Book 12: The Star Trek Reader II

The Star Trek Reader II

James Blish

 Released: January 1st, 1977

 (Was originally written March 23rd, 2023)

Book #12 complete for the year.

I love the original Star Trek.  I have seen all the episodes, seen all the movies, and read several of the movie novelizations (if you have never read The Wrath of Khan in book form, I suggest you go check it out.  It might change the way you think Khan as he is a lot more vicious and punishing).  When I worked in radio, I would even go into the production studio and try to recreate Kirk’s famous “Boldly Go” speech.  

This book was a collection of 19 episodes from the original series in novel form.  I enjoyed reading it.  The story that stood out the most to me was “Journey to Babel”.  So well written and exceptional in literary form.

Some general notes:

- The Kirk-Spock-McCoy dynamic is one of the greatest trio’s ever committed to film, book, etc.

- “Journey to Babel” is an excellently written story.  I highly recommend both the story and the episode.

- Kirk’s leadership is effective and straightforward.  His ability to diffuse tense situations is on full display in “Journey to Babel”.

- “Gentlemen, As Ambassador Sarek pointed out, this is not the Council Chamber on Babel.  I’m aware the admission of Coridan is a highly debatable issue, but you can’t solve it here.”

- “Whatever arguments you have among yourselves are your business.  My business is running this ship — and as long as I command it, there will be order.”

- I feel the real world could take a lesson or two from these quotes as opposed to the emotionally driven self-righteousness that has seemed to plague the modern generation.  Not everything has to be contested constantly.  Sometimes you need patience and restraint.

- Random Thought: You would really necessitate having nerves of steel to serve on a starship.  When alien species attack you, the lights go out, alarms go off, Strange phenomena going on — you’re literally tempting fate and could die without knowing it is going to happen

- A lot of people criticize the original Star Trek for having lower production values.  Special Effects were not the best at the time, and so long term, people remember that.  The stories however, are some of the best ever written.  Reading these episodes in novelized form was absolutely astounding.  I hope to pick up the other 3 books and read the rest of the series after this.

On to Book 13: Wayne Gretzky - 99 Stories of the Game