I Am Spock
By Leonard Nimoy
The long-awaited autobiography of Spock's alter-ego. Nimoy offers inner conversations, memories of Star Trek and other projects.
All about Spock from the master himself, Leonard Nimoy. His light, warm, witty tone makes this a delight to read, and there's no doubt he is the true author. (Unlike certain other Star Trek biographies... by William Shatner.) Nimoy does more than string together ancedotes: this is a curious examination of the relationship between an actor and his definining role. The title is an indication that he's come to accept Spock as part of himself. Spock's part of his personality and experiences, and has influenced his life choices. Though if Nimoy is in fact Spock, he's also much more, as his diverse projects reveal. Theatre, film direction, photography, poetry, radio drama, advocate for Jewish culture - there's little he hasn't done.
The intense focus on his career does mean a lack of personal details, but this might be for the best. When he veers away from Spock, readers' interests might flag, like during the chapter on his later directing efforts. But this isn't a great concern, since the Vulcan is always present in some way. Great stories, trivia, and photos are found throughout this volume, and Nimoy approaches most subjects with enthusiasm. While always respectful, he's refreshingly honest about what didn't work on TOS. (The abyssmal Season Three is not spared from his criticism.) He's no mouthpiece for Paramount after all, but an energetic, creative, and considerate talent who's penned a charming biography belonging on every Spock fan's bookshelf.