Rating: 
Summary: Funny, touching and real
Review: With the publication of his first book, actor Wil Wheaton becomes an official writer. He's had lots of practice maintaining a blog on his personal website, and these are five of the best entries. Best not only for being well-written, but also for being honest descriptions of his life since the days of being an actor on the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series.From dealing with a death in the family to finally coming to terms with his corner of fame, Wil Wheaton's intelligence, honesty, and humor spring from the page as if he were in the room with you, telling you about all these things and laughing about them. An excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: What are you waiting for?
Review: I could say all sorts of complimentary things about this lovely effort from a first-time author. I could provide a more descriptive summary of the stories within it, because that's a standard reviewer's trick, right? I could try to put into words how oddly wonderful it feels to read stories from the perspective of an unashamedly introspective geek. I could try to explain how jarringly comfortable it is to get past the chasm that celebrity status builds between people and read simple honesty from this guy that a lot of people think they know, who really is just a guy, and because of that is remarkable. I could tell you how loud I laughed, unexpectedly, and how much I sympathized. I could mention how much it simply got to me, in the nostalgic and reminiscent ways that likely only thirtysomethings' writings can to do to other thirtysomethings. I could write about how great it feels to be a Trekkie right about now... or I could just stop typing and grab a Kleenex, and you could stop reading this and just go order a copy of the book. Are you still reading this review?
Rating:
Summary: More than you expect it to be...
Review: The book is not big. The title gives that away, but every page is gold. You don't have to be a fan of Star Trek or even know who Wil Wheaton is to appreciate the stories Wil has written. They could be about anyone, but they are all about Wil. Okay, the last story is mainly about Star Trek, but it is reflections of Wil's Star Trek experiences and not about flying around the galaxy. It's about the struggles and fun that he had as a young actor and the way it still impacts him today. You can't go wrong with Dancing Barefoot. It's easy and enjoyable to read and will hit you with emotions you weren't expecting to feel. Awww... Isn't that sweet. Buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Wish it were longer.
Review: Just a blast to read, plain and simple. The five essays each take you through a particular meaninful point in Wheaton's life -- meaningful on different scales, for wildly different reasons. Wheaton's writing is by turns acidic, charming, touching in a completely non-saccharine way... and "The Saga of SpongeBob VegasPants" is flat-out hilarious.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Illustrations
Review: I haven't finished reading all of the text yet but Wil is witty and wise, and his writing style is definitely very friendly...
I wanted to comment on the illustrations, because they're amazing!!
Rating:
Summary: touching, heartfelt stories and great illustrations.
Review: I was very pleasantly suprised by this book. I wasn't sure what to expect from it, and was not interested in reading a Star Trek tell-all, which is what I was afraid this might be. But, after cracking it open and reading the first chapter, I discovered this is nothing of the sort (well, not exactly). It's five stories, only one of which has to do with Star Trek. That one is good, and really funny as it has to do with the convention culture of Star Trek, and how that feels from the inside, which is pretty entertaining. The, though rest are even better - great little "slice of life" stories from the life of the author, and all are coupled with very well-done illustrations by Ben Claassen, an up-and-coming illustrator (I know of Mr. Claassen because he illustrates for the Citypaper here in Washington, DC - he's well known here, but I believe this is his first published book). Very well accomplished stuff, and it really goes with the subject matter of the stories. All in all, a fun, short read. You can really relate to the author's stories, especially if you grew up as one of the "not-so-cool kids" in your school. And the illustrations really make the stories come to life! I recommend this even for non-Trek fans such as myself.
Rating:
Summary: Wil Wheaton...Just Awesome
Review: I grew up following Wil's career. I watched all of his movies and he is the reason I watched Star Trek: The Next Generation. I was so excited to hear that Wil was writing a book about events of his life. Events I never saw on screen. When the first edition of the book was released in the summer I was so excited. I purchased a signed copy & read it right away. I was touched by the stories. Wil has a nack for story telling. The 5 short stories in the book will really make you feel like you know him. You'll feel as though you were there with him, living these events. Wil captures the emotions he felt as if it were yesterday. There wasn't a story I didn't love & I cannot wait until I receive my copy of Just A Geek.
Rating:
Summary: Wave Maker
Review: Will Wheaton, a hugely successful actor (see his performances in Stand by Me, Star Trek: Next Generation, etc....and note that any actor with this kind of resume' IS hugely successful), brings us stories about growing up Hollywood/Trek. If you watch and enjoy Stark Trek on T.V. or at the movies, Dancing Barefoot will delight, replete as it is with inside takes and recaps of many on-the-set moments. But this is no Hollywood marketing gimmick or lame tell-all, Dancing Barefoot is a substantial literary work, with a pulse and rhythm born of one of America's most unique and talented young writers. Yeah, Sherman Alexie is funny, disarming and A+++ as writers go, but Wil Wheaton is on his way. In Dancing Barefoot and his other recent title, Just a Geek, Wil Wheaton expresses himself as an insightful and hilarious writer, in several modes. The books emerge as children of his website log ("blog"), and they are the most powerful pieces of story telling
to yet emerge from the blog genre. He is part documentarian, part prankster, and :All Story. Mr. Wheaton has found and embraced his delightful storytelling gift. Poised for continued success in several modes (acting, movie/t.v./play writing, directing, producing,story writing),
the readers of the world can selfishly hope that he will give us many more stories to read. Sure, Steven Spielberg is a Hollywood great whose fancy writing has recently appeared in the literary magazine Zoetrope: All Story (run by another Hollywood great, Francis Ford Copolla), but Wheaton's work is very much on its way, too, and should appear in such venues. Wheaton is next in line, after Steve Martin, to succeed as a Hollywood actor turned writer. Enjoy Dancing Barefoot. As the product of an emerging and courageous writer, it will give you some inspiration and courage to go on.
Rating:
Summary: Take off your shoes and come listen to a few stories
Review: Those interested in Star Trek and famous people will want to go straight to the last and largest chapter in the book, "The Saga of SpongeBob VegasPants." With 110 pages of material, only about 35 of it is devoted to the other four stories and an enjoyable read they were. Aunt Val, his aunt, sounded like the aunt we all had or wish we had. His writing about her provided a glimpse of Wil (he would want us to be on a first name basis - after all, I am older by just a notch!) as a nephew who cared about his aunt. He experienced the thoughts and feelings we did when a loved one died. Ironically, I was sitting outside watching my kids play on a perfect Texas afternoon when reading about his playing Hide-n-Seek with his step-sons. While playing the game, he went back in time remembering different parts of his life. Of course, this led me to do the same in recalling the bike rides in my neighborhood and playing kick-the-can at camp. The sweet yet simple moment between him and his wife in the rain upped my respect for him. Hollywood marriages failed left and right, faster than a blink. Something about his words said this was real. Wil got a nasty brush off on the STNG set setting off "office gossip" where everyone knew about it. He humorously cussed his hands off about the famous person (what, me spoil it?). Bold move. Most of us would freak out in fear of the political aftermath. Were you ever the unlucky fan near the end of the line waiting for an autograph? His perspective of the person sitting in the chair with pen in cramped hand was an eye-opener. Fire fighters, administrative assistants, and teachers have noble jobs, but don't become famous like actors. Acting is a job and with the job comes admirers who want to be friends or possess something whether it's an autograph or a worn outfit. He recollected his days at work. Instead of hearing about days in the world of a corporate office, it took place on a set and at a convention. This was worth reading. He earned his online and book authoring successes.
Rating:
Summary: Dancing Barefoot
Review: Dancing Barefoot
Finally, an O'Reilly book I am qualified to review! I may be only a beginner at Linux, but I'm a Star Trek fan from way back, and I have been looking forward to Dancing Barefoot, a new book by Wil Wheaton, known for playing Wesley on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and from the movies Stand by Me and Toy Soldiers.
I was not disappointed. Nostalgia, love (teenage and mature), and memories of his time on Star Trek, both good and bad, combine with joy and humour in the five stories in this book, which is heartfelt, poignant, and beautifully written.
This is not only a book for Star Trek fans, although fans will certainly want to read the last section, a hilarious and moving look at Wheaton's adventures at a Star Trek convention, and his coming to terms with what his experience in Next Generation meant to him. His writing is brilliant, evoking emotions with jewellike clarity.
Anyone who enjoys good writing will enjoy this book, even if they've never seen an episode of Star Trek. The artwork by Ben Claassen provides a perfect enhancement.
Wheaton has been known for his acting, but I think, based on his work, that in future he will be more well known as a writer. Look for his next book, Just a Geek. as well.
Read this book. You'll be glad you did.
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