Customer Reviews

I Am Not Spock

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is well-written and intelligent. Since I read Nimoy's later autobiography, "I Am Spock," first, that probably changed my perception of what might have been a 5-star review. Many anecdotes from this first book are incorporated into the second, but not all. Also, I find Nimoy's maturer style more insightful, as well it should be. (Some readers do prefer the young, "unjaded" personality that comes through in "I Am Not Spock," and that's understandable, too.) The second book came after the Star Trek movies, and is, therefore, a more complete life story. If you find this book expensive or can only afford one book, buy the second book. Die-hard Spock fans, however (of which I am one), will enjoy reading both books. Nimoy's voice in "I Am Not Spock" is clearly the voice of a youth of the 1960's, and in that respect, it does take one closer to the source, as this '60's cultural identity was influential in the formation of the "Spock" character. On the other hand, it takes the maturer voice of his second book to point out that fact. By the way, don't think he knocks the "Spock" character in this book. After reading "I Am Spock," I was curious to discover whether Nimoy had really loved Spock all along, as he insisted, or if he'd had an early disenchantment with the character, only to regret it later and try to backpedal in his second book to dispell the negative vibes that followed "I Am Not Spock." Not a chance: in "I Am Not Spock," it is immediately apparent that Nimoy loves Spock. And, although he would like for people to understand Nimoy as a well-rounded, human individual, (including the woman who insisted he stop trying to look like that Spock man on TV!) he never disavows the character, "Spock," to achieve his aim. Critics who claimed Nimoy hated "Spock" obviously didn't read past the title of this book.

A wonderful memoir of Nimoy's efforts to create the character of Mr. Spock and his subsequent efforts at photography, poetry and theatre. If you've been dissappointed with books by other actors, this will be a pleasant surprise -- Nimoy is definitely an exception. It is well written and thoughtful. The writing is genuine and warm. Don't judge this book by it's title -- Nimoy reveals that he has no animosity toward his Star Trek character whatsoever. A revealing look at a real artist.

I first read this book when it was originally published. I wasalsotaken back by the title. But rather than "judge a book by it's cover" I took the time to read it. I had read other books by Mr. Nimoy and was delighted with the concept of this particular book. I was rewarded with the care that he took in writing it. It was a delight, an insight, and a true joy to read. Had any of the critics actually read the book from cover to cover they would have enjoyed a personal look at the stuggles of one man to accept himself. Mr. Nimoy's courage in working for his dream and in publishing his journey show the worth of his character. Mr. Nimoy continues to challenge himself and others to be the best they can be. This book is a must read for anyone struggling to fulfil their dreams, anyone striving to find themselves, and anyone willing to accept themselves. This is not just another "Star Trek" book but a book of self discovery and enlightenment.

I read this book after reading Nimoy's later (1990's) book I AM SPOCK. The differences were interesting. This book is written by a man of the idealistic 60's who describes his struggle as a creative actor against the wallet-minded producers of his works (and so on) vs. the more jaded (or wiser, depending on how you look at it) Hollywood veteran of the second book. Still, this book gives a better insight into Nimoy the *person*, which is what I find most interesting. This is definitely of interest to anyone interested in a glimpse of the psychology of an actor 20 years ago.

Oh, and trekkies. ;)

If you are here, and not at his newer biography then your question must be, should I own this one, the other, or both.

This is a difficult choice. This book is worth it to Star Trek fans for the nostalgia factor, yet many parts of it are lifted directly into "I Am Spock".

A note on the library binding, for those curious. In this case it refers to a cardboard binding, like a school yearbook. Imagine if instead of having a lsipcover, the book itself is glossy perhaps. It's nice, so don't fret that part.

I read "I am Spock" first. Then last year I found by incident the book "I am not Spock" and ordered it. I did read it in one go. My opinion about Leonard Nimoy was always a very high one. He is very intelligent, he has an absolutely gorgeous humour and he is a brilliant Actor, Author, Director and Photographer. I hope he stays with us still a long time. I adore him very much.

Everyone who is interested in his life and work and especially his life with that logical vulcan, should read this book ... and "I am Spock" (20 years later).

Having read every Star Trek (TOS) autobiography (though I only got about half-way through Walter Koenig's story) I can say this is not the best example of Leonard Nimoy's body of work.

You would be much, much better advised to pick up a copy of Grace Lee Whitney's heart-wrenching book, "My Tour of the Galaxy," or the late James Doohan's "Beam Me Up, Scotty," which is easily the most interesting Trek autobiography, overall. Herbert F. Solow's recent book, detailing the highs and lows of the "orginal series" is full of shocks and fascinating details unavailable in the other tell-all books, but it may put you off Star Trek for six to twelve months, it's so unforgiving of creator Gene Roddeberry, and to a lesser extent, of Mr. Nimoy, and William Shatner.

Richard Green
St. Louis

C'mon, who *doesn't* recognize Spock and Kirk? Arguably, they are the most iconic characters of television of the 20th century. The failed series of the late 1960's has spawned a global fan following worth millions of dollars to Paramount pictures, several spin-off television shows, and also movies.
However, no one saw this coming, least of all the actors, when the show was first produced. It was a flop and they all moved on to other things.
Leonard Nimoy, in this charming (and NOT ghost-written) autobiography, traces his life post-Star Trek -- but also the effect the famous character of Spock has had on his life. It's a fun "beach read" and Mr. Nimoy is a good writer who keeps the narrative flowing smoothly. The reader gets a good glimpse into his life--and how he relates to his fame and fans. I give it 5 stars. No matter what you think of "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins" (look that one up on YouTube if you don't know what I'm writing about), the man's metier is entertainment, and he has been phenomenally successful as such for over 44 years.

This book was written in the early 1970's, before the Star Trek phenomenon really began to take off. At the time, Nimoy was trying to shed the typecast image of being Mr. Spock, hence the title of the book. I can remember him appearing on daytime television game shows and the subject came up. Therefore, this book is not a retrospective of his three years filming Star Trek the original series but a description of the years immediately after.
His work as a director has demonstrated his talents and he is also a published poet. Nimoy has acted on stage and in some largely forgettable films, yet Spock was always still a part of him. A fact that Nimoy acknowledges several times by describing simulated dialogs between Mr. Spock and Leonard Nimoy.
All of the major characters in the Star Trek original series have written at least one book about their experiences. This one is different in that it is about the life of the actor after the series was cancelled and it is the one actor most likely to be typecast by their role. Nimoy was able to achieve something that few actors are ever able to do, use a role that should be the dictionary example of typecasting and turn it into a separate career. However, he never completely lost those ties and his appreciation to what made him a household name.

Wow, they've reprinted this? I have the original paperback from 1976! I was madly in love with Mr. Nimoy when I was a teenager, and this was icing on the cake. A fun read, especially the sections where Nimoy talks to his alter-ego Spock.