively as he adds in adult ela
The autobiography of George Takei, better know as the helmsman Mr. Sulu, is obviously a must read for any Trekkie out there. Though this book doesn’t require the reader to be overly familiar with the StarTrek universe. Takei’s story is a captivating, engaging adventure. Through his eyes we can see the issues he had to deal with for being a Japanese American, he grew up facing the anti-Japanese paranoia of WWII. He shares his memories from the camps, though retrospectively as he adds in adult elaborations. The discrimination he faces and the struggle for people to find a job, his experience with racism, and how he understand democracy and citizenship.
In his story he also elaborates on how it is to be a new actor, there are stories from set, behind the set, stories from people he has worked or volunteered with. Tales of triumph and setbacks, though even though he faced hardships the writing never turns into self-pity.
In the end, regardless what Takei is sharing, whether it is conversations or feelings, tender moments or triumphs, public or private, he always manages to make the story personal.
Though I will say my review this time might be slightly biased, I do firmly believe that this book is worth a read, even if you are not much of a StarTrek fan.
Enjoyable read for a 'Star Trek' fan. As like many others, I really only know George Takei as Sulu (I don't even follow his social media although I know he's relatively popular on that forum). However, it was really worth the read to find out a lot more about the man.
For instance, he actually spent a few years as a child in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. His experiences were probably buffeted by that he was just a child, but it was still a sad and depressing read. After the end
Enjoyable read for a 'Star Trek' fan. As like many others, I really only know George Takei as Sulu (I don't even follow his social media although I know he's relatively popular on that forum). However, it was really worth the read to find out a lot more about the man.
For instance, he actually spent a few years as a child in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. His experiences were probably buffeted by that he was just a child, but it was still a sad and depressing read. After the end of the war, he and his family (like many other Japanese-Americans) had to scrape together a new life. However, as Takei notes, arguably his family was one of the luckier ones, as there were people who were deported for Japan. I was unaware of this fact (but not surprised), and this section reminds me to read up more about the Japanese internment camps. I'm sure there's more to this that is also not typically taught in a lot of history classes.
Anyway: the first half of the book is his childhood through his young adulthood. It was fascinating to see his life as his family moved to a Latino-dominated area and then to a fairly non-diverse, mostly white neighborhood in LA. His experiences with racism was sad to read about but a good reminder of how the bitterness of WWII lingered.
I'm not going to lie: I read this for the stuff on 'Star Trek'. I'm not a fan of the original series (TOS) as much and so many of the stories and anecdotes Takei tells were totally and completely new to me. It's interesting to see what he thought of some people, his relationships with various cast members (or not....) his thoughts about the show, his character Sulu, etc. And while he weaves in stories of his other works, most of it was not interesting unless it was about famous actors (Richard Burton, Alec Guinness) or something else I was familiar with or he discusses what it's like being an Asian man working in Hollywood during this time period.
Some of his stories revolving around that were really interesting: from the awful sounding gibberish Alec Guinness speaks that is supposed to pass for Japanese, to the acknowledgement that 'Star Trek' boosted his profile in Hollywood and made him an international star who happened to be Japanese. But unless someone is a hard core fan or has specific interests in the films he was in or with actors he worked with, I doubt people would care so much.
I agree with some of the other reviews: in some ways I was quite surprised to see the lack of detail regarding 'Star Trek' and that apparently a lot of these stories might be the same ones you hear about at conventions. It is fully possible that as Sulu was not a Kirk or a Spock, he just didn't have as many stories that were as interesting...or appropriate to tell. I was pleased to see that Takei acknowledge that 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' had come into its own after initially dismissing it (with good reason).
Overall I thought it was an interesting read. It does also need lots of updating: it came out in 1994 and I'd love an update or a new epilogue or something. As he publicly announced his sexual orientation really not that long ago it would be interesting to see what his thoughts are on gay marriage, the ongoing civil rights battles, what his thoughts are about being a gay Asian (perhaps one of the most visible?) in Hollywood and beyond.
It was not a page-turner but as a Star Trek fan I enjoyed it. Got it as a bargain book and that sounds about right. Hardcore Trek fans or those with an interest in Asians in Hollywood or those interested for his experiences in the internment camp might find it to be a good purchase.
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Of all the casts' memoirs, Takei's autobiography is the most poignant. He spent several years with his family (his father a former doctor in San Francisco) in an American "internment camp" during WWII and their family lost everything.
I appreciated his honesty and ability to delve into such painful memories to bring to life that atrocity, but more importantly his conquest over racial prejudices that marred that period of history
Takei has a very interesting life story, and I really enjoyed this book overall, especially the earlier parts about his life in the internment camps and his journey to becoming an actor. The book was written before he came out, so I do think a follow up memoir or an addition to this book could be interesting since I'm sure he has some interesting insight on being a double minority in Hollywood.
I had two major complaints that kept me from loving this book. First of all, the writing was
3.5 Stars.
Takei has a very interesting life story, and I really enjoyed this book overall, especially the earlier parts about his life in the internment camps and his journey to becoming an actor. The book was written before he came out, so I do think a follow up memoir or an addition to this book could be interesting since I'm sure he has some interesting insight on being a double minority in Hollywood.
I had two major complaints that kept me from loving this book. First of all, the writing was a bit choppy. Sometimes he would jump from one thing to another without any real segue, which pulled me out of the book. I also wish he had left out a lot of the stuff he included about Shatner. I'm not a Trekkie at all, and even I know that most of the cast had some real issues getting along with Shatner. I understand wanting to be honest and to get things off of your chest, but it always irks me a bit when Hollywood memoirs talk badly about other stars. Just leaving Shatner out of the book would have gotten the point across without seeming bitter.
Overall I would recommend this book to fans of Hollywood memoirs. It had its issues, but I enjoyed it for the most part.
This appears to be the 2015 ebook release of the previously published 1995 biography of Mr. Takei. To my knowledge there haven't been any changes or additions, which is a shame because it means there is no mention of the activist work surrounding equal marriage or his coming out as gay. The book does make a nice companion piece with the movie
To Be Takei
as the print narrative fleshes out some of the events they don't have time to more than mention in the film.
As Takei has proven with his Faceb
This appears to be the 2015 ebook release of the previously published 1995 biography of Mr. Takei. To my knowledge there haven't been any changes or additions, which is a shame because it means there is no mention of the activist work surrounding equal marriage or his coming out as gay. The book does make a nice companion piece with the movie
To Be Takei
as the print narrative fleshes out some of the events they don't have time to more than mention in the film.
As Takei has proven with his Facebook posts and Twitter feed, he is a witty writer with a sense of humor and a deep commitment to social justice and the equality of all people as ideals of the United States. The book is engaging and clever as well as thought provoking, and an important contribution to our knowledge of the history of Japanese-Americans and the pervasiveness of bigotry and racism.
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To the Stars by George Takei is a free NetGalley ebook that I began reading in mid-March (one might even say the ides of March). I had really adored the autobio documentary, To Be Takei, a whole lot, so choosing this book was an easy choice.
It seems like this book was written in the 1980s, which is both an advantage and disadvantage - it makes it easier for Takei to recall his early career in greater detail (and it's a whole lot of detail) and for newer fans to hear stories that they may not ha
To the Stars by George Takei is a free NetGalley ebook that I began reading in mid-March (one might even say the ides of March). I had really adored the autobio documentary, To Be Takei, a whole lot, so choosing this book was an easy choice.
It seems like this book was written in the 1980s, which is both an advantage and disadvantage - it makes it easier for Takei to recall his early career in greater detail (and it's a whole lot of detail) and for newer fans to hear stories that they may not have heard before, yet these fans will probably miss out on the present-day preferences to films/shows that they're more familiar with. True fans will definitely be able to overlook this, but it's something nominally worth mentioning.
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A surprisingly OK read, from start to finish. I read this primarily to learn more about George Takei's experience as one of 120,000+ Japanese Americans held behind barbed wire in internment camps by the United States during World War II, and imagined that I'd put the book down when that part of his story was over. But Takei is a good enough story-teller that I kept reading 'til the end, learning much more about Star Trek in the process than I ever imagined knowing. Note to potential readers: thi
A surprisingly OK read, from start to finish. I read this primarily to learn more about George Takei's experience as one of 120,000+ Japanese Americans held behind barbed wire in internment camps by the United States during World War II, and imagined that I'd put the book down when that part of his story was over. But Takei is a good enough story-teller that I kept reading 'til the end, learning much more about Star Trek in the process than I ever imagined knowing. Note to potential readers: this book was released in 1994, before Takei came out of the closet and became a prominent LGBT rights activist, and also before he became a social media phenom. A few new chapters in the story of George Takei are in order!
A few key passages and notes for me:
Internment camps:
- "There was tiny, sparrowlike Mrs. Takahashi, with four children, whose husband had been arrested and taken away by the FBI solely because he was a Buddhist minister. And there was Mrs. Yasuda, with two children and an elderly mother, whose husband was taken by federal officials because he was a Japanese language schoolteacher. Both were separated from husbands, who had been taken without trials or even formal charges -- their only crime being that they occupied positions of high visibility in the Japanese community."
- "In actual fact, there was not a single case of treason by Americans of Japanese ancestry. The only American citizens arrested for espionage against the United States during the war were two Caucasians. Yet, disregarding the facts and blind to the pain, injury and anguish inflicted in pitiless succession on an already incarcerated people, the desk-bound bureaucrats of Washington ... devised a program of astounding cruelty. [Loyalty Questionnaires] I saw the moment when Mama was making the decision to answer no-no on her loyalty questionnaire. It was an act that was going to have her categorized "disloyal" by the U.S. government and the beginning of Mama's eventual loss of her American citizenship."
- [Takei's materal grandparents and an aunt were in Hiroshima when the U.S. first used "a new bomb, more destructive than anything previously invited by man." His grandparents survived, but his aunt Ayako "died with her baby in the fiery holocaust."]
On citizenship:
- "Daddy explained that citizenship is to be a member of a country or a city or a community; but more than that, to be a citizen is to subscribe to a set of values. When [young George] asked why he wanted to be a member of this country when he didn't have to, he answered 'Citizenship is a choice. Some people are born with it but never do anything about it. That's not real citizenship. That's only paper status. You have to consciously decide to give it meaning." ... "For me, there was a great struggle to make my citizenship possible, by people who wanted to give me that choice, by people who believe in America's best ideals." ... "America is a strange country. Despite everything, it's still a nation of ieals. Yes, justice here is neither blind nor fair. It only reflects the society. But this is an open society where people who want to can become part of it. The system here is called a participatory democracy, where the important thing is to participate. If people like me aren't willing to take a chance and participate, America stays that much farther from its ideals. My choice is to be in there with good people like [Northern California ACLU co-founder] Wayne Collins, the lawyer who is helping Mama with her legal battle. My choice is to help America be what it claims it is."
"That night, as I listened to Daddy's fatigued but resolute voice, my understanding of the meaning of American citizenship became as solid as the book lying on his desk. By the light of the lamp shining on that well-used American history book, America and its ideals were eloquently explained to me by an immigrant, a wartime "enemy alien," a[n internment] camp internee, the husband of a renunciant of her American citizenship -- my father."
- [Takei was elected student body president of Mt. Vernon Junior High School.] "The capper of those three years was the awards assembly. I was recognized for academic and service achievements with the coveted American Legion Award. As honored as I felt, I didn't realize at the time how much this recognition meant to Daddy and Mama. Only a little more than a decade before, the American Legion had been one of the most virulent voices for the removal of Japanese Americans from the West Coast. Now I was standing onstage as the outgoing student body president receiving the highest award given to a member of the graduating class -- from that same organization, the American Legion."
- "As a people, we may have varied histories tracing back to the Mayflower or to slave ships, to split-rail corrals or to barbed wire fences. But, whatever our histories, however tortured and adversarial they may have been, our destinies are bound inextricably together. We have a common future. Our challenge lies, not in carrying the weight of our pasts like anchors, but in working in concert to build that common tomorrow."
- [Takei involved in anti-Vietnam War advocacy with "Entertainment Industry for Peace and Justice; many Asian Americans were reticent to speak out.] "The lesson that my father had taught me kept coming to mind. 'A participatory democracy is dependent on participation. Without it, democracy fails.'"
- [Takei active in 1968 Presidential campaign as delegate for anti-war candidate George McGovern.] "For this first-time participant, it was a heady experience ... to raise my own right hand in casting my vote for George McGovern as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States, remembering that just three decades ago I was a boy on a train taking me to a barbed wire camp in the swamps of Arkansas. Experiences and memories tumbled in on each other in a kaleidoscope of emotions. ... I looked around at the ecstatic faces that surrounded me. I saw snowy-haired seniors and dewy-skinned youths, flinty-eyed politicos and bead-wearing idealists. I saw black auto workers, Hispanic housewives, Native American attorneys, and Asian schoolteachers. I felt a stirring in my heart and a pride beyond words."
- [Leonard Nimoy took a stand for diversity by insisting that Takei and Nichelle Nichols be included (as voice actors) in the animated series.]
- "Enterprise is the fuel of civilization. Entrepreneurship creates something out of nothing. An idea turned into action can create products, jobs, and whole industries. It can combine with a vision of society and change the world. Enterprise, however, cannot thrive without two vital elements. It cannot survive without freedom; the freedom to think original thoughts, to experiment, and to innovate -- to take risks with something that has never been thought or done before. Freedom is the life breath of enterprise. But freedom cannot flourish without another element -- ethics. Freedom without a common subscription to ethical values is chaos, a wild, dog-eat-dog abandon. Inevitably, this will bring on the backlash of controls, inhibiting that energy. Essential to protecting and strengthening the muscle of free enterprise is a solid framework of ethics."
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I was surprisingly lukewarm on this book. I didn't feel compelled to come back to this book. Once I was reading it, I enjoyed it but I never really wanted to get back to it. I’m not really sure why, either. I don’t think it is what I expected but that’s not George’s fault. It seems plenty of people have enjoyed the book. I wonder if maybe his style just wasn't right for me. The most interesting parts to me were George’s time spent in the internment camps and his experiences with Star Trek, espec
I was surprisingly lukewarm on this book. I didn't feel compelled to come back to this book. Once I was reading it, I enjoyed it but I never really wanted to get back to it. I’m not really sure why, either. I don’t think it is what I expected but that’s not George’s fault. It seems plenty of people have enjoyed the book. I wonder if maybe his style just wasn't right for me. The most interesting parts to me were George’s time spent in the internment camps and his experiences with Star Trek, especially the behind-the scenes stories. I knew he and Bill hadn't gotten along, I didn't know Bill had been that much of a diva! I would certainly recommend this book to my Trekkie friends (or Trekker, as George seems to prefer).
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This is an excellent read that focuses on the life of George Takei. It spends less than half of the book on his Star Trek career, and instead focuses on his childhood and acting education. I really appreciated his insight into the life of a Japanese-American during and post-WWII, even though he was just a child when the war occurred.
He seems to harbor a bit of a grudge against William Shatner, which may be justified based on what I've read about the man.
One thing that I found absolutely fascinat
This is an excellent read that focuses on the life of George Takei. It spends less than half of the book on his Star Trek career, and instead focuses on his childhood and acting education. I really appreciated his insight into the life of a Japanese-American during and post-WWII, even though he was just a child when the war occurred.
He seems to harbor a bit of a grudge against William Shatner, which may be justified based on what I've read about the man.
One thing that I found absolutely fascinating is that he almost never mentions his personal life beyond the family he grew up in, and thus avoided having to discuss and explain his sexual orientation. I think it is very telling how closeted homosexuals had to and sometimes still have to be in the public eye. It is also interesting to read some of his anecdotes knowing what we know about the very relaxed, very open, and very candid George Takei that we know and love on the Internet today.
Worth reading for anyone interested in Star Trek, beginning actors, and the Japanese-American experience in the 20th century.
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really enjoyable autobiography - well written and concise. definitely not gritty or juicy - george is far too circumspect for that. it was fascinating to read about his early family life in the internment camps, about how his father dealt with his desire to go into the arts, and what he felt his role was in furthering asian americans in theater and film.
i'd also never realized that he was so much into politics - he loved the democratic process and ideals. it
george takei is fan-freaking-tastic.
really enjoyable autobiography - well written and concise. definitely not gritty or juicy - george is far too circumspect for that. it was fascinating to read about his early family life in the internment camps, about how his father dealt with his desire to go into the arts, and what he felt his role was in furthering asian americans in theater and film.
i'd also never realized that he was so much into politics - he loved the democratic process and ideals. it seems obvious that most autobiographies aren't going to catalogue the missteps a person took in their lives, their wrong turns, but here, george never does. it's a very straightforward (and interesting) accounting of his life.
ok, i admit it, i wanted something juicy. but maybe due to being a politician, george is very good at keeping himself in a favorable light. you get the idea that there's more delicious takei below the surface, just out of sight.
I was hopeful I would enjoy this book more than I did. Initially I was drawn in by the personal story of George's childhood. His family spent time in one of the Japanese camps our federal government so cruelly established during WWII. This led me to believe the book would be a more revealing story of his personal life, but it quickly turned to a focus on the Star Trek adventures more than anything.
My admiration of Mr. Takei is less about Sulu than it is his warm humor, his convictions about what
I was hopeful I would enjoy this book more than I did. Initially I was drawn in by the personal story of George's childhood. His family spent time in one of the Japanese camps our federal government so cruelly established during WWII. This led me to believe the book would be a more revealing story of his personal life, but it quickly turned to a focus on the Star Trek adventures more than anything.
My admiration of Mr. Takei is less about Sulu than it is his warm humor, his convictions about what is right and his work for social/policital issues.
I understood there was always a bit of a rift between the cast of Star Trek and William Shatner, but this book almost felt bitter and detracted from the story line.
I recommend this read if you are a Star Trek fan, but I was more interested in George on a deeper level and feel like I didn't get that in this writing.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this writing by NetGallery in exchange for my fair and honest review.
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I really enjoyed this book. As a Trek fan, I've made it my personal business to read all the books about the history of Trek that I possibly can, and I'd say so far, this one has been my favorite. Mr. Takei speaks very eloquently about his time in Japanese internment camps, his parent's sacrifices to him and his siblings and to their country. He writes with a heartbreaking sense of openness about some things that I'm sure a lot of people in America would like to forget, but he doesn't do it with
I really enjoyed this book. As a Trek fan, I've made it my personal business to read all the books about the history of Trek that I possibly can, and I'd say so far, this one has been my favorite. Mr. Takei speaks very eloquently about his time in Japanese internment camps, his parent's sacrifices to him and his siblings and to their country. He writes with a heartbreaking sense of openness about some things that I'm sure a lot of people in America would like to forget, but he doesn't do it with a sense of despair. His writing is full of hope. He talks about the struggles he's faced being an Asian American actor, and his sense of unity with other actors of color, but all this is colored with the hope that things will change for the better. Of course, he talks about Star Trek and I did learn some interesting tidbits about his time working on the show and the movies. And there was a cute story about him meeting Patrick Stewart on a flight.
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it was fun to read, but definitely not a great work of literature. but then again, who would have expected it to be? it was excellent in its first-person revelation of the reality of the American concentration camps where our citizens of Japanese ancestry were interned during World War II for the "crime" of belonging to a race that it was "OK" to hate. More humorous was the hostility and barbs slung at his former co-star, William Shattner.
This was a good book. He was on the original Star Trek and the movies that followed. He did not have kind words to say about William Shatner who he said was pompous, arrogant and tried to hog all the lines for himself. I do not think they remained friends. He also recently married his longtime boyfriend. He was on the William Roast where he said some funny stuff.
An engaging autobiography of an admirable actor and activist. The recollection of his time spent in one of the Japanese American Internment camps and the anecdotes about the filming of Star Trek were the most intriguing parts for me, but really, the whole book is interesting (even the occasional digs about William Shatner). Mr. George Takei has led such a exceptional life, both on and off screen. I just wish there was info included since 1994! Perfect for Star Trek fans and biography readers.
Net
An engaging autobiography of an admirable actor and activist. The recollection of his time spent in one of the Japanese American Internment camps and the anecdotes about the filming of Star Trek were the most intriguing parts for me, but really, the whole book is interesting (even the occasional digs about William Shatner). Mr. George Takei has led such a exceptional life, both on and off screen. I just wish there was info included since 1994! Perfect for Star Trek fans and biography readers.
I really liked it. Was different from what I was expecting. He was 4 when his family was placed in an internment camp for being Japanese during WWII. That experience shaped him, for the good, and has made him an advocate for all sorts of minority groups. Clean language and no sex! Unlike many a Hollywood tale.
Mr. Sulu only plays a small part in the life of George "Oh MY" Takei. He's the most eloquent writer of the Star Trek family and has the most compelling biography. However, this book never touches on Takei's homosexuality. The book is rich enough not to need sexual spice, though. Highly recommended!
George Hosato Takei is an American actor best known for his role in the TV series
Star Trek
, in which he played the helmsman Hikaru Sulu on the USS Enterprise, as well as his dreamy voice and upbeat country singing. Most recently, he played Hiro Nakamura's father Kaito Nakamura on the NBC television show
Heroes
.
Takei is also known for his baritone voice and catch phrase, "Oh my!" Consequently, Tak
George Hosato Takei is an American actor best known for his role in the TV series
Star Trek
, in which he played the helmsman Hikaru Sulu on the USS Enterprise, as well as his dreamy voice and upbeat country singing. Most recently, he played Hiro Nakamura's father Kaito Nakamura on the NBC television show
Heroes
.
Takei is also known for his baritone voice and catch phrase, "Oh my!" Consequently, Takei began recurring appearances as the announcer for
The Howard Stern Show
on January 9, 2006, after that show's move to satellite radio.
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