Announcing the birth of Chester L. Richards' new book series
TREKS BEYOND THE GREAT POTATO
Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist
A life of adventure, science, and survival—one man’s journey from writing for Star Trek ® to exploring the edges of the world.
About the Treks Beyond the Great Potato series
Chester L. Richards charted a path unlike any other—one that led him from co-writing a script that became the Tholian Web episode of the Star Trek original series to a life filled with adventures. From everyday moments to the wonders of science and engineering to the wilds of uncharted rivers and exotic creatures with sharp teeth or fangs, some of them human. A born storyteller, Chester takes us right along with him. To many continents, many times. In his second book, he keeps narrowly escaping death, shares origin stories of more scientific marvels, and the amazing people he's met and worked with. And he reveals more about his dear Sarah, a truly remarkable lady. Plus he writes about their cats and very special dog. In both books, there is an underlying poignancy over his loss of Sarah, way too early. But mainly he focuses on seeing the richness of life, healing, and joy. His tales paint a vivid picture of how to life life fully.
Praise for Treks Beyond the Potato Books
Early reader praise for the The Trek Continues: More memoirs of a rocket scientist
"I had to keep turning the page to see what would happen next!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed the first book, and the new stories in The Trek Continues -- such fun to read! I like the new Star Trek® story, and in this one, that there's more science...and the dog, and cats, chasing each other. I could just see it. That last story...ah that is beautiful...Sarah was amazing. And the highlight of his life. And after the trauma of losing her, he goes on with other stories...hopping all over the place. I forgive him for hopping...he's a good storyteller. Interesting...we get into his mind and how it works...I like it...I guess I like him. He leads an interesting life...of his own making. Maybe people should make more out of their lives...thinking about that."
— Mary Kenner, Associate Editor, RKEdit, retired Clinical Laboratory Scientist II, reader review of Book 2 from Book 1 fan
"I loved the new Sarah stories. And cats. Cats are the best. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved the new book! "The Fairy" = hilarious. I loved the new Sarah stories. And cats. Cats are the best. I especially enjoyed the history of UCI. I was so glad the Anteater won the competition for mascot. Chet was spot on about the mud. Loved the bit about Hycon Engineering. Sounds like a fascinating time. Thank you, Chet, for writing these stories."
--Marilyn Scott-Waters, Writer and Illustrator, reader of Book 1 in series. Her works include: The Toymaker: Paper Toys That You Can Make Yourself; Haunted Histories; The Search For Vile Things.
Editorial praise
From Star Trek® to Crocodiles: Chester L. Richards’ “The Trek Continues” Delivers Daring New Memoir
Chester L. Richards The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist
Award-winning author and rocket scientist returns with true tales of hair-raising adventure, heart, and resilience.
Known for his witty, self-deprecating style and cinematic detail, Richards proves again that memoir can be both thrilling and intimate. A scientist by training and adventurer by instinct, he invites readers to see life not as a linear path—but as a series of treks, each one worth telling.
THOUSAND OAKS, CA, UNITED STATES, August 26, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Author, inventor, and co-writer of the iconic Star Trek episode “The Tholian Web,” Chester L. Richards continues his acclaimed Treks Beyond the Great Potato memoir series with The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist, releasing worldwide October 7, 2025.
In this second volume, Richards expands on the journey he began in From the Potato to Star Trek and Beyond, blending pulse-pounding adventure with poignant reflections on life, love, and loss. From near-death experiences with crocodiles in Africa to a white-knuckle flight back home in California, The Trek Continues dives deep into the real-life escapades of a man who helped imagine the universe onscreen—and then went out and lived it.
Richards shares what it meant to survive, to grieve, and to grow. Central to the memoir is his late wife Sarah, a brilliant and spirited presence readers first glimpsed in Book 1. Responding to fan letters asking to learn more about her, Richards infuses this new collection with her voice, her stories, and the extraordinary impact she had on his life. There are also stories of eccentric animals (including cats, a dog named Hector, and a horse—almost), scientific breakthroughs in aerospace and on earth, close calls with Neolithic tribes, and the unexpected wisdom of failure.
“Adventure starts when your gut clenches and you do it anyway,” says Richards. “That’s when you find out who you really are.”
--Chester L. Richards
From: Everything Worth Reading
Books That Make You
In The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist, Chester L. Richards offers a warm and adventurous journey through the many chapters of his life. Blending humor, reflection, and heartfelt memories, Richards invites readers to see the world through the eyes of someone who has touched both the stars and the soul. While the book picks up from his earlier memoir, this collection stands strongly on its own, with stories that explore space, rivers, wilderness, love, loss, and the enduring power of memory...
Richards has a true gift for storytelling. His tone is warm and conversational, making even the most harrowing experiences feel like tales swapped around a campfire. Whether he's reflecting on his college days, his innovative work as an engineer, or wild moments in the great outdoors, each anecdote brims with energy and insight. His brushes with danger—whether in a surging river or face-to-face with nature’s more toothy inhabitants—aren’t just entertaining; they illuminate his deep-seated hunger for experience and understanding.
Full review
I really enjoyed the first book, and the new stories in The Trek Continues -- such fun to read! I like the new Star Trek® story, and in this one, that there's more science...and the dog, and cats, chasing each other. I could just see it. That last story...ah that is beautiful...Sarah was amazing. And the highlight of his life. And after the trauma of losing her, he goes on with other stories...hopping all over the place. I forgive him for hopping...he's a good storyteller. Interesting...we get into his mind and how it works...I like it...I guess I like him. He leads an interesting life...of his own making. Maybe people should make more out of their lives...thinking about that."
— Mary Kenner, Associate Editor, RKEdit, retired Clinical Laboratory Scientist II, reader review of Book 2 from Book 1 fan
"I loved the new Sarah stories. And cats. Cats are the best. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved the new book! "The Fairy" = hilarious. I loved the new Sarah stories. And cats. Cats are the best. I especially enjoyed the history of UCI. I was so glad the Anteater won the competition for mascot. Chet was spot on about the mud. Loved the bit about Hycon Engineering. Sounds like a fascinating time. Thank you, Chet, for writing these stories."
--Marilyn Scott-Waters, Writer and Illustrator, reader of Book 1 in series. Her works include: The Toymaker: Paper Toys That You Can Make Yourself; Haunted Histories; The Search For Vile Things.
Editorial praise
From Star Trek® to Crocodiles: Chester L. Richards’ “The Trek Continues” Delivers Daring New Memoir
Chester L. Richards The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist
Award-winning author and rocket scientist returns with true tales of hair-raising adventure, heart, and resilience.
Known for his witty, self-deprecating style and cinematic detail, Richards proves again that memoir can be both thrilling and intimate. A scientist by training and adventurer by instinct, he invites readers to see life not as a linear path—but as a series of treks, each one worth telling.
THOUSAND OAKS, CA, UNITED STATES, August 26, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Author, inventor, and co-writer of the iconic Star Trek episode “The Tholian Web,” Chester L. Richards continues his acclaimed Treks Beyond the Great Potato memoir series with The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist, releasing worldwide October 7, 2025.
In this second volume, Richards expands on the journey he began in From the Potato to Star Trek and Beyond, blending pulse-pounding adventure with poignant reflections on life, love, and loss. From near-death experiences with crocodiles in Africa to a white-knuckle flight back home in California, The Trek Continues dives deep into the real-life escapades of a man who helped imagine the universe onscreen—and then went out and lived it.
Richards shares what it meant to survive, to grieve, and to grow. Central to the memoir is his late wife Sarah, a brilliant and spirited presence readers first glimpsed in Book 1. Responding to fan letters asking to learn more about her, Richards infuses this new collection with her voice, her stories, and the extraordinary impact she had on his life. There are also stories of eccentric animals (including cats, a dog named Hector, and a horse—almost), scientific breakthroughs in aerospace and on earth, close calls with Neolithic tribes, and the unexpected wisdom of failure.
“Adventure starts when your gut clenches and you do it anyway,” says Richards. “That’s when you find out who you really are.”
--Chester L. Richards
From: Everything Worth Reading
Books That Make You
In The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist, Chester L. Richards offers a warm and adventurous journey through the many chapters of his life. Blending humor, reflection, and heartfelt memories, Richards invites readers to see the world through the eyes of someone who has touched both the stars and the soul. While the book picks up from his earlier memoir, this collection stands strongly on its own, with stories that explore space, rivers, wilderness, love, loss, and the enduring power of memory...
Richards has a true gift for storytelling. His tone is warm and conversational, making even the most harrowing experiences feel like tales swapped around a campfire. Whether he's reflecting on his college days, his innovative work as an engineer, or wild moments in the great outdoors, each anecdote brims with energy and insight. His brushes with danger—whether in a surging river or face-to-face with nature’s more toothy inhabitants—aren’t just entertaining; they illuminate his deep-seated hunger for experience and understanding.
Full review
Praise for From the Potato to Star Trek and Beyond: Memoirs of a rocket scientist
"I wholeheartedly recommend this book with 5 full stars, shining brightly! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read full review by Thaddeus Tuffentsamer, Daily Star Trek News. Also an Amazon Vine Voice Review. Review of Book 1
"In his captivating memoir, "From The Potato to Star Trek and Beyond," Chester L. Richards invites readers on a rollercoaster ride through a life that defies convention. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read full review by Deb Patrick, TheBookReview.com Review of Book 1
"What a beautiful book! A modern epic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jeffery J. Puschell, Ph.D. Chief Scientist, Space Systems, Raytheon Intelligence & Space Division, AIAA Fellow (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics), SPIE Fellow (Society of Photo Instrumentation Engineers), NASA ESTO IRIS Principal Investigator
"A Riveting Journey of a Rocket Scientist's Memoirs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This memoir is a must-read. Read full review
--Deb Patrick TheBookRevue.com
See more about The Trek Continues and full early reviews
More about From The Potato to Star Trek and full reviews
Read full review by Thaddeus Tuffentsamer, Daily Star Trek News. Also an Amazon Vine Voice Review. Review of Book 1
"In his captivating memoir, "From The Potato to Star Trek and Beyond," Chester L. Richards invites readers on a rollercoaster ride through a life that defies convention. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read full review by Deb Patrick, TheBookReview.com Review of Book 1
"What a beautiful book! A modern epic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jeffery J. Puschell, Ph.D. Chief Scientist, Space Systems, Raytheon Intelligence & Space Division, AIAA Fellow (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics), SPIE Fellow (Society of Photo Instrumentation Engineers), NASA ESTO IRIS Principal Investigator
"A Riveting Journey of a Rocket Scientist's Memoirs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This memoir is a must-read. Read full review
--Deb Patrick TheBookRevue.com
See more about The Trek Continues and full early reviews
More about From The Potato to Star Trek and full reviews
