124 of 139 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty Good, August 28, 2003
This review is from: Dancing Barefoot: Five Short but True Stories About Life in the So-Called Space Age (Paperback)
If you've read the other reviews, you've probably noticed that a lot of them plainly admit that they gush about Wil's book because he's "one of us." But I personally put more stock in comments such as, "he's a very compelling writer." So the question is, is he?
The answer I have for you is this: if you can rip out the sentimental, sugary 4th story -- which is only 2 pages long -- it's a fine, fine book. That story, titled "We Close Our Eyes," is cliche and hamfisted. But even it reveals some talent: Wil paints a picture well. He might make a good screenwriter.
What about the rest of the stories? Yeah, there is a bit of cliche, rosy-colored-glasses fawning over his lost youth (sigh), but he does have a talent for words. I actually cried a little as I finished the first story, and it didn't feel cheap, as if he'd deliberately tried to get that reaction. Instead, it felt like I had read something real, and persuasive, and I felt genuinely affected by what I read.
The Spongebob Vegaspants story is much hyped, and doesn't fail to entertain. But there are also parts that tire me. For example, after William Shatner snubs Wil Wheaton, Wil talks to someone about it, and that person says nasty things about Shatner. Then Wil talks to someone else, who also says nasty things about Shatner. Then Wil talks to someone else, on an on, each person taking a pot-shot at Shatner. In the end, after Wil has written about how 10-15 of his friends think Shatner is a jerk, I had to wonder: am I reading a funny story or an attempt at character assassination? I was able to get through it, and there really IS a great story in there. But it took a bit of effort to overlook the more petty parts. I found the parts about his comedy sketch and going on the Star Trek ride to be much more deep and meaningful.
I want to conclude with a comment to Wil, because I know he'll read this someday. Celebrities are often surrounded by fans and yes-men. It can be difficult to get a fair assessment in such an environment. But I want to be straight and honest here: Wil, you are a young writer, inexperienced, and I can see that when I read this book. But I can also see a huge wealth of talent nearly brimming over. Hone your craft. If you do, the books you write in the future could be astonishingly good. You ARE a very compelling writer.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Slender book of essays a strong beginning, September 10, 2005
(...) Tracing the loss of a favorite aunt, the awkwardness of teenage attraction, moments of stepfatherhood joy in a game of hide-and-seek, and a cold walk in the rain in the heat of newlywed bliss, the first four stories are well-written, a little too saccharine, and gave me pause to wonder what I'd spent my money on. The last story, "The Saga of SpongeBob Vegas Pants, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Star Trek" made me laugh out loud in public. It is clearly the strongest entry in the book, and indeed, takes up the majority of the slender text (about 70 of its 110 pages). Wheaton's sarcasm, vulnerability, and natural agility with the written word shine through the last story, and thoroughly justifies the purchase of this book. Whether you are a Star Trek fan (which I am not, but have friends who are...), a voracious reader of memoirs or aspiring memoirist (admitted), a Gen-Xer on the precipice of your 30s (which I am), or a fan of Wheaton's Blog (which I've become), I recommend "Dancing Barefoot."
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A mighty fine book with funny and touching tales., August 22, 2003
This review is from: Dancing Barefoot: Five Short but True Stories About Life in the So-Called Space Age (Paperback)
I have to admit, I love Star Trek the Next Generation, but didn't warm up to the Wesley Crusher character until got to know Wil Wheaton a little through his website....
Wil is a very funny, interesting, thoughful person with a fantastic wit, and an approachable writing style. "Dancing Barefoot" is a fantastic work, filled with interesting moments from a very interesting life. I laughed my guts out many times while reading Wil's book, and other times found myself in tears.
If you haven't read this book. you should. This book is a positive addition to anyone's life.
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