ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM WATCHING STAR TREK

by Dave Marinaccio ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 3, 1994

Wit and wisdom for intelligent life forms who have gotten past kindergarten. For generations of Trekkies, Star Trek TV episodes, movies, and books are nothing less than scripture. With ad man Marinaccio's light-heavyweight collection of down-to-earth essays, the cult of the faithful has gained a new theologian and exegete. If a viewer is unsure of what an episode, character, or turn of plot in Star Trek really means, this short, sweet book will explain the intention of Gene Roddenberry (the series' Moses) and show how to apply the show's wisdom to life. Captain Kirk is the author's dominant lodestar for ethical and business success, a blend of good soldier and bold innovator. The captain always checks in with Staffleet Command and delegates responsibility when he beams down off the ship, and he is people-oriented enough to get the most out of the all-too-human Dr. McCoy and the half-human Mr. Spock. Marinaccio feels that leadership sometimes requires breaking the rules, as Captain Kirk ignores the Prime Directive (not to interfere with any civilization they explore) when ethical imperatives are involved. Marinaccio doesn't forget that this is a spoof on other advice books and that Star Trek is merely popular entertainment -- no matter how much the writers borrowed from Shakespeare. The author's advertising career occasionally takes us off the bridge of the Enterprise (as does one skydiving diversion), but the book makes up for this with some insights into the enduring appeal of the Star Trek phenomenon. A delightful mix of satire and inspiration, nostalgia for a time when William Shatner could still pull in his gut, and patient optimism for the talent and moral vision of ""the Next Generation.

Pub Date: June 3, 1994

ISBN: 0517883864

Page Count: 128

Publisher: Crown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1994

Categories: NONFICTION