Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano
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Quick Summary:
Wil Wheaton is an extremely talented writer and actor. I was first introduced to him through his role on the Big Bang Theory. Over the years, I learned more about him through his blog, his web series TableTop, listening to It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton, listening to his story on PsychCentral’s podcast “Should You Cut Ties with Your Parents?, and then his book Still Just a Geek! This book explores Wil’s experience of growing up in the movie/tv industry, his traumatic childhood, his chosen family, mental health, and individual growth.
The Review:
Wil Wheaton is an amazing author. Reading his book was like talking to a friend that was giving me advice and pointers to help me live my best life. Like Wil, I had a traumatic childhood, I was in a career that harmed but also shaped me, I struggle with living with my mental health, and I am always trying to be a better person than I was the day before. This book resonated with me. I needed to hear that you can say and do things in your younger days that were wrong, and you can grow to be a better person by putting in the work and correcting yourself.
There were times in this book that I wanted to give young Wil Wheaton a hug. I felt so badly for the traumatic and terrible events that he had to endure. A father that doesn’t accept and love him, a mother that uses him for her own benefit, a brother that is no longer a part of his life. So many people in the film/tv industry (and his mom and dad) let young Wil down continually. However, he eventually figured out that his Star Trek family loves him and cares about him dearly. I know it’s not the same as having your own parents that should be there for you no matter what, but I’m glad he had some adultier adults looking out for him. I enjoyed listening to the stories of his Star Trek family showing their love, commitment, engagement, and joy with Wil. It was stupendous to see Wil rekindle those relationships after some time of drifting alone after he left Star Trek. His once toxic relationship with Star Trek was reformed into mostly positive memories and associations with his role as Wesley on the Enterprise. I adored how Wil now loves going to cons and discussing Star Trek with all of the geeks. I was delighted watching Wil transform his thinking of I hate Wesley Crusher to I AM WESLEY CRUSHER, HERE ME ROAR! Well maybe it wasn’t that extreme, but his fondness now of his role in Star Trek many moons ago was nice. Maybe I’ll be there one day when I think back on my teaching experience.
Unfortunately, Wil’s adults treated him as a commodity to be used instead of a child to be loved. He didn’t have a say in things that he wanted and didn’t want to do. If he made a mistake, he was punished for it. It took a huge mental toll on him. Continually wanting the love and acceptance of his father, Wil was constantly trying to do things that he thought his father would approve of. Wil, it’s not your fault. I’m saying that as much for you, as I am for me. His mother gaslighted him a lot. She simply would not listen and didn’t do what was best for Wil. He was just a kid. It’s not a kid’s job to support their family. It’s a kid’s job to find what interests them and pursue that love and passion, all while being supported by their adults. I am glad that he has a good relationship with his sister, Amy, and that she supports Wil. He also had extraordinary aunts that gave Wil a safe space as a child. I know she wasn’t family, but to his 7th grade teacher that encouraged Wil to be a writer, way to go! He listened eventually!
Wil’s mental health was important for me to read right now. I am struggling with my own, fighting PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Hey Wil, we have that in common, too! He is successfully living his life to the best of his ability. He has a spectacular wife, two children, many pets, a house, and he can pay his bills. He still struggles, but there is a hope he has that is infectious. I liked hearing that Wil finds joy in his life now. I honestly want that. He goes to therapy, takes his brain pills, and continues to work on himself every day. Wil mentions advice that one of his runner friends told him in the group chat. When you don’t want to do something, ask yourself if future you will appreciate whatever that thing is you need to do. He talks about how he runs because future Wil, will live a happier longer life. He eats healthier because future Wil needs that. Also, he is on a REALLY healthy diet. I think he said he lost 35 pounds. This year I’ve made a lot of changes to my diet as well and have lost about 30 pounds! Need to keep going! Cholesterol is down, weight is down, and blood pressure is down for both of us! Doing the dishes that are left in the sink? DO THEM… You will need that spoon for a bowl of cereal at 1am! I appreciated how Wil made his mental health accessible to all. He has absolutely no shame as having mental health issues can be so debilitating and full of stigma. Wil works so hard to connect to others, share his experience, and help others like me feel not so alone.
This is what really I wanted to discuss. Wil’s growth throughout his life is impressive. In memoirs or autobiographies, writers tend to polish their words so much, that they don’t discuss their life mistakes, their word usage, and they always try to make themselves the hero of the story (I mean who wants to read something and NOT be inspired?). Wil OWNS his mistakes of harmful words and jokes that are in poor taste. Whenever he apologized and corrected his youthful mistakes, I couldn’t help but think of some of my biggest mistakes I’ve made in my life. He apologizes, he corrects his younger self (politely), and you can tell he has grown so much in his life. It’s obvious that he is comfortable being an advocate for ALL of the people. Instead of hiding from his original Just a Geek self, he put a bright ass spotlight on his mistakes and said duuuuudddddeeeee check yourself. I know you’re trying to be… edgy… but just don’t. THAT takes a big person to call yourself out like that. Kudos to you Mr. Wheaton! It gives me hope that I will stop beating myself up for my past mistakes and try to correct myself and BE BETTER every day.
Wil Wheaton is a FANTASTIC writer. He is also an AMAZING narrator. I highly recommend reading the book while listening to him narrate. He adds a flair to the reading, more tangents to his already awesome footnotes, and his emotion punched home a realness to the book. I will score this book a 4.7/5. He’s a geek, alright! I dissociated during his computer information talk (I really tried to focus, I had no idea what he was talking about, but I DID enjoy the excitement of him geeking out). I will be finding other writings and narrations by him in the future.
IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!
Up Next: The Adventurer by Mika Waltari
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