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Memories of the Future - Volume 1
by
Wil Wheaton (Goodreads Author)
From Encounter at Farpoint to Datalore, relive the first half of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s unintentionally hilarious first season through the eyes, ears and memories of cast member and fan Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher) as he shares his unique perspective in the episode guide you didn’t even know you were dying to read.
ENJOY snarky episode recaps!
...more
ENJOY snarky episode recaps!
...more
Paperback, 138 pages
Published
October 4th 2009
by Monolith Press
(first published 2009)
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As someone who only got into TNG during the later seasons, and hasn't had much experience watching the earlier ones, this book was a great way for me to recap on some of the episodes I was only barely familiar with, and in a geniuinly humourous way.
Although it's fair to say that a fair chunk of the humour comes from self depreciation, it is generally releiving to finally read a book that doesn't put Star Trek on the pedastal, and gives an honest account of where it goes wrong. Not e...more
Although it's fair to say that a fair chunk of the humour comes from self depreciation, it is generally releiving to finally read a book that doesn't put Star Trek on the pedastal, and gives an honest account of where it goes wrong. Not e...more
Wil Wheaton and I have a lot in common: liberal politics, bitchin' facial hair, and fond childhood memories of Star Trek: The Next Generation -- albiet from opposite sides of the television screen. His recaps, reviews, and behind-the-scenes stories of the first half of the first season of TNG are endearing as hell.
Unfortunately, they're not without their flaws. Wheaton is a 30-something geek writing for an audience of 30-something geeks; there's common cultural currency there, part o...more
Unfortunately, they're not without their flaws. Wheaton is a 30-something geek writing for an audience of 30-something geeks; there's common cultural currency there, part o...more
This book was a quick and entertaining read with a lot of laughs in it! I really enjoyed the insight into Wheaton's personal memories, but also the critical look at the episodes themselves and the parts that talked about the writers, directors, and other actors and what it was like working with them.
My only complaint is that, at times, it was painfully snarky in an effort to be funny, crossing over into just plain mean, which made some parts just not funny to me at all. I felt this was...more
My only complaint is that, at times, it was painfully snarky in an effort to be funny, crossing over into just plain mean, which made some parts just not funny to me at all. I felt this was...more
Jenn Forte
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
star trek and sci-fi fans, especially in their 30's and 40's
Wil Wheaton's memoir of the first half of the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation is well written and amusing. It's filled with an honest affection for the subject matter, but that doesn't stop Mr. Wheaton from liberally sprinkling sarcasm, snark, and self-deprecating humor throughout his writing.
I picked up this book expecting it to be interesting, but I did not expect to be nearly as amused as I was. Mr. Wheaton did a remarkable job of remembering his teen awkward self...more
I picked up this book expecting it to be interesting, but I did not expect to be nearly as amused as I was. Mr. Wheaton did a remarkable job of remembering his teen awkward self...more
In 2006 Wil Wheaton was hired to write humorous reviews of Star Trek: The Next Generation for TVSquad. Unfortunately the gig fell through before all the reviews for the first season were published. What's a guy to do? Publish them as a book, of course!
Wheaton brings his own perspective as a cast member and fan of ST:TNG to bear on the episodes, as well as his unique voice as a writer. The result a humorous look back at the rocky beginnings of the show. (The book covers the first half o...more
Wheaton brings his own perspective as a cast member and fan of ST:TNG to bear on the episodes, as well as his unique voice as a writer. The result a humorous look back at the rocky beginnings of the show. (The book covers the first half o...more
There's something inherently sad about child actors. They're called upon to do what older actors have been doing their whole lives, often acting alongside people who know their craft so much better than they do. To match the level of their adult counterparts, they have to work just that much harder, and they still get pigeonholed into fairly flat characters. For a lot of directors, even a poor child actor is good enough to fill out the character that has been created for him or her, so expectati...more
I have to give it 5 stars because it is the best version of this type of re-capping that I have ever seen. Having our favorite stories re-told from the point of view of one of the actors in such a hilarious manner is priceless. I can't wait for volume 2.
My formula for maximum enjoyment of this book includes being an established TNG fan who has seen most, if not all, of the episodes, preferably in multiple viewings. It also includes being an outright geek. Because there are so many r...more
My formula for maximum enjoyment of this book includes being an established TNG fan who has seen most, if not all, of the episodes, preferably in multiple viewings. It also includes being an outright geek. Because there are so many r...more
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I really enjoyed this book. I laughed so much while reading Memories of the Future, more than I have for any other book in recent memory.
The episode recaps are the real stars of the book, and I would often stop to read a particularly hilarious passage out loud to my girlfriend. However, this isn't just a book of condensed snark; Wheaton's love of Star Trek TNG comes through on every page. His profound respect for his fellow actors, and his affection for what the show will become give...more
The episode recaps are the real stars of the book, and I would often stop to read a particularly hilarious passage out loud to my girlfriend. However, this isn't just a book of condensed snark; Wheaton's love of Star Trek TNG comes through on every page. His profound respect for his fellow actors, and his affection for what the show will become give...more
Memories of the Future was a highly enjoyable book. I've seen Wil Wheaton speak in person and listened to the podcasts surrounding this book, so when I read his prose, I can sense the warmth he feels for the people he worked with and the loving glee with which he desiccates the shoddy writing of first season TNG. However, I'm not sure this comes across in the writing itself.
Wheaton writes in the introduction that Memories of the Future is supposed to read sort of like an old high sc...more
Wheaton writes in the introduction that Memories of the Future is supposed to read sort of like an old high sc...more
I've been a fan of Star Trek for years, and also a fan of Wil Wheaton for quite a while. I've seen him speak several times, including the keynote at PAX 2007 as well as his panels every year since, in addition to reading most of his books and his blog. Wil's taken the experience of being a child actor on ST:TNG and used them to write the first installment of an absolutely hysterical guide to the series. This book covers the first half of the first season, with each episode covered by synopsis...more
As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be Wil Wheaton.
I was nine when TNG debuted, and Wesley Crusher was a role model. Here was a child prodigy saving the day with his science projects, he had a cool haircut, and those sweaters were pretty rad, too. Well, I wasn't too big a fan of the sweaters, but I identified with Wesley, and for what it's worth, this is about when I started embracing my status as Smartest Kid in the Class (which, granted, only lasted until middle schoo...more
I was nine when TNG debuted, and Wesley Crusher was a role model. Here was a child prodigy saving the day with his science projects, he had a cool haircut, and those sweaters were pretty rad, too. Well, I wasn't too big a fan of the sweaters, but I identified with Wesley, and for what it's worth, this is about when I started embracing my status as Smartest Kid in the Class (which, granted, only lasted until middle schoo...more
I was just younger than Wil Wheaton when TNG started and so I kind of grew up with him on the show. I even stopped watching when he left,though that may have been because I headed for college and didn't have a TV.
It was fun to go back and read his impressions of the early episodes. Having followed his blog, I was prepared for the snarkiness of his comments and the consistently self-deprecating humor, but this may catch some readers by surprise. Wheaton has no problem poking fun at ...more
It was fun to go back and read his impressions of the early episodes. Having followed his blog, I was prepared for the snarkiness of his comments and the consistently self-deprecating humor, but this may catch some readers by surprise. Wheaton has no problem poking fun at ...more
Wil Wheaton reviews the first half of the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. He writes a summary of each episode, infused with his memories and insider view of what was going on at the time.
It's very interesting, insightful, and incredibly funny. And I hope he'll keep going and review all of the episodes.
My problem with it that reduces it a star is that he's really down on Wesley and makes jokes like 'and all fans everywhere gave a cheer' when Wesley's killed...more
It's very interesting, insightful, and incredibly funny. And I hope he'll keep going and review all of the episodes.
My problem with it that reduces it a star is that he's really down on Wesley and makes jokes like 'and all fans everywhere gave a cheer' when Wesley's killed...more
An absolutely hilarious memoir/review of the first half of the first season of Star Trek: the Next Generation from the perspective of a 15-year old Wil Wheaton. The level of loving snarkiness was perfect, and the behind-the-scenes insights were great. Wheaton goes to great lengths to inform the reader about the process by which Wesley Crusher became one of the most hated characters in sci-fi history (in a mostly joking way), and how he was essentially powerless to stop it.
The book is ...more
The book is ...more
Wil Wheaton has the inside perspective on Star Trek: the Next Generation because he was there (he played wunderkind Wesley Crusher), and was sometimes completely ignored. Thus he gained quite a unique perspective on the show and, utilizing his razor sharp wit, a heavy dose of sardonic snarking, and some real honest insight, Wheaton tells the untold story of the first half of the first season of TNG. This is not a tell-all, reveal the dirty secrets book, instead, it is a flipping through of Wheat...more
If I could give this zero stars I would. Terrible. Shitty Cliff Notes on each episode of TNG interspersed with completely unfunny references and bland slang terms. Offensively boring. Nerds have horrible taste, this and the Big Bang Theory are clear evidence. If you like Star Trek, don't read this, because you already hate Wesley enough. Wil Wheaton may be considered some sort of geek royalty but this book is pretty embarrassingly awful and nearly inexcusable. Although, it's not his fault that s...more
This book was an absolute delight. Wil Wheaton is frelling awesome. The reason the TNG Enterprise has families on board? "Because Star Fleet did this study and realized that space herpes -- also known as Kirk's Syndrome-- spreads considerably slower of its officers have their spouses and children on board." We also learn what episode was premised on the need to find the rare MacGuffin element. No, wait, that's probably 40% of the things I like. Anyway. I also learned that Roddenbury in...more
I loved TNG as a young teen, and I have recently discovered Wil Wheaton is writing, both books and a blog. This book was brilliantly funny and amusing to read - it is not a typical tell all/recap memoir but rather a self-deprecating and critical synopsis of the first half of the first season that is tempered with humor and affection. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the comments and descriptions (ok, 99% of them), to the point that my husband probably thinks I'm completely deranged n...more
I can't imagine being a geek today and not enjoying this book by Wil Wheaton. This is a collection of Wil's memories of working on the early episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." But it is so much more than that. It is a very humorous and poignant glimpse into a young man growing up in the spotlight with very little control over how he was perceived by the public, particularly Star Trek fans who almost universally disliked the character he portrayed. If you enjoy Star Trek, o...more
"Memories of the Future: Volume 1" is a collection of episode recaps of the first half of the first season of Star Trek TNG, written by erstwhile cast member Wil Wheaton.
It's been a long time since I watched much Next Generation, but I found to my delight as I was reading this book that I remembered nearly all of the episodes discussed, and it brought back a lot of fond memories. The first season of TNG was very uneven - they were still struggling in the mostly cheesy mold...more
It's been a long time since I watched much Next Generation, but I found to my delight as I was reading this book that I remembered nearly all of the episodes discussed, and it brought back a lot of fond memories. The first season of TNG was very uneven - they were still struggling in the mostly cheesy mold...more
It's a strange phenomenon I find for myself: As I was rewatching these early TNG episodes for the first time in years alongside my reading of Wil Wheaton's reviews, I tended to cut Wesley Crusher a bit of slack. Wil has grown up to be so nerd-cool -- and he's so self-deprecating when it comes to Wesley -- that I can't help but like him.
Regardless, the book is hilarious. You do have to be a fan of Star Trek (or at least be watching the eps along with his book), or you will be lost. But...more
Regardless, the book is hilarious. You do have to be a fan of Star Trek (or at least be watching the eps along with his book), or you will be lost. But...more
Like many people, I didn't really rediscover Wil Wheaton until Felicia Day did. Between his turns on the Guild and on Eureka and built in good will from Star Trek (I've always blamed the annoying aspects of Wesley Crusher's character on the writers, not the actor or character), I've got tons of affection for the guy. When ST:TNG became available on Netflix Streaming at the same time as I noticed this book, I felt that it was time to dip back into the series. I watched each episode before read...more
Sesana
rated it
I admit to being biased, being a hugely dorky fan of Wil Wheaton. (Can I get a w00tstock Nashville? Please?) And what do you know, I'm also a hugely dorky fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation. So Wil Wheaton snarking all over the less than stellar first season of TNG? Pure awesome. This isn't a behind the scenes tell-all (though there is some behind the scenes stuff that's pretty cool). It's really a collection of lovingly snarky reviews of the first season of TNG, up to Datalore. I loved it, a...more
Ashley
rated it
This was a fun way to start watching The Next Generation. Wil Wheaton has a very engaging style, and his honest reactions to his character and to his memories of his older colleagues, are fascinating. I'm sure this book is even more fun if you've been watching the show since it first aired. [The only thing is, Wil Wheaton's reactions towards the episodes are so strong that I'm not really forming my own first reaction, not that those would be that strong anyway. Apparently I'm not good at ripping...more
If you're a fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation or Wil Wheaton, then you will enjoy reading Memories of the Future. Wheaton provides his take on the first half of the first season of the television series. Wheaton played Wesley Crusher on the show, so he brings the viewpoint of a fan of the show and an actor on the show.
When Star Trek: The Next Generation first launched, geeks like me were abuzz at the new series. Especially since Gene Rodenberry, who had created the original series,...more
When Star Trek: The Next Generation first launched, geeks like me were abuzz at the new series. Especially since Gene Rodenberry, who had created the original series,...more
Stumbled across this book via Wil Wheton's website and have been meaning to buy for ages. Went back recently and found it was available on iBooks, so immediately purchased. Devoured this book in a short period of time and found it to be very insightful (from Mr Wheaton's perspective) about the 1st half of season 1 of ST: TNG. It is written in humorously and very fast paced and I was disappointed that there was no more to read.
rating A+ (just hope part II comes along soon)
rating A+ (just hope part II comes along soon)
I enjoyed reading this book. The episode recaps were quite funny and the behind the scenes sections were really interesting. I'm kicking myself a little for buying a physical copy of the book instead of the almost half as expensive digital version. It is not very likely that I will reread this book, and since it only covers half of season one I don't feel like I got enough bang for my buck. I would have preferred to pay the same price for the entirety of season 1 in one volume. If I decide ...more
Star Trek TNG fans take heed! This book will delight you, make you laugh and give you fascinating insight into what it was like to be behind the scenes off one of TV's greatest shows, ever. Not a tell-all, oh no. Memories of the Future is, instead, a wonderful journey through the episodes of the first half of season one. Snarky? Well, sometimes, yes. But the respect Mr. Wheaton had (and has) for his fellow actors and their abilities shines through. Highly recommended.
Wil Wheaton can do no wrong in this hilarious and insightful look at the first half of ST:TNG Season 1. We're treated to behind-the-scenes memories accompanied by the geekry humor which we know and love. Who else but Wheaton himself could berate the character he portrayed but in a way to draw out giggles and not a villianous riot comparable to the villagers in Shelley's Frankenstein (although alt.wesley.crusher.die.die.die was along those lines for they waited hopefully for the day when it would...more
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Wil Wheaton's successful acting career began in 1986 with acclaimed roles in Stand By Me and Toy Soldiers. He continued to build his resume through his teen years as series regular ‘Wesley Crusher’ on Star Trek: The Next Generation and opposite Robin Williams in Flubber. But Wil is much more than just an actor; he’s an author, blogger, voice actor, widely-followed original Twitter user, and a cham...more
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