Rating: Summary: I loved this book, and so will you! Review: Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. All stories are heartfelt and honest, you will enjoy Wil Wheaton's style of writing. The first story brought tears to my eyes and the last one made me laugh out loud, more than once. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
Rating: Summary: 4 real short stories and one longer one that are all great. Review: I bought this book at a book signing in Beaverton Oregon. I have been reading his web site for about a year. Most of these stories were taken from his bloggs but they are before I started reading it. As I sat and waited on him to show (I was extremely early, never been to book signing before) I thought I would just look through the book. Was pulled through the book at an alarming rate. I have always been a fast reader but the book needs to be good too. This book was more than good, it was ubergood. I am a year or two younger than Wil and a lot of the experiences in this book reminded me of my own life. It is the simple things that make life interesting and worth living. When he arrived he read some of the book and it was hilarious. The three initials WFS are burned into my brain. I am looking forward to his next book Just a Geek and think that his writing is just getting better and better. I strongly recommend this book.
Rating: Summary: Excellent. Review: Newcomers to Wheaton's work or faithful followers of his blog will enjoy this book equally. Wheaton has a true knack for bringing his readers into his life and feelings; the book has a sense of honesty and self-awareness that is rarely found in today's literary world. This is a fast read that I highly recommend. Ignore my cliche, but it made me both laugh and cry--and I immediately passed the book along to my father.
Rating: Summary: Touching, hilarious look at life through Wil's eyes Review: Ah, the former child star. So many have grown to become dysfunctional adults that it's become a stereotype. It's the fodder of many an "E! True Holywood Story."Wil Wheaton achieved huge success as a young adult. He starred in the movie "Stand by Me" with River Phoenix, and became an even bigger star as Wesley Crusher in "Star Trek: The Next Generation." And, like some child stars, acting roles became fewer as the child becomes an adult. And instead of imploding, Wil found a new career for himself in the computer industry. In 2001, Wil created the web site Wil Wheaton.net, and in doing so created one of the most popular web destinations on the Internet. Fans could read through Wil's web log entries and discovered a person not unlike themselves. Wil connects with his fans in a way few celebrities can duplicate. "Dancing Barefoot" are essays Wil originally wrote for WWdN. Annecdotes that are touching and frequently very funny. Fans will especially enjoy his chapter on the world of Star Trek conventions, but there's more to Wil than just acting or Star Trek. It is this connection with fans that makes "Dancing Barefoot" such a treat.
Rating: Summary: Pretty Good Review: If you've read the other reviews, you've probably noticed that a lot of them plainly admit that they gush about Wil's book because he's "one of us." But I personally put more stock in comments such as, "he's a very compelling writer." So the question is, is he? The answer I have for you is this: if you can rip out the sentimental, sugary 4th story -- which is only 2 pages long -- it's a fine, fine book. That story, titled "We Close Our Eyes," is cliche and hamfisted. But even it reveals some talent: Wil paints a picture well. He might make a good screenwriter. What about the rest of the stories? Yeah, there is a bit of cliche, rosy-colored-glasses fawning over his lost youth (sigh), but he does have a talent for words. I actually cried a little as I finished the first story, and it didn't feel cheap, as if he'd deliberately tried to get that reaction. Instead, it felt like I had read something real, and persuasive, and I felt genuinely affected by what I read. The Spongebob Vegaspants story is much hyped, and doesn't fail to entertain. But there are also parts that tire me. For example, after William Shatner snubs Wil Wheaton, Wil talks to someone about it, and that person says nasty things about Shatner. Then Wil talks to someone else, who also says nasty things about Shatner. Then Wil talks to someone else, on an on, each person taking a pot-shot at Shatner. In the end, after Wil has written about how 10-15 of his friends think Shatner is a jerk, I had to wonder: am I reading a funny story or an attempt at character assassination? I was able to get through it, and there really IS a great story in there. But it took a bit of effort to overlook the more petty parts. I found the parts about his comedy sketch and going on the Star Trek ride to be much more deep and meaningful. I want to conclude with a comment to Wil, because I know he'll read this someday. Celebrities are often surrounded by fans and yes-men. It can be difficult to get a fair assessment in such an environment. But I want to be straight and honest here: Wil, you are a young writer, inexperienced, and I can see that when I read this book. But I can also see a huge wealth of talent nearly brimming over. Hone your craft. If you do, the books you write in the future could be astonishingly good. You ARE a very compelling writer.
Rating: Summary: Don't waste your time! Review: Wil Wheaton's book is an absolute waste of time, as is his website and everything about him in general. The book alternates between sappy stories about his family to his "adventures" as a celebrity has-been. I highly suggest you avoid this book unless you are a very geeky democrat who has no social life whatsoever. Absolutely sickening read.
Rating: Summary: A mighty fine book with funny and touching tales. Review: I have to admit, I love Star Trek the Next Generation, but didn't warm up to the Wesley Crusher character until got to know Wil Wheaton a little through his website.... Wil is a very funny, interesting, thoughful person with a fantastic wit, and an approachable writing style. "Dancing Barefoot" is a fantastic work, filled with interesting moments from a very interesting life. I laughed my guts out many times while reading Wil's book, and other times found myself in tears. If you haven't read this book. you should. This book is a positive addition to anyone's life.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Quick Read Review: I bought this book because wil was coming to Portland to do a reading and book signing. I have to say not only is this book a fabulous read...endearing, quick & funny...but wil is just as wonderful in person. In his stories and while he's reading you feel for him, laugh with him, and want to cry in all the right places. I am so excited for "Just a Geek" to be published, this was a wonderful teaser and everyone should pick this book up. Little Wesley has grown up and become a great author!
Rating: Summary: Uncle Willie's the man! Review: Ok, so I found Wil's site via a webcomic (kungfool) and I've read his blog. He's hilarious and geeky, just like me. When I found out he was writing not just one but two books, I nearly flipped. I bought this book originally through his Monolith Press publishing company, and boy am I happy I did. I love this book. The stories, although they are from the blog, are just hilarious and seem even better in dead tree format. The only complaint I have it that it was just too short. But, I guess it's a better that way. Now, I can't wait for "Just a Geek" to come out. If you're not a fan of Wil's, get the book anyway. He's really endearing in his writing, and funny too. If you're still not sure, just go read his blog. I guarantee you'll want to read the book after that.
Rating: Summary: Wil Wheaton's 1st Book???!! Review: Wil Wheaton writes like he has been writing books forever (in a sense, this is true because of his weblog at [local website]). Wil Wheaton is a great writer and writes events in his book like I was actually there witnessing all of these 5 stories. Wil gives vivid descriptions of locations and people, he is a true writer. Wil is a talented actor/writer/comedian. I would recommend this book to anyone! Wil Wheaton is my role model, he is a great person. -Zack Shutt ... Farmington Utah
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