Lot in Space alumnus Mark Goddard talks about his career which included 25 years before the cameras including starring roles in four TV series, most notably Lost in Space. Along the way he stole a wooden Indian, saw a close friend horribly murdered, had his child kidnapped, went through three marriages, and finally got some peace by teaching. It's an entertaining if short (106pp) read. There are a few chapters about Lost in Space which include some nice anecdotes, including pranks he pulled - not to mention a prank or two on fellow actors on One Life to Live. Recommended, for fans especially. ( )

When I was growing up, like everyone else, I had my heroes. One of my biggest was the character Major Don West on TV’s “Lost in Space” played by actor Mark Goddard. When I found out that Mark had written a memoir I had to read it. When I went searching for it on the Internet, I read that some people were disappointed with his book because the book did not have much information on Mark’s Lost in Space days. I too was disappointed when I heard that news. But I had to read the book anyway…and I’m glad that I did!

First off I ordered the book from Mark himself, which was very cool because he signed the book for me. Second, being an author myself, I always like ordering books from the authors so that the money goes right to the author with no middle men involved. And third, it was a great book. It is true that the book only has a small section devoted to Lost in Space but if you think about it, Lost in Space was only a small part of Mark’s life, so it should only have a small part in the book.

What I found was that Mark was more than just a character on a TV show but a man trying to make his way in the world. I found many similarities between Mark’s life and my own life. Not in so much the things that we did. I was never an actor and things like that, but we felt the same emotions. We worried about our careers, we tried to be good husbands and fathers, and we have had money problems…all things “real” people think about. I really enjoyed the book because Mark tells us the truth. He informs us about the times he was happy and sad, successful and not so, when things went his way and when they didn’t. Most times when you talk with someone they tell you about all of the great things they have accomplished. Mark tells it like it is, good and bad. You may have noticed that I have not mentioned in my review what Mark talks about in his book. Well, Mark talks about Mark, and if you want to know his story I will let his book do the talking. It is his story after all! One thing that I will say is that after reading his book, I now know that one of my all time favorite heroes is a lot like me. And I feel good about that! ( )