Just a Geek

Book Description

Wil Wheaton has never been one to take the conventional path to success. Despite early stardom through his childhood role in the motion picture "Stand By Me", and growing up on television as Wesley Crusher on "Star Trek: The Next Generation", Wil left Hollywood in pursuit of happiness, purpose, and a viable means of paying the bills. In the oddest of places, Topeka, Kansas, Wil discovered that despite his claims to fame, he was at heart Just a Geek. In this, his newest book, Wil shares his deeply personal and difficult journey to find himself. You'll understand the rigors, and joys, of Wil's rediscovering of himself, as he comes to terms with what it means to be famous, or, ironically, famous for once having been famous. Writing with honesty and disarming humanity, Wil touches on the frustrations associated with his acting career, his inability to distance himself from Ensign Crusher in the public's eyes, the launch of his incredibly successful web site, wilwheaton.net, and the joy he's found in writing. Through all of this, Wil shares the ups and downs he encountered along the journey, along with the support and love he discovered from his friends and family. The stories in Just a Geek include: - Wil's plunge from teen star to struggling actor - Discovering the joys of HTML, blogging, Linux, and web design - The struggle between Wesley Crusher, Starfleet ensign, and Wil Wheaton, author and blogger - Gut-wrenching reactions to the 9-11 disaster - Moving tales of Wil's relationships with his wife, step-children, and extended family - The transition from a B-list actor to an A-list author Wil Wheaton--celebrity, blogger, and geek--writes for the geek in all of us. Engaging, witty, and pleasantly self-deprecating, Just a Geek will surprise you and make you laugh.

Customer Reviews:

Not Just A Geek, but an Author, too!.......2007-08-29

Like Mr. Wheaton's other book, I was very pleased with this one as well. I could relate to the "geekness", being a recovering geek myself.
Wonderful book.

A Peek Inside..........2007-05-13

I bought this book because I started reading Wil Wheaton's blog and some of the articles he's been writing for various internet sites and found them to be very funny. So, I thought I was going to get a funny, behind-the-scenes look at Star Trek:TNG. I didn't get that. What I got was excerps from his blog over the past 5 years or so. And it really wasn't all that funny. I actually cried (yes, cried) a lot more than I laughed. But you know what? I wasn't disappointed. It turns out to be a peek inside WW's head and his journey from seeing himself as a washed up actor to being happy being a writer, family man, and "Just a Geek." It's really a much more human story that the average person can relate to (I know I did!) instead of being a gossip-fest.

Wheaton writes in an easy, conversational style sprinkled with interesting, occasionally brilliant descriptive turns of phrase. Is he the next F. Scott Fitzgerald? Probably not. But it is an easy, enjoyable read about a guy coming to grips with his life taking a big left turn that he didn't intend to take. Even if you don't know Wil Wheaton from Adam and have never seen a Star Trek episode in your life, you will enjoy this book, because it's not about being a Trekker. It's about being a human.

Please don't shut up, Wesley!.......2007-04-01

"Just a Geek" by Wil Wheaton is an incredible book. Wil has proven himself not only a gifted actor, but a gifted writer. The book is raw and revealing. You feel every emotion right along with him. Tears well up when he does not land that role. You feel his love for his wife and stepsons. You experience the joy he finds in doing Star Trek conventions, meeting fans, and writing his blog. You will roll with laughter at the fireworks story. You see Wil, not as an untouchable Hollywood actor, but a real man, complete with all the trials, tribulations, and joys that all of us experience. My only complaint is with the foul language. This is not a book for kids, unless it is filtered by a parent, but it is a must-read, especially for the Gen Xer and Trekkie.

Hollywood is missing out, but at least we have this book.......2007-02-24

I laughed, I cried, but more than that, Wil Wheaton made me feel part of his life and shared struggles I had also experienced.

Snubbed by Hollywood execs since he quit Star Trek his audience has had to follow him via his blog or his live comedy performances. It's a big loss to the movie industry but our gain as it is unlikely he would've written such a brutally honest account of his transition from struggling actor to writer if he had still been caught up in the Hollywood madness.

I can't wait for the next book.

Good stories, not enough details..........2006-04-06

Wil is all over the map in this book, but understandably so since it's mostly expanded versions of posts from his blog and his commentary on making them. It's good material, however it doesn't go into deep enough detail in many of the stories, leaving you thinking "That's good, but is that really it?" The material could use more spicing up, or at least some deeper thoughts on the subject. He could have made the book twice as long and used smaller print without it seeming like too much, really. A for effort, B- for execution. Still, very much worth reading.

Average customer rating:

Wil Wheaton: Author!!
entertaining, thoughtful, and quite inspiring
MUST READ
really short
Slender book of essays a strong beginning

Dancing Barefoot
Wil Wheaton
Manufacturer: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0596006748

Book Description

Wil Wheaton--blogger, geek, and Star Trek: The Next Generation's Wesley Crusher--gives us five short-but-true tales of life in the so-called Space Age in Dancing Barefoot. With a true geek's unflinching honesty, Wil examines life, love, the web, and the absurdities of Hollywood in these compelling autobiographical narratives. Based on pieces first published in Wil's hugely popular blog, www.wilwheaton.net, the stories in Dancing Barefoot chronicle a teen TV star's journey to maturity and self-acceptance. Far from the usual celebrity tell-all, Dancing Barefoot is a vivid account of one man's version of that universal story, the search for self. If you've ever fallen in love, wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a Star Trek convention, or thought hard about the meaning of life, you'll find a kindred soul in the pages of Dancing Barefoot. In the process of uncovering his true geeky self, Wil Wheaton speaks to the inner geek in all of us. The stories: Houses in Motion - Memories fill the emptiness left within a childhood home, and saying goodbye brings them to life. Ready Or Not Here I Come - A game of hide-n-seek with the kids works as a time machine, taking Wil on a tour of the hiding and seeking of years gone by. Inferno - Two 15-year-olds pass in the night leaving behind pleasant memories and a perfumed Car Wars Deluxe Edition Box Set. We Close Our Eyes - A few beautiful moments spent dancing in the rain. The Saga of SpongeBob VegasPants - A story of love, hate, laughter and the acceptance of all things Trek.

Customer Reviews:

Wil Wheaton: Author!!.......2007-08-29

I was very pleased with this book. Excellent writing, but it leaves me wanting more.

entertaining, thoughtful, and quite inspiring.......2006-04-17

Dancing Barefoot is one of those books that as your reading, you take a step back and say, "oh my god I totally understand this! This was me."

The book is a collection of stories that Wil had posted on his blog and compiled together. The stories are very inspiring and Wil shows his emotions in one of the most effective ways that humans do: through his writing. I was very touched after having read Dancing Barefoot and even inspirted enough to do some writing of my own.

If you're considering whether or not you want to purchase Wheaton's book, just read his blog and within 10 minutes of reading some of his entries your mind will have been set yourself.

I loved it, and look forward to Wil's next novel.

MUST READ.......2006-03-13

Whether you are a Star Trek Fan or not, this book is worth reading. As Wil tells his stories, you feel each and every emotion. After you finish the book, you a yearning for more, so go and pick up "Just a Geek". Enjoy it- I sure did!

really short.......2005-10-25

The book is much shorter than I expected. I really enjoyed the stories though.

Slender book of essays a strong beginning.......2005-09-10

(...) 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."

Average customer rating:

Barefoot to Balanchine
Mary Kerner
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385264364
Release Date: 1991-01-01

Average customer rating:

Dancing Barefoot on Broken Glass
Leonardo Alishan
Manufacturer: Ashod Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0935102299

Average customer rating:
Matchbox 20 - Yourself or Someone like You (Popular Matching Folios)
Matchbox Twenty
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Matchbox Twenty - Mad Season

Matchbox Twenty - More Than You Think You Are

3 Doors Down - Away From the Sun

The Fray - How to Save a Life

Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams (Tab)

ASIN: 063400414X

Product Description

All 12 songs from the album, including the huge hits '3 am,' 'Push' and 'Real World,' plus: Argue Back 2 Good Busted Damn Girl like That Hang Kody Long Day Shame.

Average customer rating:

Yourself or Someone Like You
Matchbox 20 Cdpham 490912
Manufacturer: PHANTOM SOUND & VISION
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 6305252637

Average customer rating:

More Monsters, more challenge

god

I like it!

Time for an update...

MMII is not 3.5 Compliant

Monster Manual II (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.0 Fantasy Roleplaying Supplement)
Ed Bonny , Skip Williams , Jeff Grubb , Rich Redman , and Steve Winter
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Monster Manual III (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying Supplement)

Monster Manual IV (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)

Dungeon Master's Guide II (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying Supplement)

Monster Manual: Core Rulebook III (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)

Player's Handbook II (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)

ASIN: 0786928735
Release Date: 2002-09-01

Book Description

Even Greater Threats Await!

As heroes grow in power, they seek out more formidable adversaries. Whether sinister or seductive, ferocious or foul, the creatures lurking within these pages will challenge the most experienced characters of any campaign.

This supplement for the D&D game unleashes a horde of monsters to confront characters at all levels of play, including several with Challenge Ratings of 21 or higher. Inside are old favorites such as the death knight and the gem dragons, as well as all-new creatures such as the bronze serpent, the effigy, and the fiendwurm. Along with updated and expanded monster creation rules, Monster Manual II provides an inexhaustible source of ways to keep even the toughest heroes fighting and running for their lives.

To use this supplement, a Dungeon Master also needs the Player's Handbook and the Dungeon Master's Guide. A player needs only the Player's Handbook.

Customer Reviews:

More Monsters, more challenge.......2007-03-23

As with most Monster Manuals, the larger more creatures you have at your finger tips, the easier it is to keep your players challenged and keep the game fun with a variety of opponents.

god.......2007-01-27

this book is very god because it has creative monsters in it. And also a lot of templents. Well worth the price.

I like it!.......2006-01-10

When I first got the book in the mail I was a TINY bit disappointed in the size, expecting a book the size of the Monster Manual 1, but when I looked through I was presently surprised. It has some very interesting new creatures (Dinosaurs, Gem Dragons, and Phoenix caught by eye when fist browsing over the Table of Contents) and the layout is great. A perfect amount of tables, neat spacing, and beautiful pictures make the book easy and fun to pick out monsters or look through when your bored. Though it does pull slightly away from the "old school" fantasy setting of goblins, orcs, knolls etcetera, it's a great book for DMs that want to make campaigns more interesting and for players intrigued by cool new monsters.

Time for an update..........2005-08-18

Some interesting new entries in the D20 universe such as the infamous gem dragons :) but the format is still 3.0e and starting to show its age, very difficult to use any of the LA's PC possible entries...

Save this purchase for last for the completisits out there after you have the MM, MMIII, and fiend folio in your collection. Actually after that I would probably recomend others still before the MMII, notably the advanced bestiary from green ronin which contains more interesting and up to date material than the aged MMII here.

MMII is not 3.5 Compliant.......2004-12-30

A good book for its time, but DMs should take note that this book is dated. Monster description blocks are not 3.5 compliant. This means that the monster's Base Attack Bonus is not clearly listed, nor is the Grapple bonus (although most Swallow Whole descriptions define this variable). Also, Damage Reduction has changed significantly, so be prepared to make some on-the-fly adjustments. Otherwise I would say that this book is very usable at all levels.

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual II

Average customer rating:

The Last Of The Original Set
Modrons Rule
Still an Essential Product
The best book for demons, devils, and interesting creatures
Worth Getting

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual II
Gary Gygax
Manufacturer: TSR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0880380314

Customer Reviews:

The Last Of The Original Set.......2007-07-09

This book harkens back to the "good old days" when playing the paper and pencil D&D used to be new and fun. It is also the last of the original manuals we purchased to play the game. There have been several reincarnations of this manual and I've thumbed through them but they just don't hold a candle to the original, despite the fancier artwork and rule changes. There are lots of new monsters to supplement the original manual and they were all done in the same style as Monster Manual 1 with black and white line drawings. I am not at all happy with the direction TSR took after Mr. Gygax was booted out (or left, can't remember which) and one big loss was the original manuals. They are now up to version 3 something of the rules but I do not even know what they are because I just play computer games now. All I know about the new rules is that multi-class characters are easier to work with. It was an exciting time, a different era. I still have this manual and will always treasure it. If you can find one, pick it up just to see how things used to be done. Highly recommended.

Modrons Rule.......2006-08-24

This is the final piece of the 1st Edition AD&D monster puzzle. Despite its age, the book still offers up several monsters that never found their way into the 3rd Edition of the game. My favorites are the Modrons from the plane of Nirvana. They are some the silliest monsters ever created, but lend a lighthearted feel that 3rd edition lacks.

Back on the serious side, the Random Encounter Tables are terrific. The tables not only list the monsters in this book, but also those in the original MM and Fiend Folio. They even have note next to each monster that indicates which book it can be found in. Very nice.

Still an Essential Product.......2000-07-08

This book has a lot of creatures that can be found no where else as well as a good look at demons and devils. While all the creatures in the first monster manual can be found in the newer versions this book is truely unique. If you ever get a chance to buy one, do so even if you already have the new monster manual.

The best book for demons, devils, and interesting creatures.......2000-05-02

Here's the most valuable compendium of advanced and extra-planar monsters in existence for AD&D. Gary Gygax's last major contribution to the menagerie includes many old favorites, most of which were expurgated or "toned down" in the later, politically correct version of the game. You get dozens upon dozens of demons, devils, undead, demodands, daemons, dragons, giants, and more; if it's evil, and fun to kill, it's here! Lots of classic illustrations, too, far superior to the later Monstrous Manual (bleah!). Find out why it's an eternal DM favorite!

Worth Getting.......1999-08-29

I have been playing AD&D for well nigh 12 years now, being in possesion of MMII since it was first published. MonsterManualII has many very interesting and usefull monsters that I coulden't imagine not using in my campaigns. Contact me at Kiaz@bellatlantic.net if you want to further discuss MonsterManualII!

Average customer rating:

Excellent reference work for outer planes adventures.
The best monster listing
A must have for true 1st edition DM's

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual II

Manufacturer: TSR Hobbies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0394534190

Customer Reviews:

Excellent reference work for outer planes adventures........1998-07-06

This is an excellent reference work for adventures set in worlds other than our own. Extremely good for higher-level characters, but lower-level characters will find most of the creatures in this book too powerful. Overall, excellent, but not a must-have for beginning DMs and players.

The best monster listing.......1998-03-17

I have to hand it to the ol' gang of early TSR. From cover to cover, this one is _packed_! Fantastic arrays of demons and devils continue after the Monster Manual with Mephistopholes, Anthraxus, and many, many more. The original Deva listing is here too! Even Charon, Boatman of the River Styx is here. *sigh* What a masterpiece!

A must have for true 1st edition DM's.......1997-11-02

Personally I think all Monster Compediums for 1st edition are indispensable but MMII is for good reason. Before I even get into the monsters the beginning of this book has charts on all character ability scores that go beyond those established in players handbook. This is invaluable when characters go beyond 18 in ability scores or when dealing with a monster of exceptional abilties. In addition to this MMII, as I like to call it, possesses some very interesting monsters,i.e. aurumvorax,aboleth,tarrasque,cloud dragon,solid devils and demons and even some good aligned creatures like the moon dog and solars and planars. Creature captions are well drawn, better than MMI, in fact I'd say the whole book is a step up in quality from Monster Manual I. Overall I'd say this is an important book for anyone interested 1st or 2nd edition AD&D.

Average customer rating:

Monster Manual II
Gary Gygax
Manufacturer: TSR, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000P0NIYU

Average customer rating:

The Monster Manual; An Informative Book
The Monster Manual; An Informative Book

Monster Manual II Handbook AD&D
Gary Gygax
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 3890840302

Customer Reviews:

The Monster Manual; An Informative Book.......2002-05-23

This is an incredibly informative manual for any die-hard D&D player, but if you do play, I would assume you have it already. If you're looking to start, this is a must-have, along with the Player's Handbook, and Dungeon Master's Guide, both incredibly useful. Another extra book that might help is the Encyclopedia Magica, and if you play a Cleric or Paladin, Defenders of the Faith(one of my favorites), and Sword and Fist, for Monks and Fighters, is a great book! Have fun!
P.S.
You can buy dice on Amazon, too.

The Monster Manual; An Informative Book.......2002-05-23

Average customer rating:

A Manual of House Monsters II
Stanislav Marijanovic
Manufacturer: Mondo Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1586531816

Average customer rating:

Monster Manual Ii - Dungeons & Dragons
Ed; Grubb, Jeff; Redman, Rich; Williams, Skip; Winter, Steve; Wizards Of The Coast Bonny
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KITBLG

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