The Hologram's Handbook (Star Trek Voyager) (Paperback)

by Robert Picardo (Author), Jeff Yagher (Illustrator) "I suppose I must define my terms for the benefit of those who've never encountered a hologram..." (more)
Key Phrases: organic readers, sentient hologram, mobile emitter, Tom Paris, Lieutenant Carey, Lieutenant Torres (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Do you sometimes feel that you're the only intelligent one in the room? Does the everyday "simplicity" of your fellows scream out to you? Do you ever feel that everything would fly apart at the seams if not for your presence?

We all know how difficult it can be to deal with the solids in our lives, but no one knows that better than I. You see, I have spent seven years tirelessly serving aboard the Starship Voyager™ as chief medical officer, to name just my primary assignment; enumerating all the others would require another tome. Let me help you cope with the three-dimensional being in your life.

The Hologram's Handbook is the essential guide to the everyday interaction between the holographic and biological. Written with the dry wit and humor that he brought to the portrayal of the Doctor, Robert Picardo shows why his character was so popular with the Voyager audience.

About the Author
Robert Picardo's acting career spans twenty-five years of Broadway, movie, and television roles. A Yale graduate, Mr. Picardo is especially remembered for his work on the Emmy®-winning series China Beach (as Dr. Richard) and The Wonder Years (as Mr. Cutlip). He is grateful for his long association with Voyager's EMH, through which he has developed from a mere actor into a poly-hyphenate: actor-director-author-collectible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 84 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (April 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743437918
• ISBN-13: 978-0743437912
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #813,611 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Robert Picardo's Reign of Authorship, April 14, 2002

By	"ensignabby" (Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews

This book was wonderful. As soon as I started reading it I could not put it down. Robert's charming humor is quite evident and makes the book an easy read. If you were to pass by me when I was reading this book, you probably would have heard a few giggles. It has everything you need to know about the Doctor, and the book is a great insight into his soul. It answered many questions that I have had ever since I started watching his character on Star Trek Voyager, like his thoughts of other members of the crew, how he views himself, and exactly when he had that..um..'addition' to his programming.It also appeals to fans of different levels of obsession, and each person is bound to find a personal favorite chapter. I feel like I have a better understanding of him and love him all the more for it. The Foreward by Brannon Braga was hilarious and does indeed show the playful side of Robert us fans have all come to love. And the cartoons drawn by Yagher are a nice touch. In conclusion, if you have ever stopped and watched Star Trek Voyager and said 'What's up with the Doctor?', this book is for you. If you watch Voyager every single day no matter what time it is on and have said 'I love the Doctor. He's so hot', then the book is for you as well. :) This book is for anyone who has stopped and enjoyed the Doctor's immense character. Happy reading! And might I add: 'The Doctor and Seven of Nine Forever!' and 'Holograms are people too!' :)

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ST-Voyager: The Hologram's Handbook, May 14, 2002

By	Joe Zika "Khemprof" (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Star Trek Voyager: The Hologram's Handbook by Robert Picardo is written with the distinctive flair of the "Doctor" of the Star Trek Voyager series. The little tome is packed with humor, wit and down right fascinating insight into one of the series most interesting characters... the hologram program of the "Doctor".

This book is an interesting departure from all of the other books on TREK as it is a rather self expose of the "Doctor" revealed. Written by the only person who could have the knowledge and insight to do it justice the "Doctor" himself... Robert Picardo.

I found the book to be lighthearted enlightenment... something to read and get a chuckle out of. And chuckle I did. Yes, if you remember the "Doctor's" character, you'll find all of his quirks and witticisms here, or at least enough of them to make a nice reading diversion.

The book is lavishly illustrated by Jeff Yeager. You'll remember him from the Star Trek: Voyager series titled "Flesh and Blood" as Iden, the rebel leader of a band of renegade holograms.

The Hologram's Handbook is an attempt to bridge the everyday interaction between the holographic and biological life and is an essential guide.

This is a good look into the psychi of a character popular on the Voyager series. Cleverly written.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Insight, Or a Cry for Help, November 24, 2004

By	George Buttner "Agent0042" (Dayton, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Robert Picardo opens his Foreword to the book asking "Do you often feel you are the only intelligent one in a universe of idiots?" Brannon Braga, one of the executive producers of "Star Trek: Voyager," has something else to say in his introduction, that the book is "a hundred page cry for help."

All joking aside though, "The Hologram's Handbook" is truly a revealing insight into the chacter of The Doctor from "Voyager." Robert Picardo goes completely in character to write this missive that includes information on everything from "the pros and cons of hololife" to "the program upgrade of kings."

Throughout, the book is written in The Doctor's style, assured of his own superiority and yet enriched for the experiences he has had with his friends and even family. The book provides the expected background on The Doctor as well as adventures that had never been previously be revealed. The book contains images from "Star Trek: Voyager" throughout, as well as cartoon caricatures which The Doctor seems to abhor, but says his publisher felt it would help him to not appear elitist.

If you wish to know more about The Doctor, then pick up "The Hologram's Handbook" today. Or, if you're a holographic reader who hopes to improve your well-being and social skills, simply download it onto the nearest padd and prepare to be enlightened.