Early Praise for The Trek Continues

"I loved the new book! 'The Fairy' = hilarious. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved the new Sarah stories. They really were soul mates, two very different and brilliant people that were very good for each other. And cats. Cats are the best. I especially enjoyed the history of UCI. I was so glad the Anteater won the competition for mascot. I graduated from there in 1981 and worked in the Physics Department as a draftsman while studying Comparative Literature. The UCI campus was very much not user friendly when it was first built. 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 both books in the new series 
Her works include: The Toymaker: Paper Toys That You Can Make Yourself; Haunted Histories; The Search For Vile Things.

"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 just had to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen.  That scorpion...it almost got his toes! I like in this one that there's more science...and the dog, and cats, chasing each other. I could just see it. Makes me miss my cats. And I loved the new Star Trek story. 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 of both books in the series 

👇 Early Editorial Reviews

Known for his witty, self-deprecating style and cinematic detail, Richards proves again that memoir can be both thrilling and intimate.

From Star Trek® to Crocodiles: Chester L. Richards’ “The Trek Continues” Delivers Daring New Memoir

Award-winning author and rocket scientist returns with true tales of hair-raising adventure, heart, and resilience.

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.

“Every story is a letter of love to Sarah,” Richards writes. “Each stand on its own. Each is an adventure. And each is true.”

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.

“Adventure starts when your gut clenches and you do it anyway,” says Richards. “That’s when you find out who you really are.”
From everything worth reading

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.

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.

Beyond the vivid recounting of extraordinary experiences, readers may find themselves reflecting on the nature of their own lives—the adventures taken, the risks missed, the loves cherished, and the losses mourned. Richards’ stories are not just tales of scientific achievement or far-flung expeditions; they are meditations on what it means to live fully. His life, marked by bold curiosity and emotional depth, reminds us that adventure isn’t always about distant places—it can also be the terrain of the heart. In facing love and loss with openness and grace, and in stepping into the unknown with courage, Richards offers a quietly powerful message: that through adventure, we expand not only our horizons but our very capacity for living, loving, and remembering.

Setting this tone of bold exploration from the start, the book opens with a nod to Richards’ unexpected role in the world of science fiction television. As co-writer of the iconic Star Trek episode “The Tholian Web,” Richards finds a fitting metaphor for his life—a journey through strange new worlds, some imagined, others vividly real. The episode, known for its eerie atmosphere and the inventive introduction of the “interdimensional trap” that strands Captain Kirk between realities, not only became a fan favorite but also pushed the boundaries of what the series could explore in terms of science and human resilience. The concept of the “motivational device” at the heart of the episode—a mysterious force that challenges the crew’s unity and resolve—resonated deeply with audiences and added psychological nuance to the show’s already rich storytelling.

What many readers may find especially endearing is Richards’ humility in recounting the moment when he and his writing partner, Judy Burns, were offered positions on the show’s writing staff. While it would have been a dream opportunity for many aspiring television writers, Richards graciously declined, asserting that Judy was truly the creative powerhouse behind the script’s success. His decision, and the way he credits Judy’s imaginative strength and storytelling instincts, speaks volumes about his character and the collaborative spirit that shaped much of his career.

Though he does not dwell long on the behind-the-scenes mechanics of television writing, Richards’ brush with Star Trek sets the tone for the rest of the memoir: a life marked by curiosity, creative risk-taking, and deep appreciation for the minds and people who shape our worlds—fictional and real. Just as “The Tholian Web” stretched the boundaries of the Star Trek universe, Richards’ own journey reflects a constant expansion into the unknown, propelled by invention, humility, and the enduring power of partnership.

From the world of scripted space adventures, The Trek Continues soon shifts focus to Earth-bound exploits—but the excitement doesn’t let up for a moment. What follows is not just a quiet stroll through memory, but a life-threatening thrill ride filled with whitewater rapids, wild animals, and backcountry mishaps that teeter on the edge of disaster. Richards plunges the reader into episodes of heart-pounding whitewater rafting, close encounters with unpredictable wildlife, and the itchy, uncomfortable aftermath of bug bites that come with venturing deep into untamed wilderness. These aren’t just stories of outdoor recreation—they’re visceral, high-stakes adventures that often leave readers breathless, laughing, or gripping the page in suspense.

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.
Each chapter reads like a standalone essay, yet together they weave a portrait of a man who doesn’t just chase adventure—he thrives in it. Driven by curiosity, intellect, and a refusal to let life pass quietly by, Richards shows us that joy, growth, and meaning often lie just beyond the edge of comfort. His story becomes not just one of survival and exploration, but of savoring the wild, unpredictable ride that life can be.

What gives the book its emotional strength, however, is Richards’ tribute to his late wife, Sarah. Interwoven throughout his stories, she emerges as a calm and confident presence. She had the ability to command a room effortlessly and the kindness to connect with every cat and dog she met. While the book does not linger heavily on grief, it gently weaves Sarah’s spirit into every page. Whether it’s a memory of a shared moment, a pet they cared for, or a phrase she often used, Richards brings her to life with affection and clarity.
In many ways, The Trek Continues is as much about love and resilience as it is about adventure. It is not just the story of a rocket scientist who co-wrote a famous TV episode or navigated untamed rivers. It is also the story of a husband who continues to carry his wife’s memory through each day. Sarah’s influence can be felt in the quietest details and in the choices Richards makes about how he tells his story.
As the title suggests, The Trek Continues is an ongoing journey. Richards does not pretend to have all the answers. He simply shares what he’s learned and invites readers to reflect on their own paths. His memoir is sincere, humorous, and deeply human.
Whether you are a fan of Star Trek, a lover of the outdoors, a curious mind interested in engineering, or someone who understands the weight and warmth of memory, The Trek Continues offers something meaningful. It reminds us that every trek—whether through space, down a river, or across a lifetime of memories—is worth taking.

-- From Books That Make You

Praise for Book 1, From The Potato to Star Trek & Beyond

 
"I wholeheartedly recommend this book with 5 full stars, shining brightly!      ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great read. Some thoughts and reminiscences from a well lived (and slightly worn) life!
I’m sincerely glad that I read this book! The first page left me with a lump in my throat. The final page left me (literally) with tears in my eyes...He is so compelling that by the time he is telling us about his father, mother, and grandfather’s hernia, I’m committed and genuinely care about them, and I found myself rooting for their success even though they have already been gone by the time the book was written...He also describes the ‘potato’, but not until you’re 66% through the book, and it is the absolute LAST thing that you could possibly imagine it to be...The book is genuine, it is honest, and it is him!...I will never watch 'The Tholian Web' again without thinking about an orbital rocket defense network, how many mirrors and how much gas it takes to make a laser, or the dangers of hidden rocks and waterfalls in a river again...And I appreciate that...
Read full review by Thaddeus Tuffentsamer, Daily Star Trek News. Also an Amazon Vine Voice Review.


"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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Richards, a seasoned rocket scientist, shares a series of enthralling stories that not only detail his experiences with the unpredictable and the extraordinary but also serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The title of the book itself, which combines seemingly unrelated concepts like potatoes and Star Trek, alludes to the wide variety of experiences that take place inside its pages. Richards skillfully crafts a story that flows from almost fatal meetings with "The Potato" to unplanned contacts with Gene Roddenberry, the man responsible for creating Star Trek. The commonplace and the remarkable are juxtaposed to produce a lively and captivating story that has readers flipping pages with eagerness.
Read full review by Deb Patrick, TheBookReview.com

"Wisdom of Space and Time  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Author Richards' memoir is classic storytelling through the eras. I liked the black and white photos of iconic moments coloured by the words and my imagination. I wanted to know the author beyond his external stories and he delivered his inner fears and triumphs quenching my curiosities about his life motives. I recommend this book.
--Tom Dutta, Host The Quiet Warrior Show, TedTalks speaker, Author, Business Consultant

"What a beautiful book!   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I returned to Solvang yesterday, following a three week absence, to find a copy of Chet's book. I could hardly wait to read it, and started flipping through some of the stories immediately. 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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Not only is "From The Potato to Star Trek and Beyond" a memoir, but it's also an ode to a life well lived and proof that any experience—no matter how difficult—can be seen as an adventure. Chester L. Richards encourages readers to consider their own travels, discovering delight in the act of storytelling and motivation in the face of hardship. For those who are in search of a story that defies convention and provides an insight into the remarkable life of a rocket scientist who dared to go where few others have ventured, this memoir is a must-read.   Read full review

 MORE PRAISE FOR BOOK 1, From the Potato to Star Trek and Beyond

HOME                     BOOKS                   ABOUT               CALENDAR               PRESS                STORIES              CONTACT