Spoilers The Autobiography of James T. Kirk by David A. Goodman Discussion and Review

[JWolf]

The Autobiography of James T. Kirk by David A. Goodman
September 11, 2015

Blurb
The Autobiography of James T. Kirk chronicles the greatest Starfleet captain's life (2233–2371), in his own words. From his birth on the U.S.S. Kelvin, his youth spent on Tarsus IV, his time in the Starfleet Academy, his meteoric raise through the ranks of Starfleet, and his illustrious career at the helm of the Enterprise, this in-world memoir uncovers Captain Kirk in a way Star Trek fans have never seen. Kirk's singular voice rings throughout the text, giving insight into his convictions, his bravery, and his commitment to the life—in all forms—throughout this Galaxy and beyond. Excerpts from his personal correspondence, captain's logs, and more give Kirk's personal narrative further depth.

About David A. Goodman
In addition to his books, David A. Goodman has been writing for television since 1988. His credits include The Golden Girls, Star Trek: Enterprise, Futurama (where he wrote the Nebula Award nominated Star Trek homage "Where No Fan Has Gone Before"), and Family Guy where he was head writer for six years. He lives in Los Angeles, CA with his family.

 

[hbquikcomjamesl]

I found it disappointing, and found the Picard "autobiography" to be only a minor improvement. So disappointing, in fact, that this is probably the first "below average" rating I've ever given a ST book, and the only reason it didn't get a "poor" is because it's not even remotely in the same category as, say, something Marshak & Culbreath wrote.

It read as if Goodman was going out of his way to contradict everything else that had ever been written about Kirk's youth.

I was much more optimistic when I heard that an experienced ST novelist (albeit with no other VOY titles to her credit) was doing the Janeway "autobiography," and was delighted with what Ms. McCormack came up with.

 

[Christopher]

It read as if Goodman was going out of his way to contradict everything else that had ever been written about Kirk's youth.

I don't see why that matters. It's never been required for Trek tie-ins to conform to a single continuity with one another, and I consider their freedom to explore different takes on the same idea to be part of their strength. It can be worthwhile to explore how the same concept can be developed in different ways.

Look at how many different versions there are of Superman's or Batman's or Spider-Man's or the Frankenstein Monster's origin story. Why can't Jim Kirk have more than one origin story?

 

[F. King Daniel]

I was very disappointed. I wanted a warts and all, tell all biog not a stately presidential tome. It could have been so much sheer fun!

And I hated how Star Trek V was treated.

Maybe I need to wait for The Autobiography of Yeoman Rand.

 

[JonnyQuest037]

I really enjoyed it! Goodman did some clever things like young Jim's encounter with the Tellarite crash survivor, Kirk and Gary Mitchell being a part of the shuttlecraft accident that led to the Kovoord Starburst being banned, how Bones got his nickname, and how Kirk and McCoy first bonded.

I was personally disappointed to find out that Goodman wouldn't be writing the upcoming Spock biography. I enjoyed his version of the ST Universe.

 

[Tosk]

I quite enjoyed it. Except for the ST5 chapter.

 

[JD]

I read this a while back, so I don't have many clear memories of it, other than that I really enjoyed it, so I voted Outstanding.
I do remember that I found the whole The Final Frontier thing hilarious, and that I liked how he handled things like Kirk's friendship with Gary Mitchell and his relationship with Carol Marcus. I haven't read My Brother's Keeper, or Inception, so I went into this with no previous versions of those two relationships to compare it's versions to.

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

I enjoyed it, even the TFF retcon in the book. Got to see Shatner read the first chapter or so at SDCC 2015. Also, I got a copy before it hit shelves, which Shatner signed after the reading.

My most meta possession.

 

[Tosk]

Said before, and will be again...but they should really get Shatner to do this as an audiobook before it's too late.
And while they're on it, get Andrew Robinson to do one for A Stitch in Time. C'moooooon man!

 

[JWolf]

I've been reading this since I've not yet fully read it. I've read the first three chapters and so far I am liking it.