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To the Stars (Abridged): The Autobiography of Star Trek's Mr. Sulu Audiobook
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(3.05) - 347 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Best known as Mr. Sulu, helmsman of the Starship EnterpriseTM and Captain of the Starship Excelsior, George Takei is beloved by millions as part of the command team that has taken audiences to new vistas of adventure in Star Trek®--the unprecedented television and feature film phenomenon.
From the program's birth in the changing world of the 1960s and death at the hands of the network, to its rebirth in the hearts and minds of loyal fans, the Star Trek story has blazed its own path into our recent cultural history, leading to a series of blockbuster feature films and three new versions of Star Trek for television.
The Star Trek story is one of boundless hope and crushing disappointment, wrenching rivalries and incredible achievements. It is also the story of how, after nearly thirty years, the cast of characters from a unique but poorly rated television show have come to be known to millions of Americans and people around the world as family.
For George Takei, the Star Trek adventure is intertwined with his personal odyssey through adversity in which four-year-old George and his family were forced by the United States government into internment camps during World War II.
Star Trek means much more to George Takei than an extraordinary career that has spanned thirty years. For an American whose ideals faced such a severe test, Star Trek represents a shining embodiment of the American Dream--the promise of an optimistic future in which people from all over the world contribute to a common destiny.
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"It was fascinating. Seriously. I loved the theme, returned to throughout the book, about American ideals. How they're worth fighting for, in spite of our country's past and imperfections, and how individuals can make a difference. I was grateful to see into a time, circumstances, areas and cultures I wouldn't have otherwise. He met Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King, Jr.! I related to his "thespian yearnings". And I love that he studied architecture and admired the work of Frank Lloyd Wright."
— 'becca (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Boldly go and read his book.”
— Booklist -
“This autobiography of Star Trek’s ‘Sulu’ character will draw any fan of the series, but it’s particularly notable for its outstanding story of Japanese American racism and Takai’s own struggles to overcome prejudice in the making of his career. His reflections on politics and social issues round out and enhance his Star Trek memoir, making for an exceptional contribution.”
— Midwest Book Review
To the Stars Listener Reviews
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" I read most of this one in the bookstore. It's by far the best of the Star Trek cast's biographies, many of which I have read or skimmed in the store. Seriously, Takei actually talks about his family's experience with the Japanese interment camps. "
— Eric, 2/20/2014 -
" Probably my favourite out the collection of Trek actor's autobiographies I've read over the past bit - though I do have Nichelle Nichols' waiting in the queue. He really makes his life seem like a story and it is a fascinating one. From internment camps, to UCLA, to Trek, and beyond, it's a great memoir. "
— Kate, 2/5/2014 -
" This is one of those great autobiographies in which you realize that the thing a person is most famous for is not the most interesting thing about him. "
— Elizabeth, 1/18/2014 -
" Ha. I read this before meeting George Takei at a Trek convention, so I think that proves how super-cool I am. It was actually pretty good. Takei's life was much more interesting than I realized. Give it a shot. "
— Nicolas, 1/11/2014 -
" This was a surprisingly good read of the life of a very interesting actor. Grew up in the WW2 internment camps, had an interesting and successful career even beyond Star Trek. Written in 1994, before he came out as gay, there is no mention of any aspect of his personal life, relationships, etc. "
— John, 11/18/2013 -
" For me, the audiobook version is the only way to enjoy this book. What could be better than to hear George Takei tell his life story in his own voice? Oh myyy!!!! "
— Harry, 11/6/2013 -
" best book i ever read. "
— Jen, 10/16/2013 -
" While not the most riviting writing, I was fascinated to read how he was in the Japanese internment camps. To bad he didn't come out until after this book was written. I kept wondering about his private life. "
— Juel, 8/21/2013 -
" Listened to this on a long drive. A great book for that. Especially if you're a Star Trek fan. "
— Christi, 11/27/2012 -
" Adding to the fun of the experience: I actually heard this one on a books-on-tape recording, read by Takei himself with that insane baritone of his. Great stuff. "
— Andy, 10/28/2012 -
" George Takei is a great writer! The book is interesting, funny and well worth the read. The only problem is that it was written before he decided it was "OK to be Takei" in public! "
— Misha, 8/3/2012 -
" Very informative. Sulu did a lot of good political work off camera. Good glimpses of movie industry negotiations. "
— Jesse, 3/9/2012 -
" George has had an interesting life! "
— Dee, 10/4/2011 -
" A solid autobiography and memoir of growing up in an American internment camp. The fact that the author was so circumspect about his love life gave me my first clue that there would never be a Mrs. George Takei. "
— Bill, 12/21/2010 -
" Adding to the fun of the experience: I actually heard this one on a books-on-tape recording, read by Takei himself with that insane baritone of his. Great stuff. "
— Andy, 9/5/2010 -
" A solid autobiography and memoir of growing up in an American internment camp. The fact that the author was so circumspect about his love life gave me my first clue that there would never be a Mrs. George Takei. "
— Bill, 3/2/2010 -
" This was a surprisingly good read of the life of a very interesting actor. Grew up in the WW2 internment camps, had an interesting and successful career even beyond Star Trek. Written in 1994, before he came out as gay, there is no mention of any aspect of his personal life, relationships, etc. "
— John, 10/15/2009 -
" I read most of this one in the bookstore. It's by far the best of the Star Trek cast's biographies, many of which I have read or skimmed in the store. Seriously, Takei actually talks about his family's experience with the Japanese interment camps. "
— Eric, 9/29/2009 -
" This is one of those great autobiographies in which you realize that the thing a person is most famous for is not the most interesting thing about him. "
— Elizabeth, 10/4/2008
About George Takei
George Hosato Takei is a Japanese American actor and author best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the television series Star Trek. He also portrayed the character in six feature films and an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. He is a proponent of gay rights and active in state and local politics while still continuing his acting career. He has won several awards and accolades for his work in human rights and Japanese–American relations, including his work with the Japanese American National Museum.