5 ⭐ CW: domestic violence, suicide mention, death of family members, animal cruelty/death mention 

Making It So: A Memoir by Sir Patrick Stewart is my first read of the New Year! I'm not typically a memoir reader, but I make an exception for Star Trek greats. 

Patrick Stewart takes us through his entire life, starting with his love of stage acting and passion for Shakespeare all the way through his time with Star Trek: The Next Generation, the X-Men franchise, and the intricacies of his life. He is so open and honest about every part of his life, not just the successes, but his mistakes and struggles, including his failed marriages and relationships, and his insecurities around being a leading man on the stage and in front of the camera. 

Honestly, it was like reading about an old friend. I found myself smiling a lot and even laughing out loud a bunch of times at his storytelling. It's no secret I'm a huge Trekkie, and adore Captain Jean-Luc Picard. I so enjoyed reading this in his voice and learning all the behind the scenes moments of his life. He is brilliant, modest, genuine, and quite funny. I do hope he is able to make the Picard movie he is trying to get. 

I definitely recommend this for anyone who cherishes Captain Picard, Professor X, or any iteration of Shakespeare Patrick has been a part of. He kept me engaged (pun definitely intended) the whole time. Thank you, Captain, for Making It So.