Fan Fiction: A Mem-Noir: Inspired by True Events by Brent Spiner

Set in ’91 during the height of the Next Generation run, Brent Spiner writes a truly entertaining fictional memoir about the life of a celebrity caught up in a fan’s obsession. Letters, a pig penis (yep, I just wrote that!), and other messages are delivered to Spiner by a creepy admirer of the show and specifically the character of Data. On the Paramount lot, he’s conscious of every person on the set… at the San Diego Comic-Con, he tries to focus on his interactions with the fans, and even knowing that he has a bodyguard, yet his attention is drained with the unknown… Who is this stalker? Welp… It’s Data’s daughter Val… from Episode 16 in Season 3. Or at least that’s what the letters say…

Told with several glimpses into the Next Gen Cast: Dorn, Patrick Stewart, LeVar, Frakes, Marina, and Wheaton all make appearances. And the 90s nostalgia is in full effect… sneaking out to go to Blockbuster, Roddenberry on the set, driving around in his little Toyota. My enjoyment continued to grow as the suspect list got longer and the threat grew even more dangerous. But don’t forget the fun to be had figuring out what parts of the book are “fiction” and what parts are true to life… Embellishment, satire, and giving the reader more and more of the essence of these Star Trek actors.

Fan Fiction should be on every Trekkie’s TBR, or just every scifi fan, and anyone who is curious about this fictional memoir genre. I had so much fun!

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an advanced copy for review.