Making It So

Making It So traces Patrick Stewart's path from his working-class childhood in Yorkshire through his rise as a stage actor and eventual casting as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The memoir covers his early years in repertory theater, his time with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and his experiences in Hollywood. Stewart provides behind-the-scenes accounts of his most notable roles and productions, including his work on Star Trek, X-Men, and various classical theater performances. The book includes details about his relationships with fellow actors, directors, and family members who shaped his career and personal life. The memoir documents Stewart's advocacy work for various causes, including domestic violence prevention, drawing from his own childhood experiences. His parallel journeys as both a classical stage performer and pop culture icon receive equal attention throughout the narrative. The book stands as a testament to personal transformation and the power of art to transcend social boundaries. Through Stewart's clear-eyed perspective, readers gain insight into how acting became both his escape and his means of connecting deeply with others.

Readers appreciate Stewart's candid revelations about his difficult childhood, abusive father, and path to overcoming trauma. Many note his engaging storytelling style and willingness to share personal struggles. Several reviews mention the detailed behind-the-scenes accounts of Star Trek: TNG and X-Men. Readers highlight: - His theater career insights and Shakespearean background - Friendship with Ian McKellen - Mental health advocacy and therapy experiences - Writing quality that captures his distinct voice Common criticisms: - Too much focus on early life/pre-Star Trek years - Some repetitive sections - Limited coverage of recent projects Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,900+ ratings) "Raw and vulnerable" appears frequently in reviews. Multiple readers noted becoming emotional during chapters about his father. One reviewer wrote: "His theater stories alone are worth the price - the Star Trek stuff is bonus material."

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✦ Patrick Stewart wrote this memoir entirely by hand in notebooks rather than typing it, feeling it helped him better connect with his memories and emotions while writing. ✦ The book's title "Making It So" references Captain Picard's famous Star Trek command "Make it so," while reflecting Stewart's journey from poverty in Yorkshire to international stardom. ✦ Despite his iconic role as Captain Picard, Stewart almost turned down Star Trek: The Next Generation, believing it would damage his serious theatrical career and reputation. ✦ The memoir reveals Stewart's complex relationship with his father, a decorated war hero who struggled with PTSD and domestic violence, shaping much of Stewart's life and career choices. ✦ While writing the book, Stewart uncovered previously unknown details about his family history, including discovering that his father had witnessed the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp during WWII.