Review of "Live Long and...What I Learned Along the Way" by William Shatner and David Fisher

Most people know that William Shatner played 'Captain James T. Kirk' in the original Star Trek television series and the movies it inspired. Shatner also starred in many other TV series; acted in movies and stage plays; directed films and television shows; did video games and soundtracks; made albums; wrote books; and more. In fact Shatner has an extraordinary work ethic, exemplified by the fact that he's still taking on new projects at the age of 87. William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk Shatner's compulsion to have a job was spawned partly from his struggles to "put food on the table" when he was a young man with a family and no steady income. Shatner sometimes found it hard to get acting jobs so he grabbed every opportunity that came his way with (almost) no regrets. An exception might be a movie he made in Esperanto (the universal language) - which was a "foreign film in every country in the world." 😊 By the time the movie was released Shatner had forgotten the language and "couldn't understand what the film was about" - but he worked as hard on it as anything else he's ever done. And Shatner's done a lot, because he almost never says no to a job offer. William Shatner in the Esperanto film 'Incubus' I've read other books Shatner wrote, but this one seems the most personal. Shatner acknowledges that many of the things he's done were driven by loneliness, by a desire to be wanted.....a feeling he apparently didn't get from his mother. Young Bill found it hard to make friends, and - in grade school - sent valentines to himself so he wouldn't be humiliated by getting none. Shatner notes that "he spent his life seeking love", which probably contributed to his reputation for philandering.....and his multiple marriages. He's been married to his current wife Elizabeth for many years, and speaks of her with great respect and affection. William Shatner and his wife Elizabeth Shatner also mentions his close friendship with his Star Trek co-star Leonard Nimoy, which ended - for unexplained reasons - a few years before Nimoy died. This estrangement seems to be one of the great regrets of Shatner's life. William Shatner (as Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy (as Spock) in Star Trek William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy - both raised as Orthodox Jews - were close friends Shatner acknowledges that many of his most affectionate relationships have been with his dogs and his horses, companions he's had for almost all his life. Shatner is an excellent horseman and finds his most restful moments atop a steed, an activity that requires complete concentration. William Shatner with one of his dogs William Shatner with one of his horses Shatner writes a touching story about paying a visit to fellow equestrian Christopher Reeve, who's perhaps best known for playing Superman. Reeve became a quadriplegic after falling from a horse, and needed a specially equipped chair to provide life support. Shatner was worried about the visit being awkward, but the two men had a pleasant hour-long conversation about their passion for horses. Christopher Reeve as Superman Christopher Reeve after his accident Shatner relates many compelling - and often humorous - stories about his life, endeavors, family, friends, horses, dogs, motorcycles, paramotoring, aspirations, career, and so on. He admits that he was a bow and arrow hunter many decades ago - an activity he now deeply regrets. Much of the book, however, is devoted to Shatner's personal reflections and philosophical observations - thoughts he wants to share as the end of life approaches.....an end that Shatner would stave off forever if he could. Young William Shatner with his family William Shatner with one of his motorcycles Shatner's success leads many individuals to ask him for advice, and he tells them: "Don't follow my advice.....I am not a font of wisdom." As a general suggestion, Shatner tells people to "gather knowledge" and "from that huge pile use those things that make sense in your own lives." Shatner then reminisces about what he's learned during his long and fruitful life: what worked - or didn't work - for him. In summary, Shatner found that it's important to: - Be passionate: yearn for things, pursue them, and - if you obtain them - savor them. - Understand your emotions - they make life richer. - Preserve your health. - Be open to new experiences - have adventures. - Find happiness in your life. - Form relationships. -Try to leave more good in your wake than bad. - Have principles, but be flexible. Compromise if you have to. - Invite people over to watch 'Monday Night Football.' 🏈😊 - Just keep going. Toward the end of the book Shatner laments the realization that he will expire someday, saying: "I find it very difficult to grasp the reality that I am going to die.....Whatever else there might be, this beautiful present will be gone, and I am loving every second I can hold on to my life." I'm sure many people feel the same way about their own lives. I enjoyed the book, which has entertaining stories and interesting philosophical musings. I think fans of William Shatner would like the book, and I recommend it to them. 💕LIVE LONG AND PROSPER, WILLIAM SHATNER.💕 Thanks to Netgalley, the authors (William Shatner and David Fisher) and the publisher (Thomas Dunne Books) for a copy of the book. Rating: 3.5 stars