Just a Geek

Read this book in just two days - it was that good. What I love about Wheaton's writing is his raw honesty. I'm not sure if I can bare my soul like that, but Wheaten did, and we are the better for it.

How frightening it is that a few decisions in our youth - done out of immaturity and lack of experience - could push into a course that we never expected? How many of us was in Wheaton's position? How many of us lived what he lived?

By sharing his story, Wheaton teaches us that we should never take anything for granted (family, health, career, tiny blessings), and that despite crushing defeat and reaching the lowest point in your life, you can bounce back AND discover a talent you never knew you had. For Wheaton, it was writing.

Some reviewers complain that he whines about his trials and tribulations in Hollywood too much. When it comes to reading memoirs, one of the most important approaches I take is not to judge the writer's journey. The writer's interpretation of life events could differ from yours and that's the point - we learn from different views. And even if I were to judge Wheaton's journey, I would say that he had every right to be upset about how things turned out. Acting was his life, passion and reason for being and the gatekeepers are keeping him away from it because of (what I could see from the book anyway) rather frivolous and unfair reasons. But the crucial difference with Wheaton was that instead of sitting back and wallowing in his misery, he did something about it. He started a now-wildly-popular website, honed his writing and learned from his mistakes.

I'm glad that things have improved for Wheaton since the writing of this book. He's acted on several shows since then (the crazy popular Big Bang Theory, for one), has become a cultural icon, and continue to improve in his writing.

Well, done, Mr. Wheaton!

would have given this 4.5 stars, but auto/biographies just are the kind of book I love enough to give a fifth star from me. This was so easy to read, I actually laughed out loud several times (embarrassing on the train, thanks Will!). Really enjoyed the insight into his life before the happiness he seems to enjoy now, and long may it continue.

A pretty good and interesting read. Wheaton has always been a great writer in the time I've been following him and this book just further cements his reputation in my mind. Riveting from start to finish I enjoyed every word. It provides a good look at the life of an actor from a cultural phenomenon such as Star Trek and how he comes to terms with that in his life, both personally and professionally.

I don't usually read life writing... but when I do it is this!
I laughed, I cried, it moved me Bob.... but seriously it did. I grew up watching Star Trek and am currently utterly addicted to TableTop and The Guild (geekandsundry on YouTube, check it out! Now!).
This is exactly the kind of beautifully honest humanity that so refreshing. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

I admit it. I actually liked Wesley on TNG. Probably because I would have killed to be on the real Enterprise (if it were a real space ship) or an actor on the show. And, don't worry Wil, I wasn't looking for a rehash of Star Trek. I knew what the book was about and was interested in how Wil's thoughts on TNG and acting evolved. I enjoyed the story and the way thoughts from the blog were interwoven. It wasn't as much a chronological story as a chronology of thought and emotion. Very enjoyable.

Wil's account of his struggle to find himself in Hollywood's sometimes brutal landscape is poignant and well worth reading. Makes you see the person behind the characters on tv and film and a really good reminder that they are just trying to get by too - support a family, find satisfaction in a career and follow something that they love, even with many sacrifices along the way.