To The Stars

The Autobiography of Star Trek's Mr. Sulu

By: George Takei

Narrated by: George Takei

Length: 3 hrs

Publisher's summary

Best known as Mr. Sulu, helmsman of the Starship Enterprise and Captain of the Starship Excelsior, George Takei is beloved by millions as part of the command team that has taken audiences to new vistas of adventure in Star Trek, the unprecedented television and feature film phenomenon.

From the program's birth in the changing world of the 1960s and death at the hands of the network, to its rebirth in the hearts and minds of loyal fans, the Star Trek story has blazed its own path into our recent cultural history, leading to a series of blockbuster feature films and three new versions of Star Trek for television.

The Star Trek story is one of boundless hope and crushing disappointment, wrenching rivalries and incredible achievements. It is also the story of how, after nearly 30 years, the cast of characters from a unique but poorly rated television show have come to be known to millions of Americans and people around the world as family.

For George Takei, the Star Trek adventure is intertwined with his personal odyssey through adversity in which four-year-old George and his family were forced by the United States government into internment camps during World War II.

Star Trek means much more to George Takei than an extraordinary career that has spanned 30 years. For an American whose ideals faced such a severe test, Star Trek represents a shining embodiment of the American Dream, the promise of an optimistic future in which people from all over the world contribute to a common destiny.

©1994 George Takei (P)2004 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"This lively memoir reveals the author's upbeat but pragmatic nature." (Publishers Weekly)

To the Stars by a Star

This book is so well written and well narrated. Mr. Takei has the knack to write as if he is talking with you. You feel every bit of emotion that he went through. I definitely recommend it to all.

Loved this book but why only abridged?

What made the experience of listening to To The Stars the most enjoyable?

Listening to Takei is always a pleasure. Listening to Takei talk about his life is fascinating. This is a well written and captivating memoir. My only complaint is that the audible version is a mere 3 hour abridged version. Mr. Takei, please publish an unabridged version!

Who was your favorite character and why?

George Takei as this is his memoir.

Which scene was your favorite?

Many of the scenes relating to Star Trek, especially with regards to William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When his family was sent to their first detention camp/prison and then again when they were sent to an even worse detention camp/prison.

Any additional comments?

Great read. You don't have to be a Star Trek fan to appreciate Mr. Takei's family history as a Japanese-American during World War II. And he provides fascinating stories that relate how hard it is to be an actor. Most surprising is the political work he has accomplished. Well done!

Pretty interesting.

What did you like best about To The Stars? What did you like least?

I liked the Star Trek trivia. Obviously there is much more to Mr. Takei's life than Star Trek, so there were a lot of other memories recounted here, but honestly it was the Star Trek stuff that I bought the book for.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character? It's an autobiography.

What aspect of George Takei’s performance would you have changed?

I know a lot of people like Mr. Takei's voice, but I personally find it kind of abrasive and monotone to listen to in the long run.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

Any additional comments?

Pales in comparison to Walter Koenig's book; I think Koenig has more literary talent and ability to capture an audience.

Humour would have made the less interesting parts of his story much more palatable.

Too short

Really interesting, and not just for fans of Star Trek. Mr. Takei has a great voice, and a really good attitude. The only downfall is that it is abridged.

A delightful snack but I want more

Apparently you can only get the 3 hour abridgement in audio book format. It's a deep pleasure to hear Mr Takei narrate his own book but it's a breezy, rapid overview of his life and career with obvious emphasis on his Star Trek experiences. I wish i could hear the unabridged story and more about his diverse productions and more behind the scenes.

short but interesting

was glad to hear it read from the author as he has a great voice and added all the appropriate emphasis and mannerisms, but it just seemed short

I don't have the paper book for comparison but it seems like the audio should have been at least twice as long since he had such a diverse & interesting past

Hikaru Sulu

I adore George Takei. My wife took me to see him speak at the Mondavi Center a couple of years ago. He is just wonderful. If they would put James Doohan’s autobiography on Audible, I could listen to all of them.

very well done enjoyed it very much

very well read. and written I enjoyed it and listened to its entirety in one day

Only Wish It Was Not Abridged

I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Takei's story (even learned how to properly pronounce his name). I may at some point buy the written book for the full story. I have read the written books "I am Spock" by Leonard Nimoy, "Beyond Uhura" by Nichelle Nichols, and now have listened to this autobiography by George Takei. What I found interesting across the books is that Nimoy, Nichols, and Takei all have similar recollections (not so positive) about how William Shatner treated his fellow co-workers and how he always had to be number one in everything, even to the point of stealing lines or scenes from them.

I just wish it wasn't abridged.

George Takei does a masterful job narrating. But it would be a lot better if the audiobook wasn't abridged.