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Why We Love Star Wars: The Great Moments That Built A Galaxy Far, Far Away
“With his deep well of knowledge and heartfelt respect for the fandom, I can think of no one more qualified than Ken Napzok to connect readers to the love of Star Wars .” ― Jennifer Muro , Television writer, Star Forces of Destiny #1 Best Seller in Science Fiction & Fantasy, Guides & Reviews, and Historical & Biographical Fiction May the Force be with you as you explore the greatest moments of a galaxy far, far away Celebrate the greatest saga ever told. We all have been deeply influenced by the epic saga of Star Wars and The Mandalorian . Every time the screen goes black, the music fades in, and you see these words―“A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away”―nostalgia fills the room. Ken Napzok, expert on all things Star Wars , counts down each one of those special moments that makes this series not just the best movies of all time, but the greatest saga ever told. Become a scholar of Star Wars . What began as one movie about good people, evil oppressors, and the Jedis that stood between them has exploded into a franchise from the original to The Mandalorian . This book gives you a re-introduction to meeting Princess Leia, Luke, and the very misunderstood Darth Vader. The perfect Star Wars gift. Spread the love to old and new fans. Countless numbers of us have been inspired by these epic tales. We all have a favorite moment that hooked us like the first time we saw the crackle of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, the first shots of the ragtag Rebels running from the monstrous Galactic Empire, or the Young Anakin winning the podrace in the Boonta Eve Classic race in 32 BBY. Why We Love Star The Great Moments That Built A Galaxy Far, Far Away is the best Star Wars gift for the film buff who has read The Art of Star Wars , Star Wars Year By Year , or The Star Wars Archives .
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2019
49 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Ken Napzok
3 books21 followersKen Napzok started his entertainment career as a disc jockey in Pismo Beach before heading to Los Angeles and the worlds of screenwriting, sketch and stand-up comedy, music blogging, and professional wrestling. He rekindled his passion for broadcasting as the producer/ newsman of the Schmoes Know Movie Show, co-host of the Jedi Alliance vodcast, and his podcast The Napzok Files. In 2015, he co-created the Star Wars podcast feed ForceCenter with Joseph Scrimshaw and Jennifer Landa. With four new Star War podcasts every week, ForceCenter enjoyed over one million downloads last year. Ken also became a producer/ host for ScreenJunkies and was the popular brand’s go-to expert on Star Wars and Game of Thrones. In 2016 Ken moved to Collider Video as a producer, writer and host. He became a regular pundit on the number one Star Wars YouTube show Collider Jedi Council. In April 2017, he became the Movie Trivia Schmoedown’s first ever Star Wars trivia champion by defeating actor Sam Witwer, the voice of Darth Maul himself, and three others in front of a wild, live audience at Star Wars Celebration. He has developed a reputation as a humorous, celebratory, expert appreciator of Star Wars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 18, 2019
4.5
I'm probably biased because I love Star Wars and I adore Ken Napzok...
I'm probably biased because I love Star Wars and I adore Ken Napzok...
October 3, 2019
In 1983, Roger Ebert opened his Return of the Jedi review with the description of a moment “that helps explain the special magic of the Star Wars movies.”
"Luke Skywalker is engaged in a ferocious battle in the dungeons beneath the throne room of the loathsome, Jabba the Hutt. His adversary is a slimy, gruesome, reptilian monster made of warts and teeth. Things are looking bad when suddenly the monster is crushed beneath a falling door. And then (here is the small moment) there’s a shot of the monster’s keeper, a muscle-bound jailer, who rushes forward in tears. He is brokenhearted at the destruction of his pet. Everybody loves somebody."
That moment isn’t one of the 100 listed here, but Ken Napzok would certainly agree with Ebert. “We seem to gravitate toward little moments just as much as the big themes,” he writes in a prologue. I reviewed Why We Love Star Wars for The Tangential.
"Luke Skywalker is engaged in a ferocious battle in the dungeons beneath the throne room of the loathsome, Jabba the Hutt. His adversary is a slimy, gruesome, reptilian monster made of warts and teeth. Things are looking bad when suddenly the monster is crushed beneath a falling door. And then (here is the small moment) there’s a shot of the monster’s keeper, a muscle-bound jailer, who rushes forward in tears. He is brokenhearted at the destruction of his pet. Everybody loves somebody."
That moment isn’t one of the 100 listed here, but Ken Napzok would certainly agree with Ebert. “We seem to gravitate toward little moments just as much as the big themes,” he writes in a prologue. I reviewed Why We Love Star Wars for The Tangential.
March 27, 2020
Audio book
This was a fun listen! I like how he incorporated moments from the animated shows and comics into his greatest moments.
If you want a book about a fan loving Star Wars, then this is for you.
This was a fun listen! I like how he incorporated moments from the animated shows and comics into his greatest moments.
If you want a book about a fan loving Star Wars, then this is for you.
September 9, 2022
This man loves Star Wars.
August 23, 2019
I didn’t think I would like this book as much as I did. It is really excellent! While I may not agree with his ranking, I can’t say that I don’t agree with the moments selected. The greatest 50 moments of the Star Wars (New) Cannon is well presented, well argued and discussed in an entertaining manner. Moments come from comics, the movies, the books and the cartoons. Will be loved by any Star Wars fan.
January 31, 2023
I finally finished reading this book after starting it a long time ago (in a galaxy etc.). The reason it took so long is not related to the quality of the book, but to the fact that when I started reading it, I hadn't watched a lot of the TV series this book talks about (including spoilers). Now that I've caught up with most of the storytelling, I could finally finish reading the rest of this book.
What makes this an enjoyable read is that the author takes you back to many of the highlights of the Star Wars stories we have experienced in the past. It adds some nice observations and does a good job summarizing the various scenes and stories in case you've forgotten some of them.
This setup is also the book's flaw: it doesn't really go beyond a long, but randomly chosen selection of Star Wars highlights without offering any overarching reflection or interpretation on the whole Star Wars phenomenon or of the values and messages Star Wars tries to convey. This may never have been the aim of this book, but as a lifelong fan of this franchise, I hoped for something beyond shared fandom. Still an entertaining read, provided you have watched all of the movies and TV series up to the publication date of this book.
What makes this an enjoyable read is that the author takes you back to many of the highlights of the Star Wars stories we have experienced in the past. It adds some nice observations and does a good job summarizing the various scenes and stories in case you've forgotten some of them.
This setup is also the book's flaw: it doesn't really go beyond a long, but randomly chosen selection of Star Wars highlights without offering any overarching reflection or interpretation on the whole Star Wars phenomenon or of the values and messages Star Wars tries to convey. This may never have been the aim of this book, but as a lifelong fan of this franchise, I hoped for something beyond shared fandom. Still an entertaining read, provided you have watched all of the movies and TV series up to the publication date of this book.
July 21, 2019
This is a very comprehensive and in depth look at the space saga known as Star Wars. It made me rethink and rediscover why I am a fan. If you think Star Wars and enjoy examining the world of Star Wars then this book is for you. If not, that's okay too. Either way in a galaxy, far, far away and right here on Earth May the Force Be With You.
November 9, 2023
I like Star Wars a lot, but not nearly as obsessed as the author. I enjoyed what he had to say about the movies, but I haven't seen the cartoons, played the video games, or read the books & comic books, so I skipped those parts. To be fair, I didn't grow up with Star Wars, Star War toys, etc, like the author did. I was a young adult when Episode 4 was released to theaters.
April 5, 2023
A book of one man's top 100 moments of all things star wars (as of 2017 or something like that)? What's there not to love?
February 21, 2020
This might quite possibly be my favorite book about Star Wars. Napzok does a fantastic job collecting so many wonderful moments and elements and expanding on their importance to Star Wars fans and why they resonate. I highly recommend listening to the audio version of this book. I've played segments for my family, and we have all enjoyed it.
Napzok truly is a Star Wars fan, and he clearly knows the details of Star Wars inside and out. In era with plenty of bickering about Star Wars on the internet, it is refreshing to see someone find so many moments that nearly every fan can enjoy.
Give this book a shot. It just might rekindle your love of Star Wars and help you see parts of the saga in a whole new way.
Napzok truly is a Star Wars fan, and he clearly knows the details of Star Wars inside and out. In era with plenty of bickering about Star Wars on the internet, it is refreshing to see someone find so many moments that nearly every fan can enjoy.
Give this book a shot. It just might rekindle your love of Star Wars and help you see parts of the saga in a whole new way.
September 10, 2019
Caution: this book is for fans of Star Wars only.
And not just the movies. Fans of the films, books, animated TV shows, comic books, video games, etc.
Oh and also it is devoted to the canonical works. Not the Expanded Universe or Legends universe. (I know that last part will rub a few fans raw, but so be it. The author does a bit of explaining about that early on)
This is a great series of mini-essays devoted to the 100 things the author loves about Star Wars and why. Each essay is unique in his approach to the subject which further tells the reader how much he appreciates and loves this subject that has been a childhood passion. Being slightly older myself, I can most definitely understand this same lifelong passion. Though I am not nearly as versed in all the Star Wars canonical works (such as 'Rebels' or some of the books and comics), I am familiar with them so I was able to putter through those essays okay. I do plan on getting to them one day and reading this book only got me more excited to do so.
This guy is a master level SW trivia nerd. The references he makes and names he drops into the essays are from a perspective of intimate familiarity. It had me in awe...he's a living version of Wookiepedia!
Most of all he is refreshingly respectful of all fans. No matter who they are. This is delightful in an internet era where devoted, passionate fans can become so easily consumed by the Dark Side when they converse with other fans online. The author casually mentions these fans and interactions every so often, but he remains respectful and admires them all. That's inspiring for all of us fans who maybe have accidentally run into a few of those conversations ourselves.
He is a fan in love with his subject. And the passion and writing for it is evident. A tremendous book I will recommend to fellow SW fans.
And not just the movies. Fans of the films, books, animated TV shows, comic books, video games, etc.
Oh and also it is devoted to the canonical works. Not the Expanded Universe or Legends universe. (I know that last part will rub a few fans raw, but so be it. The author does a bit of explaining about that early on)
This is a great series of mini-essays devoted to the 100 things the author loves about Star Wars and why. Each essay is unique in his approach to the subject which further tells the reader how much he appreciates and loves this subject that has been a childhood passion. Being slightly older myself, I can most definitely understand this same lifelong passion. Though I am not nearly as versed in all the Star Wars canonical works (such as 'Rebels' or some of the books and comics), I am familiar with them so I was able to putter through those essays okay. I do plan on getting to them one day and reading this book only got me more excited to do so.
This guy is a master level SW trivia nerd. The references he makes and names he drops into the essays are from a perspective of intimate familiarity. It had me in awe...he's a living version of Wookiepedia!
Most of all he is refreshingly respectful of all fans. No matter who they are. This is delightful in an internet era where devoted, passionate fans can become so easily consumed by the Dark Side when they converse with other fans online. The author casually mentions these fans and interactions every so often, but he remains respectful and admires them all. That's inspiring for all of us fans who maybe have accidentally run into a few of those conversations ourselves.
He is a fan in love with his subject. And the passion and writing for it is evident. A tremendous book I will recommend to fellow SW fans.
June 8, 2019
I'm what you would call a casual Star Wars fan. I see the movies opening night, I own them on DVD/Blu-ray, I read the occasional book or comic book that strikes my fancy. I could not tell you the names of all of the Imperial Officers seated around the conference table in A New Hope. But Ken can.
What I loved about this book was that it opened my eyes to things I didn't know about in the Star Wars universe, as well as altering what I thought about the 'stuff' I already knew about. The perspective that he brings is one of utter joy and fascination, combined with excruciating attention to detail. I couldn't put this book down. It is a must read for even the most casual Star Wars fan.
What I loved about this book was that it opened my eyes to things I didn't know about in the Star Wars universe, as well as altering what I thought about the 'stuff' I already knew about. The perspective that he brings is one of utter joy and fascination, combined with excruciating attention to detail. I couldn't put this book down. It is a must read for even the most casual Star Wars fan.
May 4, 2022
Angefüllt mit reichlich Wissen und mit viel Humor geschrieben ist diese Hommage ein Lesevergnügen für Nostalgiker und langjährige Fans.
Inhalt:
Wenn der Schriftzug des berühmten Prologs über den Bildschirm flimmert und die wohl noch berühmtere Musik einsetzt, schlägt das Herz jedes Star-Wars-Fans höher und lässt Erinnerungen aufleben.
Doch was genau löst diese Faszination aus? Über Jahrzehnte hinweg und generationsübergreifenden?
Ken Napzok moderiert unter anderem den Star Wars-Podcast "ForceCenter".
Wie er selbst sagt, wurde ihm die Liebe zu Star Wars in die Wiege gelegt: als Einjähriger erlebte er gemeinsam mit seinen Eltern im Autokino den ersten Film der Saga.
In diesem Buch widmet er sich den 100 bedeutendsten Momenten im Star-Wars-Universum.
Erscheinungstermin:
Erschienen 2019, in Deutschland erst 2020.
Somit sind weder Episode IX noch Serien wie "The Mandalorian" Inhalt dieser Auflistungen.
Mein Eindruck:
Zuerst fiel es mir schwer zu sagen, an wen genau sich dieses Buch richtet.
1. Unwissende und Neulinge in der Star-Wars-Welt? Wenn man vom deutschen Titel ausgeht, hätte ich dies sofort mit einem "Ja" beantwortet. Problematisch wird es allerdings, weil mehr als nur Grundkenntnisse vorausgesetzt werden und viel gespoilert wird. Dies schmälert das Vergnügen eines ersten "Kennenlernens".
Wer (noch) nicht alle Filme gesehen hat, sollte dies zunächst tun. Gleiches gilt für die Serien "The Clone Wars" und "Rebels". Andernfalls ist es ratsam, entsprechende Kapitel zu überspringen. Zudem sind einige Momente Büchern und Comics entnommen.
2. Also ein Buch für langjährige Fans? Die müssen selbstverständlich nicht mehr mit 100 Gründen überzeugt werden.
Hier wird jedoch durch den Nostalgiefaktor Seite um Seite verschlungen und man erwischt sich immer auf's Neue beim Gedanken, wann und wo man die einzelnen Szenen zuerst gesehen hat.
Dieses Buch ist somit eher etwas für Kenner, um Erinnerungen aufleben zu lassen, und nicht als "Überzeugung" oder Wink mit dem Zaunpfahl für Unwissende geeignet.
Die Gliederung ist übersichtlich und gut strukturiert. Eine Einleitung vorausgeschickt und ein paar Punkte zunächst erläutert, kann es losgehen. Von 100 an geht's dann rückwärts bis zum ersten und ultimativen Grund, Star Wars zu lieben. Ein Grund, der bei vielen definitiv unter der Top 10 zu finden ist.
Etwas unglücklich (überheblich?) gestaltet sind jedoch die Lobeshymnen auf das Buch von diversen Künstlern, Autoren usw. noch VOR dem Vorwort.
Man merkt bereits im Prolog wie viel Herzblut in diesem Projekt steckt und wie viel Liebe zum Detail in den einzelnen Abschnitten.
Beispielsweise Nr. 99 "C-3PO kehrt zurück!"
inkl. Nennung des genauen Filmtitels, aus dem die Szene stammt, nebst Hinweis auf Buch und Regie:
Zu Beginn von "Episode IIV - Das Erwachen der Macht" gibt es ein Wiedersehen mit alten Bekannten. Leia und Han wieder vereint ... bis C-3PO fröhlich und unverhofft dazwischenfunkt. Der Droide hat ungewollt ein Händchen für solche Auftritte.
Mit viel Humor lässt Ken Nazpok eben diese Situationskomik und andere beeindruckende Momente aufleben. All dies geschieht mit viel Hintergrundwissen und auch teilweise aus einer anderen Perspektive, die zum Nachdenken und Weiterfragen anregt.
Die entsprechenden Bilder hierzu hat man beim Lesen der Zeilen sofort im Kopf. Oftmals auch die passenden Geräusche.
Der Autor selbst räumt ein, dass jeder die Szenen subjektiv erlebt und gegebenenfalls ganz anderes - oder nicht so intensiv - empfunden hat. Auch gibt er zu, dass Einiges kontrovers diskutiert wird (z. B. niedliche Ewoks) und überlässt jedem Fan seinen persönlichen Fan-Moment.
Doch so unterschiedlich die Wahrnehmungen und Geschmäcker aus sind, eines verbindet alle Leser:innen dieses Buches: die Faszination für eine außergewöhnliche Saga, ein modernes Weltraummärchen über Gut und Böse mit vielschichtigen Helden und Schurken.
"Star Wars ist vergleichbar mit einer beliebten Restaurantkette. Ich meine, jedem schmeckt Star Wars. So viele Optionen, so viel Liebe, doch nicht alles auf der Speisekarte ist etwas für jedermann." (vgl. S 156)
Fazit:
May the 4th be with You!
Eine unterhaltsame Reise für langjährige Star-Wars-Fans.
Gewisse Vorkenntnisse sind vorausgesetzt, denn Achtung: Spoiler-Alarm.
...
Rezensiertes Buch: "100 Gründe, Star Wars zu lieben - Eine Hommage an die größte Saga aller Zeiten" aus dem Jahr 2020
...
Datum der Rezension 4. Mai 2022
May the 4th be with You!
Inhalt:
Wenn der Schriftzug des berühmten Prologs über den Bildschirm flimmert und die wohl noch berühmtere Musik einsetzt, schlägt das Herz jedes Star-Wars-Fans höher und lässt Erinnerungen aufleben.
Doch was genau löst diese Faszination aus? Über Jahrzehnte hinweg und generationsübergreifenden?
Ken Napzok moderiert unter anderem den Star Wars-Podcast "ForceCenter".
Wie er selbst sagt, wurde ihm die Liebe zu Star Wars in die Wiege gelegt: als Einjähriger erlebte er gemeinsam mit seinen Eltern im Autokino den ersten Film der Saga.
In diesem Buch widmet er sich den 100 bedeutendsten Momenten im Star-Wars-Universum.
Erscheinungstermin:
Erschienen 2019, in Deutschland erst 2020.
Somit sind weder Episode IX noch Serien wie "The Mandalorian" Inhalt dieser Auflistungen.
Mein Eindruck:
Zuerst fiel es mir schwer zu sagen, an wen genau sich dieses Buch richtet.
1. Unwissende und Neulinge in der Star-Wars-Welt? Wenn man vom deutschen Titel ausgeht, hätte ich dies sofort mit einem "Ja" beantwortet. Problematisch wird es allerdings, weil mehr als nur Grundkenntnisse vorausgesetzt werden und viel gespoilert wird. Dies schmälert das Vergnügen eines ersten "Kennenlernens".
Wer (noch) nicht alle Filme gesehen hat, sollte dies zunächst tun. Gleiches gilt für die Serien "The Clone Wars" und "Rebels". Andernfalls ist es ratsam, entsprechende Kapitel zu überspringen. Zudem sind einige Momente Büchern und Comics entnommen.
2. Also ein Buch für langjährige Fans? Die müssen selbstverständlich nicht mehr mit 100 Gründen überzeugt werden.
Hier wird jedoch durch den Nostalgiefaktor Seite um Seite verschlungen und man erwischt sich immer auf's Neue beim Gedanken, wann und wo man die einzelnen Szenen zuerst gesehen hat.
Dieses Buch ist somit eher etwas für Kenner, um Erinnerungen aufleben zu lassen, und nicht als "Überzeugung" oder Wink mit dem Zaunpfahl für Unwissende geeignet.
Die Gliederung ist übersichtlich und gut strukturiert. Eine Einleitung vorausgeschickt und ein paar Punkte zunächst erläutert, kann es losgehen. Von 100 an geht's dann rückwärts bis zum ersten und ultimativen Grund, Star Wars zu lieben. Ein Grund, der bei vielen definitiv unter der Top 10 zu finden ist.
Etwas unglücklich (überheblich?) gestaltet sind jedoch die Lobeshymnen auf das Buch von diversen Künstlern, Autoren usw. noch VOR dem Vorwort.
Man merkt bereits im Prolog wie viel Herzblut in diesem Projekt steckt und wie viel Liebe zum Detail in den einzelnen Abschnitten.
Beispielsweise Nr. 99 "C-3PO kehrt zurück!"
inkl. Nennung des genauen Filmtitels, aus dem die Szene stammt, nebst Hinweis auf Buch und Regie:
Zu Beginn von "Episode IIV - Das Erwachen der Macht" gibt es ein Wiedersehen mit alten Bekannten. Leia und Han wieder vereint ... bis C-3PO fröhlich und unverhofft dazwischenfunkt. Der Droide hat ungewollt ein Händchen für solche Auftritte.
Mit viel Humor lässt Ken Nazpok eben diese Situationskomik und andere beeindruckende Momente aufleben. All dies geschieht mit viel Hintergrundwissen und auch teilweise aus einer anderen Perspektive, die zum Nachdenken und Weiterfragen anregt.
Die entsprechenden Bilder hierzu hat man beim Lesen der Zeilen sofort im Kopf. Oftmals auch die passenden Geräusche.
Der Autor selbst räumt ein, dass jeder die Szenen subjektiv erlebt und gegebenenfalls ganz anderes - oder nicht so intensiv - empfunden hat. Auch gibt er zu, dass Einiges kontrovers diskutiert wird (z. B. niedliche Ewoks) und überlässt jedem Fan seinen persönlichen Fan-Moment.
Doch so unterschiedlich die Wahrnehmungen und Geschmäcker aus sind, eines verbindet alle Leser:innen dieses Buches: die Faszination für eine außergewöhnliche Saga, ein modernes Weltraummärchen über Gut und Böse mit vielschichtigen Helden und Schurken.
"Star Wars ist vergleichbar mit einer beliebten Restaurantkette. Ich meine, jedem schmeckt Star Wars. So viele Optionen, so viel Liebe, doch nicht alles auf der Speisekarte ist etwas für jedermann." (vgl. S 156)
Fazit:
May the 4th be with You!
Eine unterhaltsame Reise für langjährige Star-Wars-Fans.
Gewisse Vorkenntnisse sind vorausgesetzt, denn Achtung: Spoiler-Alarm.
...
Rezensiertes Buch: "100 Gründe, Star Wars zu lieben - Eine Hommage an die größte Saga aller Zeiten" aus dem Jahr 2020
...
Datum der Rezension 4. Mai 2022
May the 4th be with You!
September 13, 2019
So, there's many moments in my life that I mark the epoch of with Star Wars events that co-incide with them. My high school graduation was marked with seeing Star Wars Episode III that summer... The Special edition re-releases where the first time I saw Return of the jedi from start to finish... The release of the N64 was my first "real" video game system...and of course I got Star Wars Rogue Squadron to go along with it for my 10th birthday....I had no friends over that day... Watching A New Hope and asking my sister The point is I have, like many, fond memories of Star Wars. The author of this book, is the host of a podcast where they regularly celebrate these types of things. They unabashedly take a very positive outlook to all of Star Wars. Now...I have my serious problems with the series of the years. In fact my love affair has waxed and waned depending on times of my life.
After high school, I entered (like many ) a lost, adrift period in my life, and Star Wars came roaring back. The game Force Unleashed was due out soon and the miniatures game was out, and I had a fix...a comforting well to go back to to fill the void...then...I got a girlfriend, and while she was into the hardcore nerdy stuff as well, Star Wars was something that never caught on with her. (I sure know how to pick 'em). Star Wars dropped from my life, and it became more of a joke...Years went by and I didn't have my ear to the ground for Star Wars...so the existence of The Force Awakens only reached my ears in November... And I saw it out of curiousity...interest definitely piqued from the trailer...and....I hated it.. I didn't like the force awakens..but it reignited my love of the originals... Soon aftward my gf and I split, and I needed that sweet comforting blanket again. I had torn the blanket it off from my own free will, but now I crawled back to it, on all four, begging for it's soothing, warm embrace again... I'm telling you all this because this book, it pretty much 100 essasy's of things just like this. Ken Napzok, who I always listen to himself on Force Center and Jedi Council (podcasts...) does the splendid job of narrating the audiobook version of this, and it really nails the theme of this. His nuanced speech makes the humour and tiny subtle 'in jokes' a real treat. Currently, I'm in the process of moving to a new place, alone, and probably have come to the realization that this will remain so for quite some time... The last few nights have been spent with a a glass of wine, and endless stacks of boxes that house many memories, and my life's story. The hours have been helped along by reading (okay, listening to the audio) this book. Another Star Wars memory that now marks another spot in my life..
This book, and his take on Star Wars can easily come off of just a big fanboy who's looking to see what he wants to see in Star Wars. And honestly? I think it's true. But that's not a bad thing. If I wake up and want to see that there's good everywhere in this world of ours, would I be lying to myself? Yea...kind of. But would I want to wake up, eager to see how much I hate life and how much misery is around? No...not really. I'd rather over love than over hate. As cheesy as that sounds, I don't see the incentive to just complaining, whiny, and seeing the worst in every situation. (unless you're a Youtube content creator).
So Please, if you've had some of your own memories, nostalgia, and love of anything at all in Star Wars, do read this. You'll see a ton of moments that you may have over looked, or better yet...didn't like but now appreciate...
After high school, I entered (like many ) a lost, adrift period in my life, and Star Wars came roaring back. The game Force Unleashed was due out soon and the miniatures game was out, and I had a fix...a comforting well to go back to to fill the void...then...I got a girlfriend, and while she was into the hardcore nerdy stuff as well, Star Wars was something that never caught on with her. (I sure know how to pick 'em). Star Wars dropped from my life, and it became more of a joke...Years went by and I didn't have my ear to the ground for Star Wars...so the existence of The Force Awakens only reached my ears in November... And I saw it out of curiousity...interest definitely piqued from the trailer...and....I hated it.. I didn't like the force awakens..but it reignited my love of the originals... Soon aftward my gf and I split, and I needed that sweet comforting blanket again. I had torn the blanket it off from my own free will, but now I crawled back to it, on all four, begging for it's soothing, warm embrace again... I'm telling you all this because this book, it pretty much 100 essasy's of things just like this. Ken Napzok, who I always listen to himself on Force Center and Jedi Council (podcasts...) does the splendid job of narrating the audiobook version of this, and it really nails the theme of this. His nuanced speech makes the humour and tiny subtle 'in jokes' a real treat. Currently, I'm in the process of moving to a new place, alone, and probably have come to the realization that this will remain so for quite some time... The last few nights have been spent with a a glass of wine, and endless stacks of boxes that house many memories, and my life's story. The hours have been helped along by reading (okay, listening to the audio) this book. Another Star Wars memory that now marks another spot in my life..
This book, and his take on Star Wars can easily come off of just a big fanboy who's looking to see what he wants to see in Star Wars. And honestly? I think it's true. But that's not a bad thing. If I wake up and want to see that there's good everywhere in this world of ours, would I be lying to myself? Yea...kind of. But would I want to wake up, eager to see how much I hate life and how much misery is around? No...not really. I'd rather over love than over hate. As cheesy as that sounds, I don't see the incentive to just complaining, whiny, and seeing the worst in every situation. (unless you're a Youtube content creator).
So Please, if you've had some of your own memories, nostalgia, and love of anything at all in Star Wars, do read this. You'll see a ton of moments that you may have over looked, or better yet...didn't like but now appreciate...
April 10, 2023
I went into this thinking it was going to be more of a fan exploring their fandom with Star Wars (kind of like a memoir), and started having second thoughts about when I realized the list format the book was in. The book reads more like a series of blog posts in this manner, not just because of the list, but also because of how disjointed the entries are and how briefly each is touched on. One early entry is on C3-P0 in the Force Awakens. It highlights his new red arm and is basically getting at the character’s return to form after his over the top slapstick appearances in the Prequels and his knack for injecting humor in just the right places. But there’s no talk of the red arm or what this implies in the story or how it ties into his silver leg and the importance of the character to the Skywalker clan. Does it need to? Of course not, but why highlight the change if you’re not going to talk about it. It’s the equivalent of having a youtube screenshot of the character from the film with an arrow pointing to the arm and a title like “You’ll never believe why this matters!” This is why the writing feels like an article rather than a book. It’s not that it’s clickbait perse, but it has that air to it.
Secondly, in the postscript to the introduction the author makes it clear that all of the “moments” from this book are from the proposed 2014 “Official Disney Canon” after the purge of the Expanded Universe to “Legends” status. This was another sign that the book was going to suffer as there are only a couple reasons to bring this up. It’s either to try an appease or appeal the fandom weaned on Star Wars mainly in the last 20 years, or it’s specifically trying to ingratiate itself with Lucasfilm. When you consider that the author was a fan since the 80s, there are a ton of aspects of the franchise that define a lot of the fandom from that post 83 to pre 99 era. That decade and a half of a relative drought of content is largely what turned so many casual fans into lifelong fans. The years of hopeful sci-fi magazine articles hinting at the possibility of new films, the first wave of folks becoming collectors, the nostalgia induced by the absence of new content, the introduction of the Expanded Universe via books and comics, the original Lucas Arts games like Tie Fighter and Rogue Squadron, the last official Kenner toy line in the mid 90s, and the role playing games. All of this stuff is huge to the fandom. To toss it all out in a discussion of what makes us love the franchise is disingenuous at best and weird pandering to “corporate” at worst.
Secondly, in the postscript to the introduction the author makes it clear that all of the “moments” from this book are from the proposed 2014 “Official Disney Canon” after the purge of the Expanded Universe to “Legends” status. This was another sign that the book was going to suffer as there are only a couple reasons to bring this up. It’s either to try an appease or appeal the fandom weaned on Star Wars mainly in the last 20 years, or it’s specifically trying to ingratiate itself with Lucasfilm. When you consider that the author was a fan since the 80s, there are a ton of aspects of the franchise that define a lot of the fandom from that post 83 to pre 99 era. That decade and a half of a relative drought of content is largely what turned so many casual fans into lifelong fans. The years of hopeful sci-fi magazine articles hinting at the possibility of new films, the first wave of folks becoming collectors, the nostalgia induced by the absence of new content, the introduction of the Expanded Universe via books and comics, the original Lucas Arts games like Tie Fighter and Rogue Squadron, the last official Kenner toy line in the mid 90s, and the role playing games. All of this stuff is huge to the fandom. To toss it all out in a discussion of what makes us love the franchise is disingenuous at best and weird pandering to “corporate” at worst.
August 25, 2024
So, this book is right in my wheelhouse. One read of the title gives that away. A cozy book about why and how we derive meaning and pleasure from the vast array of Star Wars media in both this and a galaxy far, far away? Yes, please. For full disclosure, I am and have been a fan of the author's before delving into this book. I support his podcast, ForceCenter, listen to his radio broadcasts over the internets, and relate to his own story in more than a few ways - a kid who couldn't quite cut it in sports, finding solace in fantasy books and movies, with a deep passion for popular music, raised (sheltered?) in a very "American" town, etc. So, I figured I would connect with much of what would be said on the pages as I started reading the book. And, I wasn't wrong in that. But, there is much wisdom to be found reading those pages, and not just for those of a like mind. The author does a solid job of breaking down his favorite moments in all of Star Wars (movies, books, TV shows, comics, games, etc.) and relating how those moments stand as examples of the greater themes expressed in the works. He also shows how those themes resonate with a great number of disparate folks, and why that is so powerful and meaningful to our lives outside of our love of Star Wars. This book is a great read front to back, but it is also great to use as a sort of daily affirmation guide style tome, picking it up and reading just a particular selection when you need a moment to re-center and think about your life, from another point of view (to paraphrase a Star Wars quote). I am very happy I have read this book, and will be revisiting it in the future. It is slightly older, in that there has now been a raft of newer Star Wars content that has been released since the book was written. And, while that new content might eventually change up the particular items listed in this book, or the order in which they appear, even if there are not to be future iterations of this book, the discussion within it about the events from Star Wars that now help shape who we are will in no way be diminished. If this sounds like something you would like to explore, this book offers fabulous options for so doing.
January 4, 2023
If for no other reason, 2022 was a great year because I discovered Ken Napzok (and his podcast ForceCenter, with his co-hosts Joseph Scrimshaw and Jennifer Landa). Interestingly, I have been faithfully listening to the podcast for several months, but only recently discovered that Napzok had written this book. As soon as I found out, I tracked down a copy. I'm so glad I did!
Napzok and I have a LOT in common. We are both Generation X'ers (I'm a little older he's probably a LOT wiser). We discovered Star Wars at about the same point in our lives. We are both Baseball fans-- I love when he brings up baseball card collecting on his podcasts. We are both former card carrying conservatives. So it's no wonder that I absolutely loved reading his romp through 100 of his favorite Star Wars moments.
To be sure, I didn't agree with all of them. I'm still a little bitter about how the prequels turned out, and probably my least favorite non-prequel SW film is RotJ, which might be Napzok's favorite. Still, I found myself nodding in agreement throughout 98 percent of this book (maybe more).
I think everyone who claims to be a Star Wars fan, should read this book. [Side note: this already needs a sequel, since it was written before The Rise of Skywalker and ALL of the Disney+ content.]. Napzok's love of this franchise is infectious. The state of the fandom today is beyond toxic. I hope that it will heal itself eventually, and this book could be the first step in that direction.
Napzok and I have a LOT in common. We are both Generation X'ers (I'm a little older he's probably a LOT wiser). We discovered Star Wars at about the same point in our lives. We are both Baseball fans-- I love when he brings up baseball card collecting on his podcasts. We are both former card carrying conservatives. So it's no wonder that I absolutely loved reading his romp through 100 of his favorite Star Wars moments.
To be sure, I didn't agree with all of them. I'm still a little bitter about how the prequels turned out, and probably my least favorite non-prequel SW film is RotJ, which might be Napzok's favorite. Still, I found myself nodding in agreement throughout 98 percent of this book (maybe more).
I think everyone who claims to be a Star Wars fan, should read this book. [Side note: this already needs a sequel, since it was written before The Rise of Skywalker and ALL of the Disney+ content.]. Napzok's love of this franchise is infectious. The state of the fandom today is beyond toxic. I hope that it will heal itself eventually, and this book could be the first step in that direction.
August 23, 2025
Author Ken Napzok provides his reason / opinion of the Great moments in the Star Wars Franchise - including movies - live action and animated, tv series, books - graphic and novels, music & Vid games that built a galaxy far far away.
As this was written in 2019, there are several new series, movies and books that have not been included as they were not available to be included. Would be curious for a revision or addendum to include this new information.
Not all moments included in this book are my fave; however, this is his opinion of his fave moments. That's cool as we all have opinions. And some moments I was not aware as I have not read those books, listened to those soundtracks, played those vid games and / or watch those movies. REgardless, it was a good read for moments that were once forgotten and remembered, for a different view of those topics and to listen to a Star Wars Fans interpretation of his fave moments that make him a FAN.
For me - Kanan Jarrus & Herra arc from Rebels- it is mentioned as a fave - however, some key points were either missed or possibly not noted as it is assumed that the reader knows..... Wished there was more included about that arc - maybe we will "see"
And - I will definetely read the series "Certain Point of View" which are novels about the Star Wars franchise from a different perspective. Eclipse - about the death of Bail and Breha Organa seems intriguing.
Overall it is a good quick read with a lot of memories.
As this was written in 2019, there are several new series, movies and books that have not been included as they were not available to be included. Would be curious for a revision or addendum to include this new information.
Not all moments included in this book are my fave; however, this is his opinion of his fave moments. That's cool as we all have opinions. And some moments I was not aware as I have not read those books, listened to those soundtracks, played those vid games and / or watch those movies. REgardless, it was a good read for moments that were once forgotten and remembered, for a different view of those topics and to listen to a Star Wars Fans interpretation of his fave moments that make him a FAN.
For me - Kanan Jarrus & Herra arc from Rebels- it is mentioned as a fave - however, some key points were either missed or possibly not noted as it is assumed that the reader knows..... Wished there was more included about that arc - maybe we will "see"
And - I will definetely read the series "Certain Point of View" which are novels about the Star Wars franchise from a different perspective. Eclipse - about the death of Bail and Breha Organa seems intriguing.
Overall it is a good quick read with a lot of memories.
July 7, 2021
This fun romp through the Star Wars universe draws from the author's successful podcast about the franchise and explores memorable moments from not only the various movies, animated series, and books; but also video games and comics that add further depth to the other works. From an imaginative space-opera whose author (George Lucas) simply wanted to tell a morality tale that was interesting so people would remember it to a multi-million-dollar franchise which has successfully crossed over into several generations, Star Wars is a fascinating cultural icon for a reason. Although I do recommend one likes Star Wars in some form (movies, comics, etc.) before they read this book, it is written for a broad audience who does not need to remember the obscure details of popular scenes the author relates to enjoy them. I actually think half the fun of this book as a Star Wars fan is learning about new "places" in the Star Wars universe you haven't read / seen / played before. This is a great book for adults but may be a bit dense for younger readers, though the content is appropriate for discussion by people of any age. Also, this book can seem a bit repetitive with the list format it uses, so taking short breaks from it will help increase your enjoyment of it.
November 23, 2023
This was the audio listen I needed in my life! At times I need to be reminded of what Star Wars really means to me! But what Napzok did and it was truly brilliant was take very important moments from movies, tv shows, celebrations theme music and BTS of Star Wars and showed what and how these moments changed our world in a big way.
It’s still great that Star Wars has continuously keep growing through generations and generations to come of more imperative moments that will change these generations lives in a positive and meaningful way!
Even in this new climate of Star Wars fans as podcasters sharing their thoughts and love of what this franchise has done is nothing short of amazing! I’m happy to be a part of the podcast community but also a part of the BookTube community because it has allowed me to record this amazing journey of reading Star Wars books and comics and reading books like Ken Napzok and a few I’ve read along the way to continue to take me into a galaxy far, far away…
Always a fan of Ken and Joseph since Schmoes Knows of their Star Wars show their to Collider and now their own podcast!!! Stay reaching for the ⭐️’s
It’s still great that Star Wars has continuously keep growing through generations and generations to come of more imperative moments that will change these generations lives in a positive and meaningful way!
Even in this new climate of Star Wars fans as podcasters sharing their thoughts and love of what this franchise has done is nothing short of amazing! I’m happy to be a part of the podcast community but also a part of the BookTube community because it has allowed me to record this amazing journey of reading Star Wars books and comics and reading books like Ken Napzok and a few I’ve read along the way to continue to take me into a galaxy far, far away…
Always a fan of Ken and Joseph since Schmoes Knows of their Star Wars show their to Collider and now their own podcast!!! Stay reaching for the ⭐️’s
January 6, 2021
A transfer of passion
Sometimes hearing somebody else’s passion for something has a tendency to transfer to others. The energy and excitement fills up whoever receives it and can spark an even deeper love or appreciation for whatever topic is being conveyed.
In this case the topic is Star Wars and the passion conveyed is coming from Ken Napzok who is my number one Star Wars pundit that I oblige myself to listen to about all matters in the galaxy far far away.
Listening to him and Joseph Scrimshaw on ForceCenter teaches me about Star Wars and life and infuses me with love of this silly fictional universe more and more every time I listen to them.
This book did no different. This book was obviously made with so much passion and love and those feelings transferred over to me and made me crave diVing back into a new Star Wars story I’ve yet to embark on, or go back to one of the many I’ve already traversed time and time again.
Highly recommend for all Star Wars fans
Sometimes hearing somebody else’s passion for something has a tendency to transfer to others. The energy and excitement fills up whoever receives it and can spark an even deeper love or appreciation for whatever topic is being conveyed.
In this case the topic is Star Wars and the passion conveyed is coming from Ken Napzok who is my number one Star Wars pundit that I oblige myself to listen to about all matters in the galaxy far far away.
Listening to him and Joseph Scrimshaw on ForceCenter teaches me about Star Wars and life and infuses me with love of this silly fictional universe more and more every time I listen to them.
This book did no different. This book was obviously made with so much passion and love and those feelings transferred over to me and made me crave diVing back into a new Star Wars story I’ve yet to embark on, or go back to one of the many I’ve already traversed time and time again.
Highly recommend for all Star Wars fans
August 31, 2021
I wouldn't consider myself a HUGE Star Wars fan, but I've seen all of the films at least twice, some far more than that. While a lot of "Why We Love Star Wars" depends on the nostalgia created while reliving some of your favorite moments from the saga, it also provides insight into some more niche Star Wars material from video games, to novels, to cartoon television shows, none of which I've been exposed to, but seem very cool in how they flesh out the universe presented in the canonical movies.
As someone who appreciates the second trilogy (Episode 1-3), I love how Napzok not only defends them, but selects moments from each that are particularly memorable and really impactful in the grand scheme of things. I was a "kid" when those films were released and Napzok hammers home the point that, while they can be appreciated as adults, Star Wars movies most easily appreciated by children, which is always important to remember.
As someone who appreciates the second trilogy (Episode 1-3), I love how Napzok not only defends them, but selects moments from each that are particularly memorable and really impactful in the grand scheme of things. I was a "kid" when those films were released and Napzok hammers home the point that, while they can be appreciated as adults, Star Wars movies most easily appreciated by children, which is always important to remember.
February 16, 2022
For a broad audience, from fair-weather fans to intense Star Wars fans
This was a good read, but I skipped all the non-canon chapters, which are a lot. I probably would have liked this book better if I know more about the non-canon storylines. I listened to the Audible version.
I know the major Star Wars canon, but I haven’t kept up with comics, video games, novels, animated TV shows, podcasts, etc. But now the expanding Star Wars universe is canon, and I’m fascinated by Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. I’m pleased that Grogu has returned to Din Djarin, because I’m hoping to never see Grogu do an Anakin/Kylo pivot.
I’m waiting for the releases of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and “Andor.” Plus, I’ll be there for “Ashoka” and hopefully “Lando.”
This was a good read, but I skipped all the non-canon chapters, which are a lot. I probably would have liked this book better if I know more about the non-canon storylines. I listened to the Audible version.
I know the major Star Wars canon, but I haven’t kept up with comics, video games, novels, animated TV shows, podcasts, etc. But now the expanding Star Wars universe is canon, and I’m fascinated by Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. I’m pleased that Grogu has returned to Din Djarin, because I’m hoping to never see Grogu do an Anakin/Kylo pivot.
I’m waiting for the releases of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and “Andor.” Plus, I’ll be there for “Ashoka” and hopefully “Lando.”
June 21, 2019
I loved it, as a fan of Ken's work in the world of Star Wars "punditry", he's someone I highly respect because his love of Star Wars, good and bad, is so genuine. I could hear his voice and passion without using an audiobook. There are so many great moments Ken talks about from the world of Star Wars, yet I have a hard time coming up with one that didn't get touched on in this book. Twice his passages talking about Carrie Fisher and her impact as Princess Leia on young Star Wars fans made me a little misty eyed. I love this list and highly recommend it to any Star Wars fan, whether they've explored the canon intensely or not.
February 22, 2020
We all have our own favorite moments of star wars, from the movies and TV shows to the books and comics. We also have our least favorite moments that make us cringe and wonder what the hell they were thinking. I am as guilty as anyone of so quickly focusing on those negatives that you forget the wonderful moments in between. Not Ken Napzok. His love for all things star wars is incredible and in reading this book he's made me appreciate star wars that much more. Parts of his list you're sure to remember, the big moments we all love, but it's all the little things that maybe you missed or just never thought about that makes this worth the read.
January 1, 2020
This book is fantastic. Ken's love and passion for Star Wars oozes through the pages and inspired me to reexamine and better appreciate my own love for Star Wars. It also has enhanced my viewing of the film's, with Ken's insights into particular scenes, characters and moments bringing new meaning and intrigue where I may have overlooked them previously. I would recommend this book to any Star Wars fan who wants to delve deeper into their love for Star Wars and appreciate why Star Wars has such an impact in people's live's.
January 30, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audio version and this is one of the few times that the author did not mess up the story by reading it himself. Being a child from the 70's and 80's I remember going to see Star Wars for the first time and not knowing anything about it and not what to expect but came out with such feeling of "I have found my people."
Still in love with the movies and stories even today. I would look forward to reading another book about Star Wars from Ken, even though he said he would not be writing a second book.
Still in love with the movies and stories even today. I would look forward to reading another book about Star Wars from Ken, even though he said he would not be writing a second book.
April 11, 2022
Well, you think that you are a fan of Star Wars, and then you read a book like that, and you understand that you are just a simple moviegoer that happens to have seen some movies multiple times.
What you get out of the book is some direction on what you have missed out on Star Wars, and how you can start watching the movies, and series, and read the books and comics paying attention to details.
It is a fun read that once you pick it up you won't put it down. And you get the craving to start watching again!
What you get out of the book is some direction on what you have missed out on Star Wars, and how you can start watching the movies, and series, and read the books and comics paying attention to details.
It is a fun read that once you pick it up you won't put it down. And you get the craving to start watching again!
May 25, 2019
Highly recommend! A great read for ALL Star Wars fans. Napzok's love and positivity towards the franchise comes through in these series of essays. Focused on the light side of the fandom, you will gain a deeper appreciation of the small moments that make the bigger story so meaningful. An easy read that will remind you why you loved Star Wars at the beginning and continue to follow that journey today.
September 18, 2019
I got this because i listen to Ken Napzok on the collider jedi council podcast and wanted to support him. Overall i liked it but you can tell he’s new to book writing but he made a valiant effort. At times his insights really grabbed my attention and gave me a new perspective on a scene from Star Wars and at other times I had a hard time paying attention to what he was saying. It’s a decent list of top 100 moments in Star Wars but I know some good moments were missed.
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