The Longest Trek: My Tour of the Galaxy

Rating:
Summary: A moving and inspiring book
Review: I am a long time Star Trek fan who bought this book because I have had the honor of meeting Ms. Whitney at a couple of conventions, and she has impressed me with her warmth and wit. I read this book in a single sitting because I could not put it down. Unlike the other Trek memoirs I've read, this one focuses not on a TV series, but on the incredible story of a woman's fight to find peace with God and herself. This book is a must read for anyone who has ever experienced tragedy, loss of self esteem, or addiction. The one thing that concerns me most is that I feel too many people will look on this as just another Star Trek book when its audience should be far greater than just Trek fans. The author has bared her soul in an attempt to help others, and the courage that must have taken is awe-inspiring. Bravo, Grace Lee!

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable Book
Review: I enjoyed this book, but I am having a difficult time deciding how much. It certainly was one of the more interesting and truthful ones, as far as autobiographical information goes. It was not however, one of my favorites, as far the Star Trek Alumni Biographies go. George Takei's and Walter Koenig's take the top two spots there. Her battle for sobriety was forthright and made for good reading. I can't really buy into her claims to have had visions from God, although I do believe that SHE believes them. Whether that affects the overall "rating" for the book, I guess you will have to decide for yourself. Otherwise, I found her forthrightness to be a refreshing aspect, although the writing here is not quite up to par.
She does vididly describe her Star Trek experiences and those since, and finally reveals the truth behind her departure from the show (a really stupid mistake on the producers part; Yeoman Rand would have continued to add a lot to the series). Overall, the book was a worthwhile read, and most people won't be disappointed, but you might find books from the other Star Trek Alumni to be better written.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book to Help Alcoholics & Substance Abuse
Review: I found this author's openness "amazing." The story of the original Star Trek is very little because the author kept the story line mostly "about her life", her ideology and personal affairs more than about Star Trek. Star Trek is used as a vehicle to tell her story of alcohol, sex, drugs, religion, recovery and survival; which makes it an Important book for anyone who is suffering from addictions. I found the book educational about what one goes through when in the throes of addiction; i.e., dry drunk where alcohol is replaced by pot, medical issues about circulation in the legs, etc. from alcohol and drug abuse, etc. I find the story of her ex-husbands being able to railroad and take her to the cleaners financially very informative and a "wake up call" to others in a similar situation, meaning, being drunk or stoned blinds one and makes a person a victim to those who are opportunists. I found the recovery part of the book great -- the author's lifelong longing to feel connected, loved and accepted by those she likes and respects and she finally feels all this when with the actors in the AA meeting she'll finally attend and accept sobriety. This is a wonderful thing she shared with us readers as many in our society do feel this same sense of longing. The author also showed an iron will throughout her life, which I'm sure is why she was able to survive such a tragic, horrific life of abuse. It's a good read, well written and one I'd recommend to those who learn and grow from another's experiences, i.e., marrying someone without really knowing their attitudes about women. The first ex-husand in this book is a great example. His looks, talent, being in the music industry became more the author's focus than him being from a background that is known for their horrific neglect of women and total male authority over women. And, the second ex-husband is a great lesson in that a person can go over the edge when an alcoholic or drug addict when getting involved with someone who is one also. There is much to gain from reading this book when one is struggling with abuse of any kind, whether it's emotional neglect, men with anger outbursts in marriage, to women who marry not really knowing the other person, to those afflicted with addictions. Gradulations Grace Whitney for baring all to us. You've had an amazing life.