I Am Spock

by Leonard Nimoy

Best known to the world as the actor who created the legendary Mr. Spock in the cult television series that launched the Star Trek phenomenon, Leonard Nimoy has written the definitive Star Trek memoir. In this long-awaited autobiography, Nimoy opens up to his fans in ways the Vulcan never could.

Having played the pivotal role of Mr. Spock in the original series, in six motion pictures, and in a special two-part episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as having directed two of the movies, Nimoy is well suited to tell the true story behind what was seen by the public. He provides an intelligent and insightful book about the creative process and the actor's craft - and gives his own unique insider's view of the creation of both the character, Mr. Spock, and the Star Trek phenomenon.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Star Trek, Autobiography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

342 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1995

About the author

Jewish-American actor, film director, poet, musician and photographer.

He was best known for playing the character of Spock on Star Trek, an American television series that ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1969, in addition to several movie sequels.

Reviews

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to update a little on this review since I just read Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man and I feel I need to come back to this book a little.



This book was re-issued not long after Leonard's passing. Or at least I think it was because suddenly it was available to buy again and I grabbed up my copy. This book is so wonderful, it tells so many things I never knew about Leonard. I know that I loved him so much and I cried my eyes out for a few days after his passing. You do that when you grow up with someone you love and admire. Spock wasn't just a tv/movie character to me, he always brought some kind of wisdom and I loved that.





I remember me and dad sitting up and watching Star Trek and how much fun we had. I remember getting Spock and Kirk action figures as a child and still have them packed away somewhere in the chaos of my life.

Life is never the same when we lose family members (including our animals) or people that we admired on tv. Spock will always be one of my heroes. *SOB*





ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW

It made me very sad to read this book because of the passing of one of my heroes growing up, but it was a great and wonderful book. Reading about the man who made Spock was very wonderful and just so sad :(

I love reading memoirs about my favorite actors and actresses. Finding out all of these little tidbits that you never knew about them.


The ongoing dialog between Spock and Leonard throughout the book is classic. He would have these conversations between him and Spock. They were quite comical and I enjoyed them immensely.

Leonard Nimoy was a man of many talents. He not only starred in a lot of films and plays, he was a great director.

I think anyone that loves the Star Trek franchise, especially Spock, will love this book. I highly recommend!

Lived Long and Prospered!!!!!

RIP ~ Leonard Nimoy

Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾

MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List

[Mauoijenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this guy. I was very sad to hear when he passed a few weeks ago, but he will forever live in us, his fans!!



This was such a great book about the life of Leonard Nimoy and how he made the character Spock a cult icon. His acting as Spock brought me back for reruns during my childhood in the 1980's to going to the theater with my folks to see the movies. Such an awesome guy and actor!!

[Chelsea Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be such an entertaining and informative read, not just as a Star Trek fan but as a creative professional as well. I loved reading about Leonard’s behind-the-scenes experiences as an actor and director. Learning how the story concepts for the films were fleshed out and all the hiccups they encountered along the way was, well...fascinating. And of course, the internal banter between Spock and Nimoy was a fun way to introduce each chapter.

Leonard was a brilliant man whose work continues to leave an indelible mark on millions of lives. Though he is no longer with us, it’s comforting to know that he sure did live long and prosper.

I’m so glad I read this. Thank you, Mr. Spock.

🖖

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why, of course I know him! My son watches him on TV all the time!" And she reached out to shake my hand. "You're Leonard Spock!"

let me confess up front that i'm a trekkie, i love everything about star trek and i worship leonard nimoy (and of course the character he portrayed, spock). having said that, it was impossible for me not to adore this book. it was well-written, informative, fascinating and extremely witty. i highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about star trek.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonard Nimoy may be long gone from this world, but he lives on through his amazing performances, especially the iconic half-human, half-Vulcan Mr. Spock. This book was chock full of behind-the-scenes information about Star Trek, including why Kirstie Alley didn't reprise her role as Saavik in The Search for Spock. It also talked about Mr. Nimoy's other roles, including appearing in the show Mission: Impossible. (I had no idea he did that! What kind of classic television fan am I?) Better yet, this work doesn't succumb to the pitfalls that plague many celebrity memoirs: excessive profanity and sexual references. True, there is an occasional expletive or stray crude joke here, but, most Hollywood autobiographies make this look like a Disney movie. If you're a Trekkie, like I am, and have yet to read this...what are you waiting for? Go find this at your local library...NOW!

[Lindsay Stares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book has caused me to think a bit about my own perspective. I wonder what it's like to read a book like this, an actor's memoir, and not have a background in the performing arts. Does it help people understand what it's like to work in the industry, or do they come away from the book thinking they understand, but with the wrong messages?

I do come at this book with a background in performing arts, and am familiar with actors of many types, so what I get from this book, especially when combined with Beyond Uhura (reviewed here), is a plausible portrait of actors who seem an awful lot like actors I've known.

A great deal of the book is concerned in assuring the reader that Nimoy really does love Spock, and that the title of his earlier memoir (I Am Not Spock) was never intended to convey animosity. From skimming excerpts of that book online, I would say that he is not exaggerating. The earlier book has the same respect and enjoyment about the Vulcan that comes through here.

Nimoy's very devotion to the character is what created some of the tension on the set reported by Nichols. Comparing and contrasting the books was really interesting. It's an example of how people can be in the same room and at the same time on different worlds. Neither one is “right” or “wrong”, but how different actors approach a job, what opportunities they have to take control of a role, or not, and the vagaries of fans combine to create vastly different working experiences.

Some of this difference is in the system. Nimoy relates an interchange with the producers in which they refuse to provide his assistant with pencils for responding to fan mail. Nichols relates a conversation when a mail-room worker comes secretly to tell her that the higher-ups told them not to send her most of her fan mail, but if she comes down to the mail room, they'd be glad to pass it on. It isn't like the two actors are starting on the same playing field.

Some of it, however, is just in style. Some actors seize control of roles, of situations, and I understand why they feel they have to do that, and sometimes it is a great thing to do for the piece. Some prefer to work with an ensemble, building a team-based dynamic. Often actors don't even realize which way they're behaving at any given time, so I'm not sure whether Nimoy doesn't mention the occasional tension within the cast out of courtesy toward his co-stars, or whether he was simply unconscious of it.

This book is also interesting for containing a rather exhausting litany of how each piece of Spock and Vulcan was developed, and by who. There are also some interesting historical notes here. Nimoy films a mini-series in Bejing in 1981 and travels to the USSR in 1984 for a screening of Star Trek IV, and has perceptive observations in each case.

I respect Nimoy for his work, and it was a highly entertaining book: well written, clever, sweet. There was a slight sense of self-congratulation here and there, but it more often seems like remembering the best of things than a conscious re-writing of history.

More Reviews at The Blue Fairy's Bookshelf

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I am a Star Trek fan although I'm not of the obsessed type.

As a teacher, I felt the need this summer to read for my own enjoyment. I bought this book ($.99 + S&H) on eBay and added it to my To-Be-Read pile. I finally made my way down to this book last week.

When I opened the book, I noticed a blue (Sharpie?) scrawl on the title page. I figured it was part of the "good condition" (some writing in book) on the auction description.

In chapter 2, I found a Borders bookmark and a folded sheet of paper. A lot of used books come with paper detritus and normally I just throw them into recycling. Before I did, I opened the sheet of paper which happened to contain the "rules" for getting a signed book from Leonard Nimoy at the book signing.

OMG!!!! I HAD A SIGNED BOOK!!!!!

I had to make a decision: Put the book safely away or read it. After much soul-searching, I continued reading.

An earlier reviewer felt the book was biased. Well, duh! It's about Leonard Nimoy and written by Leonard Nimoy.

Another reviewer thought Leonard Nimoy must have been a pain to work with. I agree. I admire his willingness to stick his neck out to keep Spock to true to his character.

On the other hand, I really wanted to learn more about Leonard Nimoy's personal life. His parents were briefly mentioned. His wife made her appearances without any information about their courtship or wedding. His children (I'm still not sure how many) appeared sporadically with no mention of their number, gender, or births.

While I deeply appreciate learning so much about Nimoy's relationship with Spock, I'd have liked to have learned more about him.

Perhaps I need to read I am Not Spock.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Star Trek fan since 1966, I had to give Nimoy's book *****. But, incredibly, I had not read this book, published in 1995, until I picked it up as a used book only a few days ago. It turned out to be a very fast and entertaining read. I have to say I felt sad reading the book because Leonard Nimoy passed away in 2015. I did read Shatner's book,"Leonard," which I thought was more detailed about Nimoy's life, though the focus of the book was on Shatner's relationship with Nimoy. This book hardly touches on Nimoy's personal life, his family, and so on, but is mainly about his career as Spock in the Star Trek TV show and then the movies. I thought some of the most interesting bits were about his directing two Star Trek movies--the 3rd and 4th ones--and then other movies. He mentions his directing of "The Good Wife" starring Diane Keaton, which turned out to be a controversial film- which did not do well at the box office. I would like to find that one and see it. A final point is that Nimoy says something about quitting smoking while directing ST IV, but, according to Shatner, if I remember correctly, Nimoy was not able to quit and he died due to COPD. We lost a very good man, very talented as well, who meant a lot to me and many many others.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really interesting insight into the world behind Star Trek and plus into the professional life of Leonard Nimoy besides this phenomenon.
I really loved the dialogs between Nimoy and Spock and his little anecdotes.
Plus this book made me want to rewatch the tvshow and the movies again. And in the end I was really sad, that the book was over, the last sentences ("I'm only human, and I have no doubt Spock will outlive me by many years. I can only hope that, once in a while, when people look at Spock's visage, they might sometimes think of me.") almost made me cry, especially having in mind that Leonard Nimoy passed away a few month ago. Yes, you will be thought of. Thank you for this great character.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audio version read by the author. Nimoy covers his Star Trek life from the original series through the movie. Was really cool to see everything from his point of view, especially the creation of the show.

Also - Leonard Nimoy directed Three Men and a Baby?! I did not know this.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't help but thinking while I was reading this that Leonard Nimoy was a royal pain in the ass during his affiliation with Star Trek. It seemed as though the big heads of the show were constantly trying to find a way to get rid of, or at least diminish the role of Spock without trying to offend Leonard Nimoy. The fans had the last word on this, however.

Nimoy also made it seem as though Spock was far and beyond the most important character on the show. I will agree that Spock was important, but not to the point that he was the saving grace. I think that all of the characters were important and they all fed off of each other.

The last annoyance I had toward this book was his defending of some of the motion pictures. None of the Star Trek movies were all that good and least of all the one that Nimoy hails as the best, The Voyage Home. This movie was horrible and made the characters look like a joke. Remember the scene at the end where they are all splashing around in the water! I don't know about you, but I was embarrassed to watch and I didn't even have anything to do with it.

All in all, it's fun to have an insiders look at something that you grew up with, but I think Nimoy's version is full of bias.

[rivka · Rating 4 out of 5]

March 2015: With Nimoy's recent death, it seemed an appropriate time to re-read this.

And it was indeed. RIP, Mr. Nimoy.



April 2014: While probably only of passing interest to those who are not fans of Star Trek's original series, definitely recommended to all those who are.

Nimoy's bias is obvious and expected, but he manages to speak of most of those he disagreed with in a courteous manner that cemented my view of him as a mentch. He does skirt some of the more explosive stuff, like barely mentioning the reaction the movie The Good Mother got.

Lots of interesting little tidbits for the ST fan. Made me want to rewatch STIII, STIV -- and Three Men and a Baby!

[Sean Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leonard Simon Nimoy, March 26, 1931 – February 27, 2015) was an American actor, film director, photographer, author, singer, and songwriter. He was known for his role as Mr. Spock of the Star Trek franchise, a character he portrayed in television and film from a pilot episode shot in late 1964 to his final film performance released in 2013.

Nimoy began his career in his early twenties, teaching acting classes in Hollywood and making minor film and television appearances through the 1950s, as well as playing the title role in Kid Monk Baroni. Foreshadowing his fame as a semi-alien, he played Narab, one of three Martian invaders in the 1952 movie serial Zombies of the Stratosphere.

In December 1964, he made his first appearance in the rejected Star Trek pilot "The Cage", and went on to play the character of Spock until the end of the production run in early 1969, followed by eight feature films and guest slots in the various spin-off series. The character has had a significant cultural impact and garnered Nimoy three Emmy Award nominations; TV Guide named Spock one of the 50 greatest TV characters. After the original Star Trek series, Nimoy starred in Mission: Impossible for two seasons, hosted the documentary series In Search of..., narrated Civilization IV, and made several well-received stage appearances. He also had a recurring role in the science fiction series Fringe.

Nimoy's profile as Spock was such that both of his autobiographies, I Am Not Spock (1975) and I Am Spock (1995), were written from the viewpoint of sharing his existence with the character. On June 2, 2015, an asteroid, discovered in 1988, was named 4864 Nimoy in his honour.

Read the book in two days, reason, well not that exciting. I watched some of the original Star Trek series, quite dated now, have not watched the films.

Hoping the book would be more about the rest of his career, but throughout the book he mentions one film, one television film, and Mission Impossible maybe very briefly, but spends chapters talking about directing one Star Trek film.

Also writes the book with little personality, very straightforward, very little about his home, wife, family interests, although he did like photography.

Star Trek fans will love it. Although he does mentioned that writing I Am Not Spock, was a big mistake.

[Aaron Million · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written twenty years ago, this seems to have been re-released due to Leonard Nimoy's death earlier this year at the age of 83. Twenty years prior to writing this, Nimoy had written a poorly-received book titled I Am Not Spock. He later realized that the title gave out a mistaken impression that he wanted to separate himself from the character of Spock. This, newer, book is Nimoy's corrective to address that misperception.

Nimoy was a highly intelligent man, and his writing is quite clear and crisp. He starts by talking about his birth and upbringing in Boston, then gradually becoming involved in acting, moving to Hollywood, and then struggling to find a regular acting job for many years until Star Trek came along. He devotes a lot of time to discussing his role as Spock, his approach to the role, and how the character gradually became a part of him, to the point where he would - in his personal life - often find himself thinking like Spock might. Throughout the book, he has imaginary (or maybe some of them were real) conversations between himself and Spock. I like this touch to the book - it shows Nimoy's depth and development as a person and an actor. He does stray from this somewhat later in the book when he talks about other high points of his career (such as directing Three Men And A Baby), but returns to it towards the end when he talks about the making of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and his guest-star appearance on the series Star Trek: The Next Generation.

The vast bulk of his stores surrounding Star Trek concern Spock's development, and Nimoy's battles with Gene Roddenberry (who disappears almost completely from the last half of the book - it is clear from reading that those two did not get along too well), Fred Freiberger, Harve Bennett, and various Paramount executives. While having mainly positive things to say about William Shatner, it is obvious that there was friction between them (competing egos). Much has been made about how close these two guys were, yet I did not get that impression here. Friends, but not necessarily close friends. DeForest Kelley does not appear much in here, but whenever he does, Nimoy is very complimentary of him. The other cast members are really on the periphery, and not mentioned very much. This leads me to think that the rumors of Shatner and Nimoy somewhat isolating themselves from the rest of the stars of the show have some validity to them.

He did briefly talk about his role as the Amazing Paris on Mission: Impossible and how he did not care for it. It is clear that he did enjoy directing films and TV episodes, even though it required a great degree of energy, time, and patience. His family is mentioned only in passing, and nothing substantive is said about them. He closes the book by writing presciently that is open to playing Spock again (which of course is exactly what happened in 2009 and 2013). Overall, an enjoyable read. I never got the sense that he had an axe to grind, which was refreshing.

[Historical Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start by saying I am not a Trekkie. I have never seen an episode of Star Trek or any of the spin offs. I have never seen a Star Trek movie with the exception of the 2009 film which I consented to see because of LOTR alum Karl Urban (a fact which reveals a lot about my inner geek).

With that in mind I have to say that this book is AMAZING. This is what an actor's bio should be. Well-written, humorous, informative... basically this was everything that There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale should have been (yes, I am still bitter about that one). Honestly, I Am Spock speaks for itself. Perfect ten, five stars, two thumbs up, however you want to put it, this is one you don't want to pass up.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook which is read by Leonard Nimoy with his great, iconic voice. I am not a particular Star Trek fan and I did not know the history of the I Am Not Spock story which is a focus of the early part of the book. I enjoyed hearing Nimoy's story read by him. The behind the scenes insight is interesting. I did make a note of Nimoy's favorite Spock Star Trek episodes and plan to watch them sometime.
It is a relatively short tale and was about as much talk of Spock I needed.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? Back in the mid seventies, I had models of the Enterprise, a Klingon battle cruiser and a Romulon bird of prey hanging from three different corners in my living room, and when we got home from work, we sat down with my son and watched Star Trek.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bettie's Books

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rising up from the Genesis planet, the once-dead I Am Not Spock is reborn with Leonard Nimoy’s replacement memoir, I Am Spock. A much better book than Nimoy’s literary debut, the latter repackages most of the former, then adds wonderful, fulfilling material from the author’s career into the 1990s.

Fortunately, what re-appears from I Am Not Spock does not include much of the awkward, imaginary dialogue between Nimoy and Spock. New conversations appear in I Am Spock, but they are shorter and serve as chapter introductions, creating charming transitions. Those who read both books will largely encounter a rerun for the first 130 pages, when Nimoy’s motion picture career takes flight.

Anyone that hates spoilers as much as I do and for some reason plans to see Nimoy’s old movies for the first time after reading this book will be disappointed, as a lot of their storylines are revealed. More likely, readers will find joy in the many behind-the-scenes surprises. “Three Men and a Baby” really should have had a blooper reel at the end!

The editing was solid, save for a few instances of repeated information—on two occasions within just a few pages—and Nimoy’s own tired tendency to overuse the word “tedious,” redundantly (I did that on purpose). Overall, the book was fun to read, and clearly Nimoy’s writing had improved along with his other talents since I Am Not Spock.

As the original memoir was mistitled (in this one, Nimoy comes right out and says the first book was a ‘mistake’) this one also seemed mistitled through the bulk of the pages. While it says Nimoy is Spock, his directorial success and hints at his personal life make it very clear that he is much more than Spock. However, the final short chapter brings it all together, insisting there is no separating the man from the vulcan, and the last sentence again borrows from his previously-published words to make the title make perfect sense.

[Νατάσσα · Rating 4 out of 5]

Τον Σποκ τον αγαπώ από παιδί. Τον Leonard Nimoy τον αγάπησα μεγάλη. Και τώρα, στην 2η "καραντίνα", που αποφάσισα να δω όλο το Star Trek σύμπαν από την αρχή, τους λάτρεψα και τους δύο.
Ωραία βιογραφία, διαφωτιστική, καλογραμμένη κα�� αληθινή.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I can't say much about this because it's not a fairytale where there are main characters who go on a magical journey to wherever... But this book was AMAZING!!!!!!

OK, first off: I am a proud Trekkie. This will NEVER change. This book helped reinforce my belief that being a Trekkie is good for the soul, ha ha. Anyway, this book was put out to tell more stories about Leonard Nimoy/Spock, as well as to dispel the rumors that he hated playing Spock. That rumor was started by his first published book, called "I Am Not Spock."

Anyway, it's clear from reading this that Leonard Nimoy loves being Spock and always feels like he's got a little Vulcan sitting on his shoulder, giving him little bits of logic for tough situations. He frequently gives us dialogues to read between "Spock" and "Nimoy." (NOTE: His first book was called "I Am Not Spock" partially to say that Leonard Nimoy is separate from Spock, but they influence each other greatly. Wow. Nimoy says it better. YOU read the book. I can't explain.)

One really sad part in the book was when Nimoy was talking about "The Wrath of Khan," the movie where Spock dies. Now, usually, we see dialogue between Spock and Nimoy at the beginning of a chapter, but I found only a monologue:
[NIMOY:]"Spock?"
(silence)
[NIMOY:]"Spock?!"
(silence)
[NIMOY:]"Spock, I'm so sorry..."
Leonard Nimoy felt like he had killed the Vulcan on his shoulder. It actually made me want to cry. Oh well.

I loved reading about the jokes/stories on set! There was one story in particular that I never want to forget. Bill Shatner (Captain Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy were working on the episode in the Original Series called "The Devil In The Dark." There is the scene where Spock mind-melds with the Horta (the creature they find in the tunnels there). Now, Bill Shatner's father died while they were working on that episode, but Shatner refused to leave without finishing his scenes. He then proceeded to finish his scenes and leave for his dad's funeral.
When he came back, it became apparent that his sense of humor was intact. He asked Leonard Nimoy to demonstrate the mind-meld with the Horta, and Nimoy obliged happily. He knelt on the floor, put his hands on an imaginary Horta, and began to say, "Pain, pain, PAIN," just the same way as in the actual clip. Well, while Nimoy was shouting pain to the skies, Bill Shatner shouted something like this: "We need Asparin! Can't you see this guy's in pain?!" Fun stuff.
Oh, and Bill Shatner found clever ways of hiding Nimoy's bike (like suspending it from the ceiling of the set). Fun stuff!

The only part about the book I didn't like was the chapter about "The Good Mother," one of the films Nimoy directed. I don't want to watch that film, by the way. It deals with this mother who tries to do the best for her daughter by never refusing to give her information, even about the more explicit stuff (that's my way of putting it lightly, by the way. Not gonna actually say what the book said). So, that whole chapter wasn't my favorite because it mentioned "embarassing"(?) body parts. But hey, it didn't ruin Star Trek for me, because it wasn't even about Star Trek.

This book was amazing, and I want to read the other book (I Am Not Spock) really soon. It was fun to hear about Nimoy's Star Trek, film, theater, and directing career.

Oh, and I LOVE his writing style! :D

[Clark Hallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir by Leonard Nimoy focuses on his involvement with the Star Trek television series and the succeeding Star Trek movies. Of course he is well known for his portrayal of Spock in that TV series and those movies. However, he also directed Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and served as executive producer for Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Nimoy provides much very interesting information about how the TV series and movies were conceived, developed and filmed. He provides much information about the writers, directors, producers, and actors with whom he worked. He discusses individual stories and scenes from TV episodes and movies, and provides his viewpoint of how he carried out his responsibilities as an actor and as a director. Of course, he also provides interesting information about the “Creator”, Gene Roddenberry. However, the relationship between Nimoy and Spock is the most important relationship in this book. The book continues a dialogue between Nimoy and Spock that began in his previous book, I Am Not Spock. He expresses regret about the title of that book, because it resulted in much animosity from fans and other problems for him. Many people thought he did not like portraying Spock or being part of the Star Trek phenomenon. As the title of this book confirms, Nimoy admits that he cares deeply about the character and indeed Spock is part of him and he is part of Spock. Conversations between the two of them appear throughout this book, as Nimoy hears Spock’s voice in his head and responds. I found these conversations to be “fascinating.” I also found them to be very informative about how an actor comes to respect and even love a character. Nimoy also discusses many other very significant acting roles, performances, and achievements that occurred between his Star Trek work periods. I enjoyed this book very much and I recommend it to anyone interested in TV, theatre, or movies. It should be required reading for Star Trek fans and for anyone who admires Nimoy’s work.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vieles was in dieser schon recht alten Biografie berichtet wird, wird auch im Film von Adam Nimoy For the Love of Spock direkt zitiert.
Das Buch liest sich äußerst flüssig und Nimoy ist ein toller Erzähler, der mich nie in irgendeiner Form gelangweilt. Mein Paperback ist schon ein paar Tage älter und leider sind die Fotos bei mir sehr nachgedunkelt und auch nur in schwarz-weiß. Hier sollte ich vielleicht mal etwas Geld in die Hand nehmen und mir eine schönere Ausgabe gönnen.
Das Buch bekommt jedenfalls einen Ehrenplatz, weil ich es garantiert nochmal lesen werde.

[Pat Flewwelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re not reading the audible book, you’re doing yourself a disservice. This is only the second time I’ve laughed out loud on a crowded train, listening to an audiobook (the first being with Andy Weir’s The Martian).

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

for the Audible audio book read by Leonard Nimoy- the internal conversations between Nimoy and Spock are fantastic, especially when read by Leonard Nimoy,... And er, Spock.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! I wish I had read it while he was alive. This has to be one of the most interesting Biographies I have read in a long time. What I find interesting if the reasoning behind his title, I felt appalled at people who made ridiculous comments about this last title. Such outrage. It's his story.
What an interesting life Leonard Nimoy lived! Not just about the whole Spock experience, but to write about his person life. How his family were affected, how he tried to make it so that he'd try not be away too much, but they were comfortable and safe. Saving for the unforeseeable future.
An enjoyable read.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you never watched star trek, this is an interesting book into an interesting man's life story.

[Darrel Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good but not the biographical depth I wanted. There was some humor and I definitely appreciate Leonard Nimory and Spock more after hearing their thoughts.

[Shaunesay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this memoir, read by Leonard Nimoy, interspersed with conversations between himself and his character Spock. This is a must for the Star Trek fan, and I'm sure I'll listen to it again, just hear this much beloved and missed voice. It was such a blow to lose Mr. Nimoy just a few months after my own father passed away from complications due to COPD, so it hit me hard and I knew this would be a tough listen. I waited until feeling strong enough, and was delighted to spend some time with Leonard and Spock and hear some of the history behind the show.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the crisis currently going on in the world, I suddenly decided to dig out my DVD set of the first season of "Star Trek" and revisit this entertaining book written by the late Leonard Nimoy in 1995. I purchased it not long after it was published, and it was interesting to re-read it. Of course, there is a sadness in that Mr. Nimoy is no longer with us, but his work, and especially Spock, lives on.

It should be noted that this book is about Nimoy's career, and his personal life is touched upon very little. I can respect the fact that he was a private person, and of course, more about his struggles and personal problems have been revealed since his passing. With all that knowledge, it does give a full portrait of this talented, complex, and humble man.

Leonard Nimoy was a man driven not only to work, but to create. He identified with Spock in many ways and he played a large part in creating the character. While it likely became a burden at times (not just regarding typecasting but in terms of trying to maintain a private life and the downside of celebrity), Nimoy made a point over the years of stating how much he loved the character and he was grateful to be a part of something so iconic. "I Am Spock" was also no doubt an attempt to correct and rectify the misconceptions of his previous book, the ill-advisedly titled, "I Am Not Spock", which angered the public just by the title alone and led to misunderstandings that Nimoy, for the rest of his life, made a point of addressing. The conversations between Nimoy and his famous alter-ego are particularly enjoyable and enlightening. His work away from Spock and Star Trek is discussed as well; he was a modern Renaissance man. You can almost feel the warmth of his personality come through the pages. That is something that stands out to me.

There is a sad note when Nimoy relates how the loss of breath while climbing stairs in the mid-1980s led him to finally quit smoking. Knowing that despite that, the damage was done and that it eventually caused his death made it a bit painful to read.

Reading this book again has resurrected my love for Spock and re-inforced my respect and admiration for Leonard Nimoy, as an artist and a human being. While he had his demons and failings, he overcame so much and healed his relationships with his children and grandchildren.

I was saddened when Leonard Nimoy passed away in 2015, but it hasn't been until recently that I have come to terms with it, and "I Am Spock" was one of the reasons. I highly recommend this book to fans of Leonard Nimoy and Star Trek. He touched so many lives in ways that he never imagined.