If you wish you could be a famous actor like Wil Wheaton, after reading this book you might understand that being a famous actor is not all cracked up to be. This is a guy who has had a hit movie and a hit TV show. Not many actors can claim one of each, and yet, he suffers the life of a “has been” and doesn’t enjoy the riches we all think famous actors of hit stuff enjoy for a lifetime.
Wow. This guy has impressed me with his brutally honest autobiography. I don’t have the chutzpah to say half the things I would love to say and the things on my mind are about people you never heard of. Not for Wheaton. The people and industry he speaks of are the people you and I are likely to have heard of. It’s the kind of stuff that could get you kicked out of Hollywood for good. If Hollywood turns its back on him, I’ll be standing behind him and I’m no groupie.
Sure, I’ve seen most of the ST:TNG episodes thanks to hubby, the Star Trek show fan. Sure, I admit writing a few fan letters in my lifetime. Heck, I even tried to email Wheaton asking if I could do an interview with him, but he has yet to write back. That’s OK. Many, many don’t respond to my interview queries and I just move to the next person on my list.
Why would anyone want to read an autobio about a guy on a couple of hit shows who is a blogger? I can’t answer that, but I can tell ya it is great reading. The people who would like this book are geeks, bloggers, Star Trek fans, famous people fans, actor wanna-bes, parents with step-kids, and Shatner haters.
Despite his being celebrity, he’s a guy who faces problems many of us do. Financial, a difficult ex who is no help with the kids, balancing a career and family, and finding the right job. I have experienced all of these (except the ex factor). Oh yeah, he had a moment when he felt like the invisible person. That happened to me… too many danged times.
His writing style is candid, conversational and comes across like a friend who is talking to you. Since he and I are parents, must mention that he uses a few cuss words. If you like his blog writings, you’ll like this book – without question. However, if you’ve read every blog entry he has done, you’ve read most of this book. Furthermore, if you’ve read Dancing Barefoot, you’ve caught about a chapter’s worth of this book.
Trek fans, don’t expect an entire book on his life as Wesley. Wheaton, the actor fans, don’t expect an entire book about acting although it covers a bit. WWdN, you’re getting exactly what you see in his blog.
Reading this book was a quick and wonderful read. I happened to be hospitalized (twice) for part of it and it helped me smile when it was difficult.
He might be famous and a hotshot blogger, but he has lived through many things you and I have, too. That’s what makes the book a delight. This review may sound like one from a groupie, but my responsibility is to readers not to Wheaton. My only disappointment was “re-reading” the “Saga of Spongebob Vegaspants” since this was already covered in Dancing Barefoot.
Title: Just a Geek
Author: Wil Wheaton
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 059600768X
Date: June 2004
Format: Paperback
Pages: 296
Cover Price (of course, it’s marked down): USD$24.95
CDN: 36.95
UK: 15.95
3 thoughts on “Just a Geek”
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I’m really surprised to see an article done on this very talented actor, Wil Wheaton. I frequent WilWheaton.net from time to time and have posted on it a few times myself. Even though Wil is getting back on the screen more often lately, I’m really surprised (and befuddled) that he don’t get more parts. Perhaps it’s because he don’t measure up to what the snobs in Hollywood think he should be. But what I do know is that he is a down to earth person and don’t look down on the “little guys.” Yes Wil is a down to earth guy, with down to earth problems. I think his biggest down-fall is his self image. Honestly, he’s really down on himself, his self-esteem is almost rock bottom and he kicks himself for all the “little things” that everyone is guilty of. But at least he has a good sense of humor about it all, as you will see in his writings on his web site. He’s a real deep thinker, somewhat a philosopher, and a comic all rolled up into one.
Now if Hollywood would get off their duffs and give him credit where credit is due, perhaps we’ll see even more of Wil Wheaton in the short future. I can only hope……