Leonard Nimoy (1931–2015)

In his 1975 autobiography, I Am Not Spock, Leonard Nimoy wrestles with the way the Spock character from Star Trek came to dominate his career, opening some doors, but also leading to expectation that he would continue playing similar roles. He describes acting as a craft and how Spock offered him the opportunity to hone that craft, writing, “In Spock, I finally found the best of both worlds: to be widely accepted in public approval and yet be able to continue to play the insulated alien show more through the Vulcan character” (pg. 11). Discussing panel discussions that he attended on college campuses, Nimoy writes, “For a long time I have been aware that many people would rather meet and talk to Mr. Spock than to Leonard Nimoy… Occasionally, Nimoy steps momentarily into the Spock character by choice or by accident. The response is a wave of joyous recognition” (pg. 66). At the time, many who read this book felt that Nimoy resented the character, but what comes through instead is gratitude for the opportunities Star Trek afforded him with a frank discussion of his search for work that would be as fulfilling. He describes the making of certain episodes, some behind-the-scenes events, and the social commentary that kept Star Trek relevant long after it ended. In 1975, Nimoy had no way of knowing there would be a feature film only four years later or that he would continue portraying Spock through six films, guest appearances on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and then a new series of films in the twenty-first century. So, while dated, I Am Not Spock is a good look at a specific slice of television history, much like Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Sondra Marshak, and Joan Winston’s Star Trek Lives!, also from 1975. Twenty years later, in 1995, Nimoy wrote a second volume titled, I Am Spock, in which he discussed how he had reconciled his initial hesitancy about the character’s legacy and pointed out the way portraying Spock led him to approach things from a new perspective. show less

There's an adage among Star Trek fans that the good films are the ones with even numbers (at least not counting reboot) and many fans dismiss The Search for Spock as a mere reset film--resurrect Spock since Nimoy decided he didn't want to be rid of the character after all. I think that's unfair to this film which was very enjoyable and had no moments that made me want to slide down in my seat and hide my eyes. In fact this had more than one moving, memorable moment--even if the film isn't show more anywhere near as powerful as Wrath of Khan. And I have to admit--Kirstie Alley will forever be my Saavik--not Robin Curtis. show less

Contrary to what its title may suggests, this is more that merely about the relationship between Leonard Nimoy and Spock. Of course, for those interested, then there's that in length! For instance, the actor retells in details his complicated connection with the character and how, at times, such connection has been so deep that it has impacted even his own personality and personal life. But not only.

This book is, first and foremost, about Nimoy's careers both as an actor and as a director. show more For someone like me who is, otherwise, completely uninterested in TV culture and cinema (I came to this book only because I'm a fan of the Star Trek franchise...) then this was a great insight into his other achievements and ambitions. Will I delve into these other bodies of work? Maybe. Some left me curious, and (maybe) I will explore these other aspects of his career. The thing is...

The thing is that, again, I came to this book only because of Spock and the Start Trek franchise. As a Star Trek fan, then, if there's anything that I loved about this read is how Leonard Nimoy retells well-known anecdotes and facts (to Trekkies at least!) but from his own perspective (e.g. how Spock's personality developed thanks to the contrasting acting of William Shatner in regards to Captain Kirk's personality; the demanding workloads and working practices while doing the original series etc.). Another welcomed feature of the book was his positivity and gentlemanly grace. For instance, a lot of negative things have been said over the years regarding his relationship with Shatner during the show (e.g. their squabbles about who ought to have had the leading role; their jealousy in matter of paycheques etc.). Well (thankfully!) the actor clearly has no interest in delving into these and so, on the contrary, remains grateful and highly appreciative throughout, lauding praise not only upon Shatner but the whole cast and team too as a whole. It's a welcome positivity. Last but not least, I was really immersed into the titbits regarding Vulcanalia and how various aspects of the Vulcan culture were developed over various episodes, by him and others. His passion for the show also reveals itself when he is talking about his (very opiniated!) vision and directing. If you love Star Trek's trivia, then this is definitely a must read.

All in all, then, if I certainly didn't appreciate this autobiography due to my overall ignorance of his career outside Star Trek, as a Trekkie I surely loved his insights about the show and the developing of Spock. Nimoy's humility, enthusiasm, and humour throughout makes it all the more pleasant to read! show less

What can I say but thank you Leonard Nimoy, for giving us a snapshot into your life, your inspirations, and your history, and for giving us an insight into what it's like to live with such a creation living in your head.

Yes, I had a crush on Mr. Spock. Knowing that he would be on TV was what kept me hopeful every weekend, that there would be something, a favorite story or a favorite scene, I could cling to for the coming week. While I bought this book and read it as a young teenager, much of show more what I gained from it was what I took from the dialogue pieces between Leonard Nimoy and Mr. Spock. I wanted him to *be* Mr. Spock and he was not at this time. He was an actor who had moved into his craft from the theater, bit parts on movies and TV shows, and finally into one of the most recognized icons in the world. As time has progressed he has moved into that understanding, but in the 1970's all he wanted to say was I'm so much more than Mr. Spock.

And I can't help but emphasize that when this book was written, we were all starved for something space-wise and hope-wise to believe in. There were no movies, and Star Wars had not yet occurred, so there was a desert through which we trod, Battlestar Galactica and Logan's Run notwithstanding. Star Trek gave us hope, and hope has seen us through. show less