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1st out of 7 books
—
3 voters
Shatner Rules: Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large
by
William Shatner,
Chris Regan (Goodreads Author)
You love William Shatner.
You admire his many and varied talents.
You appreciate his creativity and willingness to take risks.
You want to learn his master negotiation techniques.
You wish you could hang out with him.
Admit it. You want to BE William Shatner.
And now...you can (almost).
This collection of rules, illustrated with stories from Bill's illustrious life and career, wi...more
You admire his many and varied talents.
You appreciate his creativity and willingness to take risks.
You want to learn his master negotiation techniques.
You wish you could hang out with him.
Admit it. You want to BE William Shatner.
And now...you can (almost).
This collection of rules, illustrated with stories from Bill's illustrious life and career, wi...more
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published
October 4th 2011
by Dutton Adult
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OK, I admit it, I have quite the girl-boner for Shatner
so when I saw this in the library I just HAD to read it - face it, that cover is frigging adorable.
There are quite a few laughs in this book (it was co-written with a Daily Show writer) and Shatner seems to simultaneously milk and address the issue of his ginormous ego
The early tangent down the pathway of the bitterness and acrimony between him and the supporting cast of Star Trek was a little on the downer side, and he focuses on George Tak...more
so when I saw this in the library I just HAD to read it - face it, that cover is frigging adorable.
There are quite a few laughs in this book (it was co-written with a Daily Show writer) and Shatner seems to simultaneously milk and address the issue of his ginormous ego
The early tangent down the pathway of the bitterness and acrimony between him and the supporting cast of Star Trek was a little on the downer side, and he focuses on George Tak...more
Dec 22, 2012
Lisa (Harmonybites)
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Shatner Fans; Humor Book Fans
Recommended to Lisa (Harmonybites) by:
Gerri's Gift
ON THINGS THAT SHATNER SAYS
1) This "fifty-thousand-word rulebook/memoir" is a surprisingly fun and funny book. Not for me laugh-out-loud funny, but often smile-worthy. No doubt Shatner's co-author Chris Regan (in the small type), a writer for The Daily Show, had a lot to do with that. By the way, you may not want to read this book while balancing a cup of hot tea on your stomach. Well, while getting over a cold. If you don't laugh, the coughing hit can still get you.
2) It's a good thing given fr...more
1) This "fifty-thousand-word rulebook/memoir" is a surprisingly fun and funny book. Not for me laugh-out-loud funny, but often smile-worthy. No doubt Shatner's co-author Chris Regan (in the small type), a writer for The Daily Show, had a lot to do with that. By the way, you may not want to read this book while balancing a cup of hot tea on your stomach. Well, while getting over a cold. If you don't laugh, the coughing hit can still get you.
2) It's a good thing given fr...more
I am gulping this down with great delight. Bought it for Michael for Christmas and he read it in an afternoon. The greatest lesson? Say "Yes". Bill grabs life by the throat and always says yes. Even to being the Chairman of Iron Chef America. He lives life with such verve and exhorts us to do likewise.
Another unexpected surprise (see "Human.4," which I read over the same weekend), this was much funnier than I expected. But considering co-author Chris Regan is one of the Daily Show writers who worked on Jon Stewart's hilarious "EARTH (THE BOOK)," I guess I shouldn't be that surprised after all. Shatner's always had a pretty good sense of humor about himself, and when he's not too busy dwelling on his former Enterprise-mates' enmity towards him, he comes off as a very lovable and amusing curmud...more
This was a great romp through Shatner's brain. If you're familiar with The Shat at all from the last 10 years or so, you know he's not above self-caricature (see: the drama behind the Priceline Negotiator). Here, though, you find out some of the drive behind that, namely, that he's a performer. His job, as he sees it, is to entertain, and he takes self-jibes (see: the subtitle of this book) quite seriously, as long as there's entertainment value in them. Full of Fun Factners and "rules" for livi...more
As a person who is a mere generation removed from that of William Shatner, I was thrilled that this book 'spoke' to me. From the wonderful cover photo to the very last sentence, I could not put this book down. In fact, I read it over the short span of two evenings.
A funny yet simultaneously serious look at life, Shatner Rules has me at last understanding the concept behind self-promotion. NOTE: As a writer myself, I've never been comfortable with promoting my work. Thanks to Bill Shatner, that...more
A funny yet simultaneously serious look at life, Shatner Rules has me at last understanding the concept behind self-promotion. NOTE: As a writer myself, I've never been comfortable with promoting my work. Thanks to Bill Shatner, that...more
I was reading this while on my swing in the back yard. I'm sure the neighbors are wondering why I was laughing so much!
So funny!!!!!
So funny!!!!!
What Chris Regan and William Shatner have made of William Shatner's life is truly funny. I mean, I laughed longer and louder with Regan and Shatner than I have in a long time. Like William Shatner, I had often in the past been embarrassed about my affection for, dedication to, and involvement in (he as actor, me as viewer) Star Trek, but I am delighted to see that he has seen the error of that way and that he has enlightened me. There are a lot of people whose views, perspectives, and horizons w...more
An often amusing, sometimes serious look into the character that is William Shatner.A quick, fun read and if you pay attention you may learn a thing or two. (hey hey hey) Lots of good stories, several that I never heard before.Does spend sometime on the long running fued with George takei and other former Star Trek castmates.My advice to all of them is move on. If you don't like someone you worked with so many DECADES ago, then don't hang out with them and don't keep dwelling on them (even if fa...more
This book starts out very weak and disorganized, as though Shatner were having trouble deciding what format to use and how much self-parody to throw into the mix. After a few chapters, however, it became apparent that this was yet another Shatner autobiography (of which there are several), only this time with a more comedic twist. If you're not a Shatner fan, SHATNER RULES probably contains more information about the man than you really want to know. Plus, if you don't get him well enough to und...more
Mar 16, 2013
Jeff Yoak
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
audio-collection,
read-in-2013
This book was a delight. I've been a fan of Shatner for a while now, and particularly since I started thinking that he knows why he's funny and revels in it. I think a turning point moment in my appreciation for him was watching him play a director in the movie, Showtime, in which he has to direct Robert De Niro and and Eddie Murphy and he utters the line, "These guys. Are he worst. Actors. Ever." He also shows them how to dive across the hood of a car, a'la T. J. Hooker.
This book paints a diffe...more
This book paints a diffe...more
I wonder if William Shatner holds the record for the number of autobiographies. I've read and enjoyed them all. This latest is a tongue in cheek and yet earnest look at the Shatnerverse. The book is structured as a list of rules to live by to live life to the fullest, as Mr. Shatner has.
That narrative jumps around the chronology of Shatner's life, from the perspective of a man that, having reached 80 years old, knows that end is much closer than the beginning, and isn't going to waste a minute o...more
That narrative jumps around the chronology of Shatner's life, from the perspective of a man that, having reached 80 years old, knows that end is much closer than the beginning, and isn't going to waste a minute o...more
Make sure you do not ever yell, 'beam me up Scotty' to Shatner, if for some reason you see him in real life. Why? Because, he will tell you to F off!
Yes, just one of the many interesting tidbits of info Shatner reveals in his book Shatner Rules.
Somehow, Shatner's arrogant, crass, egotistical writing comes across as endearing. Why? Because, he reveals just enough of his 'real' personality to let you know it's all an act. He has created this 'William Shatner' persona that he 'plays' while doing in...more
Yes, just one of the many interesting tidbits of info Shatner reveals in his book Shatner Rules.
Somehow, Shatner's arrogant, crass, egotistical writing comes across as endearing. Why? Because, he reveals just enough of his 'real' personality to let you know it's all an act. He has created this 'William Shatner' persona that he 'plays' while doing in...more
To say William Shatner has had a long and varied career would not be doing the man justice, Especially if the subject of this book is anything to go by. Many of us will know him only as captain kirk from star trek but what this book taught me was is that unlike his star trek co-stars Shatner has never stopped working and at 80 that's some feat. This is Shatners second autobiography and it follows on from "Up til now" (something i have yet to read but intend to), This book covers shatners career...more
Grandiose? Egocentric? Satirical? Humorous? “Shatner Rules” by William Shatner has gone where nothing I have ever read has gone before – and I’m not entirely sure where I went or where I ended up.
“Shatner Rules” is an unforgiving self-promotion; a rambling collection of musings and experiential accounts from William Shatner aka ‘Captain James T. Kirk’ and most recently aka Denny Crane. If you are looking for an autobiography, this isn’t it, although there are interesting tidbits about Mr. Shatne...more
“Shatner Rules” is an unforgiving self-promotion; a rambling collection of musings and experiential accounts from William Shatner aka ‘Captain James T. Kirk’ and most recently aka Denny Crane. If you are looking for an autobiography, this isn’t it, although there are interesting tidbits about Mr. Shatne...more
I went into this book expecting complete frivolity, and I'll admit, my expectations weren't met. They were exceeded, in fact. This is a very interesting look into the psyche of William Shatner, someone who I really was introduced to via the "Has Been" album that he made with Ben Folds. Later, I watched the first series of Star Trek and came to know him through that, but my experience in the Shatnerverse has always been of the man who makes light of himself.
This was a fairly introspective book....more
This was a fairly introspective book....more
I have known who William Shatner was my entire life, he's magnanimous, he's seemingly everywhere now a days, and my dad happened to be a Star Trek fan. Shatner doesn't seem to mind being the joke, but maybe he does. This book has many 'rules' on how to be more like Shatner, mostly they're jokes, some aren't. He trys to give us some insight on the character that he see's as WILLIAM SHATNER. He describes how he couldn't be that character all the time because it would wear him out, and he gives us...more
William Shatner's rules for life. Quite entertaining and humorous; Bill explains how he separates himself from William Shatner, and is able to laugh at himself. He also comes across as a fairly lighthearted individual at most times, able to see the comedic side of life. He read the audiobook himself, which lends to its appeal. A quick, funny listen.
If I learned anything from this book, it is to say “Yes” to life a lot more often! Avoiding saying “Yes” is safe, conservative and typically very dull. Conversely, taking risks opens one up to new opportunities, amazingly wonderful experiences one never would have enjoyed if he hadn’t given himself the chance. It’s time to be a little bold and outrageous!
This is an autobiography intertwined with humorous anecdotes and William Shatner’s own blend of rare philosophy. Learn about Shatner’s “salons,...more
This is an autobiography intertwined with humorous anecdotes and William Shatner’s own blend of rare philosophy. Learn about Shatner’s “salons,...more
I was never a watcher of Star Trek, although I did catch the occasional episode in after school television and I was working at a movie theatre when the first Star Trek movie was released. I never watched the other shows Shatner was in either, but became more interested in him when I came across a Youtube clip of a serious stage performance he'd done. This book is humour and memoir, philosophy and marketing. Shatner tells of his past, his acting career, his life, his habits, and his passions. Us...more
Great! Wonderful! Two examples of Shatner's genius: "I don't speak Wookie. Star Wars is for nerds." "To be William Shatner you need a lot of scrotum." If those two sentences alone do not highlight the awesomeness that is this book then nothing will. Really, this is required reading.
I enjoyed this one. I honestly can't believe Shatner is 80. Is he pulling our leg?
Anyway, my husband was reading it and shared it with me--sorry, Bill, we didn't buy the audiobook, just one copy of the ebook--not even hardcover!!--and shared it.
Shatner is funny, ahead of his time, and real. Oh, and Canadian. :) While he plays the egotistical TV star from time to time, he does so in a way that is very funny. We are laughing 'with' not 'at.'
These are his rules for living, one of which is "Yes." I...more
Anyway, my husband was reading it and shared it with me--sorry, Bill, we didn't buy the audiobook, just one copy of the ebook--not even hardcover!!--and shared it.
Shatner is funny, ahead of his time, and real. Oh, and Canadian. :) While he plays the egotistical TV star from time to time, he does so in a way that is very funny. We are laughing 'with' not 'at.'
These are his rules for living, one of which is "Yes." I...more
Published by Penguin Audio in 2011
Read by the author, William Shatner
Duration: 4 hours, 27 minutes
Non-fiction, biography
If you are a fan of William Shatner, this is a must-read, or a must-listen if you prefer to listen to the audiobook version like I did.
Shatner is unique and if you do not appreciate his odd blend of storytelling, self-promotion and urge to stroke his own ego then please skip this book. But, if you think a little self-promotion (actually, a lot of it) is okay and are willing to...more
Read by the author, William Shatner
Duration: 4 hours, 27 minutes
Non-fiction, biography
If you are a fan of William Shatner, this is a must-read, or a must-listen if you prefer to listen to the audiobook version like I did.
Shatner is unique and if you do not appreciate his odd blend of storytelling, self-promotion and urge to stroke his own ego then please skip this book. But, if you think a little self-promotion (actually, a lot of it) is okay and are willing to...more
Jan 05, 2012
Rose Ann
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone! Especially Trekkers!
Shelves:
biography-autobiography,
movies-movie-stars
Loved it. Laughed my head off all through it. I absolutely love him!
He reached out to George Takei -- and slapped him upside the head!!
Yes, Captain Kirk!
He reached out to George Takei -- and slapped him upside the head!!
Yes, Captain Kirk!
I'm not much of a Trekkie, nor a particular fan of the multi-faceted and bombastic Mr. Shatner, so I can't say if the breezy humor and good-natured narcissism of this book is a product of Shatner himself or comedic pro co-writer Chris Regan.
Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed Shatner Rules. It's a fun little book that can be read and chuckled over in a jiffy. I learned a few facts about the driven and workaholic actor, made mental notes to catch his Raw Nerve talk show, and vowed to go the author's...more
Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed Shatner Rules. It's a fun little book that can be read and chuckled over in a jiffy. I learned a few facts about the driven and workaholic actor, made mental notes to catch his Raw Nerve talk show, and vowed to go the author's...more
I was never particularly a fan of William Shatner. I chose this book to read specifically because he seems to never be dissuaded by the ridicule he endured for being egotistical. I admire that. It was when I got 1/4 of the way through his book that I realized I genuinely admire him and am now a huge fan. He is genuine. He is a character. Bill is someone I would like to meet and be friends with - not in a crazy fan way just meaning that he's cool and I totally want to hang out with him. This is a...more
Shatner Rules is a book that had sooooo many laugh out loud moments. You can’t say that about too many books but this is certainly one of them. Interspersed in each chapter are Shatner Rules and Fun Factners.
While most people who love Bill Shatner remember him in his defining role as Captain James T Kirk from the original Star Trek series, Shatner has played many, many other roles and many of them on longer running series. Star Trek lasted 3 years.
Shatner has been busy all his life and his philo...more
While most people who love Bill Shatner remember him in his defining role as Captain James T Kirk from the original Star Trek series, Shatner has played many, many other roles and many of them on longer running series. Star Trek lasted 3 years.
Shatner has been busy all his life and his philo...more
First and foremost I had to give this book 5 stars because quite simply- ITS FREAKIN SHATNER!! I mean come on people!! Actually this book is hysterical though. I rarely laugh out loud reading a book but Mr Shatner has a way of weaving a good story, and his sense of humor is legendary. His take on George Takei was killer and its nice to finally see Shatner's side of things when it comes to the old Star Trek days. I recommend this book to EVERYONE because it is Shatner and quite frankly you (and I...more
Shatner talks about life as the over-the-top "Shatner" vs. the understated, family man Bill. A funny, short read that covers Shatnerian life philosophy (e.g., say yes to things, always be prepared, don't call in sick) and acts as a running infomercial for the cottage industry that is William Shatner. Also discusses the long-running rift w/ his fellow ST crew members (Sulu really hates him!) and the reader gets glimpses, and seemingly not entirely intentional ones, of the massive ego the man has...more
I was actually ready to really hate this book. And for the first part of it, I did! Especially when he talked about his Star Trek co-stars and how much they apparently hate him. So much unnecessary bitterness in a book about life rules. But once he got past that, it was actually really lovely, a great look into the many roles and jobs he has taken over the years. I much prefer Bill over William Shatner, the nice guy who trains horses and always says "yes" to every thing. And I guess I'll actuall...more
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William Shatner is the author of nine Star Trek novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Ashes of Eden and The Return. He is also the author of several nonfiction books, including Get a Life! and I'm Working on That. In addition to his role as Captain James T. Kirk, he stars as Denny Crane in the hit television series from David E. Kelley, Boston Legal -- a role for which he has won tw...more
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Apr 09, 2012 04:03pm
No chance the library will get this one. We'd much rather have Darwin Porter's "biographies" or Ann Coul...more
Apr 27, 2012 04:05am
May 22, 2012 08:43pm