Up Till Now

The Autobiography

By: William Shatner, David Fisher

Narrated by: William Shatner

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

After almost sixty years as an actor, William Shatner has become one of the most beloved entertainers in the world. And it seems as if Shatner is everywhere. In Up Till Now, Shatner sits down with listeners and offers the remarkable, full story of his life and explains how he got to be, well, everywhere.

It was the original Star Trek series, and later its films, that made Shatner instantly recognizable, called by name—or at least by Captain Kirk's name—across the globe. But Shatner neither began nor has ended his career with that role. From the very start, he took his skills as an actor and put them to use wherever he could. He straddled the classic world of the theater and the new world of television, whether stepping in for Christopher Plummer in Shakespeare's Henry V or staring at "something on the wing" in a classic episode of The Twilight Zone. And since then, he's gone on to star in numerous successful shows, such as T.J. Hooker, Rescue 911,and Boston Legal.

William Shatner has always been willing to take risks for his art. What other actor would star in history's first—and probably only—all-Esperanto-language film? Who else would share the screen with thousands of tarantulas, release an album called Has Been, or film a racially incendiary film in the Deep South during the height of the civil rights era? And who else would willingly paramotor into a field of waiting fans armed with paintball guns, all waiting for a chance to stun Captain...er, Shatner?

In this touching and very funny autobiography, William Shatner's Up Till Now reveals the man behind these unforgettable moments, and how he's become the worldwide star and experienced actor he is today.

"It is now Bill Shatner's universe—we just live in it."---New York Daily News

©2008 William Shatner and David Fisher (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Shatner's sincerity, honesty, and heightened sense of humor all come across at warp speed in this entertaining memoir.” —Publishers Weekly

“Shatner makes you feel like he's sitting out on the balcony with you, sharing a cigar and waxing nostalgic.” —The Oregonian

“That rare celebrity autobiography that's as entertaining as it is self-revealing, a genuinely fun read.” —The Dallas Morning News

Definately worth a listen ...

Really entertaining read. Enjoyed every minute. My ONLY negative criticism would be that Shatner's extremely well known speech cadence sometimes gets in the way of actually HEARING the story. On headphones it's fine ... in the car, it's necessary to mess with the volume knob all the time. Other than that ... I loved it and am still amazed at the life he's led.

Very Enjoyable

What a wonderful and interesting life William Shatner has lead. This audio book was thoroughly enjoyable. Having him narrate the book made it so much more meaningful and real. This book is a must if you are a William Shatner fan.

Great Story Teller!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

He kept me interested in the book from the very beginning of the book! He know how to tell a good story! He has also an entertaining voice to keep you interested in the book. Worth

What about William Shatner’s performance did you like?

His story telling skills

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Take every opportunity that comes to you

Any additional comments?

Worth listening to!

Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!

What did you love best about Up Till Now?

William Shatner is a joy! He was so candid about his life - good and bad - his feelings and why events turned out as they did. He took credit where he should have and blame when it was his fault. It is funny and refreshing.

What other book might you compare Up Till Now to and why?

It was a little like Rob Lowe's autobiography. Both guys told it like it was and it is amazing how many people they have interacted with and could tell stories about.

Which scene was your favorite?

Loved his stories about the horses.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh mostly, although it was very touching when he talked about his love for his wife and her suicide.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this one highly. Even if you don't know much about Shatner, he will feel like a good friend at the end of the book!

Bill Shatner is Priceless

What did you love best about Up Till Now?

What a fascinating life and so well told by the man himself. Hilariously funny with mini commercials smack in the middle of his thoughts. I laughed out loud many times.

Loved every minute !

Excellently read. Poignant. A load of laughs. Honest. Shatner is an amazing man, an inspiration.

Interesting

Good content and very interesting
Shatner is a pretty good reader but he tends to whisper at times making him difficult to hear

A fully realized exploration of "Poe's Law"

Up Until Now accurately simulates the experience of being trapped broken elevator in one-sided conversation with William Shatner for 10 hours. Shatner's stories have the rhythm of free form beat poetry, meandering through Shatner's over-sense of self, lit through his mind's prism. From his refractions, Shatner attempts to tell his life story. Surprisingly, it's fantastic, and has a brilliance that's never seems quite intentional.

I was recommended it by brother to which my reaction was a resounding "Eh" as I wouldn't describe myself as fan of Shatner.... but when he mentioned the audiobook was narrated by Shatner, I was sold. It's probably one of the fully most realized explorations "Poe's Law" where the parodying and lines of reality are blurred. Between William's tendency to self-plug as an oft-joke (yet, it's not really a joke) and jumping between pivotable life events, you actually get a much more interesting read than a usual straight linear biography. It's funny, sad, serious, self-aggrandizing and mocking. I enjoyed it probably more than I should have...

Loved it!

One of my favorites! Amazing depth and insight into William Shatner life! This is a must read!

Shatman!!

One of the best. Bios I’ve consumed Made me love Mr Shatner even more! What amazing human