Customer Reviews (42)

The most real book in a long time.
This is the most real book I have read in years.In the 1960s,I saw De.Kelley in alot of westerns,but it was StarTrek that I loved.This book by Kris Smith is just so cool on so many levels as you not only get a look into the life of De,but you get Kris,Her cat,Des wife,and many more who knew him,and the more you learn about him,the more you not only realize why you loved him,but you see why everyone who really knew him loved,respected him,will think of him often,and will miss him sorely.Kristine Smith wrote a great bio.and with her knowledge she could make it a two part,Oh! she did,I just finished her Twitter as well,If you loved De,you will love this to,so get it,read it,and SMILE.HAY KRIS,make it a threefer.

If you want to know Deforest Kelley, READ THIS!
I'm not good with words, so I'll make this short.I never review things, but I felt compelled to after reading this!Far too many people never got to know Deforest Kelley, and this book is the next best thing in my opinion.Getting to know his personality made me almost resent the rest of the big-time Hollywood actors out there.He was a classy southern gentleman who was every bit as caring as his alter ego Doctor McCoy, and then some.

This book was a must-have for caregivers.
I picked up this book, like many others, becuase I wanted to learn more about De Kelley, a long-time favorite of mine. I have to admit as I started it, I wasn't sure what to expect because it was written very much from a fan's POV and I wasn't interested in another fan mag...but I kept reading, and I thouhgt it was really neat because this fan became close to the Kelley's, who had no children of their own, and ended up as De's caregiver when he died. The author shared the good times and the bad, even the uncomfortable moments...and she was someone I think we could all relate too. This book gave me an in-depth knowledge of the wonderful man De was...a fresh break from "the usual" in Hollywood. Towards the end, I found the book mirroring my own life as my grand-father, whom raised me, was dying of cancer. This book helped me know what to expect as I acted as a caregiver of sorts to my papa. I finished the book about a month or so before my papa died and I truly believed it helped give me strength and perperation...like I wasn't alone in the world in what I was going through. It became just as much a book about dealing with the loss of a loved one from cancer as it did an ode to De Kelley. I think the author said it best when she said "caring for a loved one who is dying is the most unsettling but at the same time most rewarding thing a person can do."

Touching Story About a Wonderful Man.
I could not put this book down once I started at the first page.I was absolutely enthralled.I think I finished it in two days.Kris Smith does a wonderful job of bringing us into DeForest's world, we really get to know the man quite intimately.Yes, she was a fan of his, and is written in an adorative style, but I probably would have too.I am touched about how De really reached out to his fans, and considered some of them to be friends, he was not at all arrogant or superior in any way.

A couple reviewers on here have felt that it violated his privacy, but upon reading this, I disagreee.I know that he would have agreed with this publication absolutely.Of course the ending is the killer, you have to be emotionally ready for it.It is an honest, graphic memoir of a dying man. It will leave you in tears.De died with such dignity and was well looked after.

An Intimate Look at the Last Days of a Wonderful Man
I did not know exactly what to expect with this book.I had finished From Sawdust to Stardust: The Biography of DeForest Kelley, Star Trek's Dr. McCoy (Star Trek) (which I enjoyed very much) and was interested in learning more about De, and happened upon "A Harvest of Memories" which seemed to be just what I was looking for.It turned out to be very different from what I had expected - unlike so many other books like it, this book provided a very intimate and personal look at DeForest Kelley in a way that I found surprising, refreshing, sad, and real.The later half of the book provides an uncensored look at the last days of De, right down to the nitty gritty reality of being so ill you can not do anything for yourself; not even take a bath or use the bathroom.To some who have had experiences with loved ones passing over the course of long illnesses that render them physically weak and reliant upon others, I should warn you that this book will bring those memories back to you in a strong way.If you can endure, though, the reward is something you'll never get otherwise; a chance to feel as if you truly knew DeForest Kelley.Not the actor, not the celebrity, not Doctor McCoy - but De, the wonderful, kind, gentle, man.I am fortunate to have met, via conventions, almost every member of every cast of every Star Trek series both regular and recurring.Yet with De, I never had the opportunity; I became a Star Trek fan only in 1996, attended by first real convention in 1998, and De was gone in the summer of 1999.This book made me feel as if I finally did get to meet him - more, really.It made me feel as if I was lucky enough to know him. ... Read more

Product Description
In the forty-year history of Star Trek®, none of the television show's actors are more beloved than DeForest Kelley. His portrayal of Leonard "Bones" McCoy, the southern physician aboard the Starship Enterprise™, brought an unaffected humanity to the groundbreaking space frontier series.

Jackson DeForest Kelley came of age in Depression-era Georgia. He was raised on the sawdust trail, a preacher's kid steeped in his father's literal faith and judgment. But De's natural artistic gifts called him to a different way, and a visit to California at seventeen showed a bright new world.

Theater and radio defined his early career -- but it was a World War II training film he made while serving in the Army Air Corps that led to his first Paramount Studios contract.

After years of struggle, his lean, weathered look became well known in notable westerns and television programs such as You Are There and Bonanza. But his work on several pilots for writer-producer Gene Roddenberry changed his destiny and the course of cultural history.

This thoroughly researched actor's life is about hard work and luck, loyalty and love. It is a journey that takes us all...from sawdust to stardust. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Much More Than The Bare Bones
Terry Lee Rioux has done exceptional work capturing the triumphs and travails of DeForest Kelley in this meticulously researched and thoughtful biography.

"From Sawdust to Stardust" is much more than the story of a performer who achieved his greatest success and recognition in middle age; it's equally the depiction of the enduring romance between Kelley and Carolyn, his wife of fifty-five years.

Certainly this book will be of greatest interest to those who followed the original series and the "Star Trek" motion pictures - but it should be compelling reading for anyone seeking a better understanding not just of this particular actor but of the actor's life in general.

Highly recommended.

Nice
This book arrived in perfect condition.I will be giving it to my daughter for her birthday in March.She will enjoy it very much.Thank you.

Very good read
As a Star Trek fan, I enjoyed this book. It is a facinating look into the life of one of my most favorite Star Trek characters. Deforest Kelley (Dr. McCoy) was such an underrated actor. Those who truely knew him loved his work. Unfortunately, he was all too often taken by the movie studio's management. This book goes into his personal life and his professional life with an insight that brings his true character to life. A very good read for anyone interested in the man behind the Dr.

As Beautiful As The Man Himself
This is a beautifully done portrait of an intensely private, talented, and humble man. It is also one of the best love stories you'll ever read. The devotion between De and his wife Carolyn is wonderfully captured and is very moving. I was drawn to this book because of my affection for Mr. Kelley's portrayal of Dr. Leonard McCoy and I was somewhat familiar with his pre Star Trek work, especially as the heavy in many westerns. This book gives equal time to both stages of his career. For Trek fans there is more than enough backstage info and tidbits and for fans of old Hollywood this book illuminates what the old studio system was like. I think everyone who reads this will come away with an appreciation of just how talented, down to earth and generous this man really was. I feel like I know him after reading this and I have to say that I truly felt as if I've lost a friend. Ms. Rioux is to be commended for putting together a thoroughly researched and lovingly written book. I recommend this for any fans of Star Trek, old movies and anyone who just wants to read a great story about a nice guy finishing first.

A quiet man
"De" Kelly was a quiet man, he never achieved much success in his field, never made much money, never put himself forward and never had any great adventures. In the hands of another author, his life might have been treated as a failure and he as a joke. But author Terry Lee Rioux doesn't take the easy route.

Mr. Rioux shows us a man with many friends, a loving marriage and a modestly sucessful acting career. He shows us a man who loved animals and his roses. In other words he shows us ourselves and our neighbors. He lets us know a man we would have liked to have a martini with.

The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 (and 4.5 would be more accurate) is that there weren't enough pictures. I was desperate for a really good picture of the Caroline Kelly, but there wasn't one. If there were better pictures in a different edition (I read the kindle edition), I hope Mr. Rioux will accept my apologies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Trekie Collectible in Every Sense of the Word Starship Enterprise
This hand published book was given to me by both DeForest and Carolyn Kelley.They topped my list as favorite patients in the medical office I worked in for over 17 years, many moons ago. Their visits were always favorite times for all of us. Sometimes DeForest would just stop in to read the paper in our waiting room because he felt so comfortable there. This was a token of appreciation that was gifted to me along with the chance to get to know the two of them personally. I don't think there are many of these 'books' around, as I was told I was a recipient along with the staff of the Starship Enterprise! A very true collectible from two very wonderful people. The world lost so much when we lost them both. ... Read more

Product Description
Les achats comprennent une adhésion à l'essai gratuite au club de livres de l'éditeur, dans lequel vous pouvez choisir parmi plus d'un million d'ouvrages, sans frais. Le livre consiste d'articles Wikipedia sur : Martin Luther King, Kanye West, T.i., Julia Roberts, Jermaine Dupri, Deforest Kelley, Steven Soderbergh, Ron Killings, Terrence Trammell, Dwight Howard, Brittany Murphy, Brenda Lee, Lil' Jon, Julie Ditty, Ricardo Clark, Jamea Jackson, Bobby Jones, Spike Lee, Monica, Jerry Reed, Ralph Metcalfe, Louise Suggs, David Cross, Chris Tucker, Raven-Symoné, Jane Withers, Scoville Jenkins, Jeff Francoeur, Chris Brann, Devon Gearhart, Tony Dorsey, John Connell, Kyle Massey, Chuck Willis, Lee Tracy, Alexa Rae, Louise Simonson, J. J. Hickson, Lamar Trotti, Aria Wallace, Walter A. Gordon, Robert Ken Woo Jr., Anthony Carter, Joy Lauren, Mattiwilda Dobbs, Ryan Seacrest, Barry Van Dyke, Alan Ball, Mildred Mcdaniel, Roy D. Bridges, Crawford Henry, Rozonda Thomas, Kyle Martino, Jarvis Hayes, Trixie Smith, Brenda Hampton. Non illustré. Mises à jour gratuites en ligne. Extrait : Martin Luther King, Jr. est un pasteur baptiste afro-américain né à Atlanta (États-Unis) le 15 janvier 1929 et mort assassiné le 4 avril 1968 à Memphis. Militant non violent pour les droits civiques des Noirs aux États-Unis, pour la paix et contre la pauvreté, il organise et dirige des actions tel le Boycott des bus de Montgomery pour défendre le droit de vote, la déségrégation et l'emploi des minorités. Il prononce un discours célèbre le 28 août 1963 devant le Lincoln Memorial à Washington durant la marche pour l'emploi et la liberté : « I have a dream » (Je fais un rêve). Il est soutenu par John F. Kennedy dans la lutte contre la discrimination raciale ; la plupart de ces droits seront promus par le « Civil Rights Act » et le « Voting Rights Act » sous la présidence de Lyndon B. Johnson. Martin Luther King devient le plus jeune lauréat du prix Nobel de la paix en 19...http://booksllc.net/?l=fr ... Read more

Product Description
Collectible magazine is in very good condition and is long out of print. ... Read more

Product Description
Program for Star Trek Convention. ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Steven Soderbergh, Julia Roberts, Deforest Kelley, Brittany Murphy, Laurence Fishburne, Bow Wow, Melvyn Douglas, Oliver Hardy, Kim Basinger, Hulk Hogan, Kelly Rowland, Kadee Strickland, Ray Lloyd, Monica, Raven-Symoné, Jennifer Hale, Dakota Fanning, Stacy Keach, Robert Patrick, David Cross, Eric Roberts, Jeff Foxworthy, Jim Brown, Joanne Woodward, Holly Hunter, Pernell Roberts, Scott Aukerman, André 3000, Jeff Daniels, Paula Deen, Josh Holloway, Joanna Moore, Ed Helms, Robyn Lively, Elizabeth Omilami, Isabel Keating, Chris Tucker, Danielle Panabaker, Jane Withers, Elle Fanning, Kenan Thompson, Gale Harold, Sunny Lane, Ben Bledsoe, Randy Harrison, Wayne Knight, Chloë Moretz, Megan Blake, Fritzi Brunette, Dan Byrd, Stephen Dorff, Lane Davies, Claude Akins, Matt Lanter, George Wallace, Happy Humphrey, Devon Werkheiser, Kyle Chandler, Carrie Preston, Sonny Landham, Demond Wilson, Jo Marie Payton, Matt Clark, Dexter Scott King, Gary Anthony Williams, Camille Keaton, Jan Hooks, Kyle Massey, Edward Andrews, Bobbie Eakes, Blake Clark, Frances Conroy, Cindy Wilson, Chris Lowell, Ellia English, Danny Mcbride, Eric Lively, Mike Erwin, Ray Mckinnon, Rachel G. Fox, Noureen Dewulf, Jack Mcbrayer, Elijah Kelley, Diana Scarwid, Lavan Davis, Sam Hennings, Marguerite Snow, Brian Baumgartner, Luke Askew, Sung Kang, Johanna Braddy, Fred Newman, Avner the Eccentric, Van Epperson, Lenny Von Dohlen, Eve Meyer, May Allison, Tempest Storm, Corri English, Faith Prince, Lisa Roberts Gillan, Marnie Andrews, Kip Pardue, Hosea Chanchez, Ben Lyon, J. G. Hertzler, Denise Burse, Devon Gearhart, Cary Guffey, Patricia Wilder, Edgar Oliver, Ron Lester, Brett Butler, Aria Wallace, Melissa Ordway, Lennon Parham, Marla Maples, Arnetia Walker, Logan Browning, Billy Redden, Danny Roberts, Randall Edwards, Douglass Watson, Eugenia Rawls, Cat Taber, Blair Redford, Randall Bentley, Ken Bevel, Byron Cherry, Patrika Darbo, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Simone Griffet...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=301775 ... Read more

Product Description
The adventures of the U.S.S. Enterprise, representing the United Federation of Planets on a five-year mission in outer space to explore new worlds, seek new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no man has gone before. The Enterprise is commanded by handsome and brash Captain James T. Kirk. His First Officer and best friend is Mr. Spock from the planet Vulcan, and Kirk's Medical Officer is Dr. McCoy. With its crew of approximately 430, the Enterprise battles aliens, megalomanical computers, time paradoxes, psychotic murderers, and even Genghis Khan!It is the 23rd century and together with the crew of the Federation starship Enterprise we travel across the galaxy to meet new and exciting life forms on distant planets. The 80 episode TV series which was produced from 1966 to 1969 has now cult character and has fans all over the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

It should be called "Bootlegged Asian Collection".
This is not like the Star Trek: Original Series remastered edition that was released last year. The Chosen Collection is a bootlegged edition that was released in the Asia Pacific several years ago. Paramount issued an official statement concerning the Asia Pacific releases, "Paramount Home Entertainment or CBS studios has never licensed to a 3rd party to replicate/produce/manufacture discs in Asia Pacific." - Joe Ruvalcaba, Paramount Licensing.

I bought this collection from Ebay a couple years ago for about $50. It is the complete series, Season 1-3 on 22-disc. I might have been lucky but I had no problems playing the dvds in any DVD player and each episode seemed to be in good condition with no parts missing(that I noticed). The episodes play in widescreen and are designed to be compatible with region 1 dvd players. It does have cool packaging and each disc is in a plastic sleeve. However, the episodes are completely out of order and are not remastered. Episodes 1-5 were scattered across several dvds.

If you can get past the fact that this collection is bootlegged, I found it to be a low cost, decent set to own if your looking to re-watch the entire series again.

Cheap Chinese Bootleg. No matter how cool and unique the packaging looks... BUYER BEWARE!
I spent a small fortune on this after loving my chinese import of Transformers G1. However, this time it was very disappointing. Whatever transfer method they used creates a worse then broadcast viewing experience. I would rather have the show on VHS, taped directly from TNN when they squashed the screen to make room for a banner ad at the bottom of the screen.

At time the color almost drops completely, as if they tried to copy it without first figuring out how to disable macro protection. Okay... maybe that last sentence was a bit too nerdy... but buy the real genuine US DVD sets with the official paramount/CBS seal! (That are also printed and made in China, but are at least authorized to do so with quality controls. LOL)

Why you may NOT want to choose the "Chosen Collection".
Anytime you come across a Star Trek "complete series" DVD release using the term "The Chosen Collection", you need to understand what you're looking at;

The "Chosen Collection" is a product intended for distribution in China. The quality of the video is substandard when compared to the US (and other region) releases. If you intend to watch these episodes on a TINY monitor (less than 19") you may not notice that much of a difference. 19" and higher will reveal a poor quality image.

Also, these collections are notorious for having "glitches" that leave tiny chunks (a few seconds) of some episodes missing. You might get lucky and get one without problems, but then again....

Know what you're getting, and never pay a lot of money for one of these.

JM ... Read more