It's All About the Awe by Theresa Gauthier

 Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder by William Shatner with Joshua Brandon

    
    William Shatner is a pop culture icon. There’s no denying that. Most people have at the very least a vague idea of who he is. Many of us are long time fans. I’ve read a great many of his books, so I knew I’d get to this one before too long. Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder is both familiar to someone who has read Shatner’s books, and as well as a bit different. Shatner’s introspection has taken on a new dimension as he contemplates—and admits to fearing—his own mortality. 

The book isn’t of any great length, and it’s a quick read. The parts I found of most interest are his retrospection on his music, and what really happened when William Shatner, SciFi Icon, traveled to space.

When Shatner went to space, it was headline news. Captain Kirk heading into space on a rocket in real life? How could it not be news? What stunned the world, I think, was his reaction to it. His revelation as to how the trip affected him made headlines for awhile, and I’m glad he took the time to explain it in this book.

It’s fascinating as well as unique. At least I don’t recall anyone else suggesting any such reaction. Most authors—whether they’ve traveled to space or not—tend to wax poetic about the majesty of space, about the beauty, the possibility, the sight of all those stars.

In direct contradiction, Shatner experienced profound sorrow. He saw the earth from orbit and looked out at that enormous expanse of darkness, and realized that this planet is our home, and we have jeopardized it’s—and by extension, our—very existence.

The descriptions he gives of how he ended up in space, and his visceral reaction to the adventure is well worth reading the book even were that the only part you read. It’s impossible not to feel the depths and the truth of his emotional upheaval.

As for Shatner’s music, though I’m sure this will raise a smile from people who are certain they know all about this, he explains the point behind his original album, and the creative process of the follow up recordings. He describes his collaboration with Ben Folds, and others.

If you listen to his albums with the understanding that they were intended as dramatic readings with musical accompaniment, though I’m not promising you’ll enjoy it, you may just develop an intellectual appreciation for it.

For fans of Shatner, Star Trek, or even just of a unique perspective, Boldly Go, is well worth a read.