THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF KATHRYN JANEWAY

While this is meant to be an Auto Biography of a fictional character, Captain Kathryn Janeway, the author is really Una McCormack, listed as Editor (clever). Narrator: The marvellous Kate Mulgrew Review: By Star Trek Megafan Jason King

Let me start by saying: this book is absolutely for STAR TREK fans; more specifically, for those of us who hold VOYAGER close to our hearts. If you’re not already invested in Captain Janeway’s journey, some of the emotional impact might be lost on you. But for VOYAGER fans, this is essential reading (or listening).⁣

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Full disclosure: Captain Kathryn Janeway is my all-time favourite captain (don’t judge me). VOYAGER isn’t just a show to me, it’s my holy grail. It shaped my values, my sense of leadership, and my moral compass. I’ve watched the series more times than I can count, and when I finished this book, I immediately began rewatching the show.⁣

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THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF KATHRYN JANEWAY presents her story in her own words, from her early Starfleet days to her time stranded in the Delta Quadrant, and ultimately, to her rise as Vice Admiral. It’s not just a retelling of events; it’s a deep exploration of her thoughts, motivations, and personal philosophy. Her ethics and decisions, often questioned by fans, are placed front and centre, with fresh clarity and emotional depth.⁣

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The book shines brightest in its treatment of Janeway’s relationships: her unshakable trust in Tuvok, the complicated mentorship of Seven of Nine, her bond with Chakotay, and even her reflections on Neelix and other members of the crew. One detail that initially caught me off guard, the depth of her connection to Tom Paris and Admiral Paris, actually holds up on a rewatch. It makes sense. It fits.⁣

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And then there’s the narration. The crowning glory of this audiobook is Kate Mulgrew herself. THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF KATHRYN JANEWAY is transformed by her voice; it’s as if Janeway has personally invited you in for one final log entry. You can hear how personal this book is to Mulgrew, and her performance turns the whole experience into something that feels like the final, long-overdue epilogue to VOYAGER. It’s the warp core powering down. The final hug from the series.⁣

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This is the third entry in a five-book series, alongside THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JAMES T. KIRK, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JEAN-LUC PICARD, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MR. SPOCK, and THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN SISKO. Only Mulgrew narrates hers, and that alone makes this edition stand apart. There’s also TO THE STARS: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF STAR TREK’S MR. SULU, narrated by George Takei himself, though it sits outside the main series and covers his real life as well as the role.⁣

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I found this audiobook for free on Audible and planned to save it for a six-hour drive. I figured I’d listen to two hours (as the book is an 8hr or so listen) and finish the rest on the road. Instead, I devoured it in two days and had to scramble to find something else for the drive.⁣

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Next up: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JAMES T. KIRK. But truly, I hope every one of these gets a proper audiobook narration. They deserve it.⁣

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THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF KATHRYN JANEWAY is more than a companion piece; it completes the VOYAGER journey. It rectifies some of the show’s narrative gaps, adds depth where there was once ambiguity, and leaves you feeling closer to the Captain than ever before.⁣

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LONG LIVE JANEWAY.⁣

5 Wormholes out of 5⁣

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