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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
When I saw this audio book available immediately through my library, I jumped at the chance to listen to William Shatner talk about his relationship with Leonard Nimoy. I wasn't disappointed.
There really wasn't a lot of NEW information here, but it was still a pleasurable listen. As a listener, I needed to remind myself that Mr. Shatner was telling things from his point of view, and as such, the story would not be totally objective. He did admit to a few things: a bit of jealousy on his part when, at first, Leonard was more popular than he was. Also, he admitted to being a jerk one time when Leonard had a photographer there in make up while they were shooting TOS.
It was interesting to learn that they both had problems with alcohol and nicotine. They were both raised in the Jewish faith and they both defied their fathers in their choice of careers.
The rest I will let you discover on your own, because I think any fan of Star Trek will NEED to read this, just as I did. I recommend the audio because there are far worse things than letting Captain Kirk relate the story to you himself.
Recommended for fans of Star Trek; just remember that this is not an objective biography, and it's as much about William Shatner as it is Leonard Nimoy.
There really wasn't a lot of NEW information here, but it was still a pleasurable listen. As a listener, I needed to remind myself that Mr. Shatner was telling things from his point of view, and as such, the story would not be totally objective. He did admit to a few things: a bit of jealousy on his part when, at first, Leonard was more popular than he was. Also, he admitted to being a jerk one time when Leonard had a photographer there in make up while they were shooting TOS.
It was interesting to learn that they both had problems with alcohol and nicotine. They were both raised in the Jewish faith and they both defied their fathers in their choice of careers.
The rest I will let you discover on your own, because I think any fan of Star Trek will NEED to read this, just as I did. I recommend the audio because there are far worse things than letting Captain Kirk relate the story to you himself.
Recommended for fans of Star Trek; just remember that this is not an objective biography, and it's as much about William Shatner as it is Leonard Nimoy.
Interesting info, though it did tend a little more into Shatner's life, than Nimoy's, but I enjoyed the read. Glad I borrowed from the library.
Oh what a wonderful man I discovered today.
In my late 20s, I'm only a few years new to the Star Trek universe and had only the most basic general knowledge about it. And as a fangirl at heart, I always love to dig into something new.
Now, it also allowed me to get into the book without pre-conceived notions, especially about the long Shatner/Nimoy tv duo legendary relationship. As I stand for their case, I love them both for what I've seen on screen. That's my base.
After that, I have to admit I do like to enjoy performances of artists I think are also nice people in their daily life. The sweet love of one's performance (or any art) certainly turns bitter (in my case) when I find out the person's shitty.
And I'm happy to say I was not disappointed today.
I discovered one extraordinary man, Nimoy, through the eye of another, Shatner, I have no doubt really loved him. Granted, in a competitive way.
Reading that kind of book, the "one side" on a story, someone talking about someone else can be tricky.
In a business like Hollywood, how can you find the truth behind it all when you know actor want to be liked and money to be made? Tricky, tricky, tricky.
In Shatner's case, I thought his respect, admiration and love for Nimoy clearly showed through the whole book.
I certainly learned a lot about Leonard Nimoy, who lead such a full, passionate life. Maybe people who've known him for years would not learn anything new but as it was my first real intro to Nimoy's life, I certainly did. I will definitely read his own two autobiographies when I have the chance.
As for Shatner's part, I read him as sincere and open to his own faults and failure. He does not negate his part in what was indeed a complex relationship. The shortcoming on the hollywood system and actors' ego are present and accounted for.
What I got from this book was how two strong personalities (and Nimoy was certainly that - and more!) collided but also formed a friendship in extraordinary circumstances.
I have to admit I did cry a bit. Maybe I got fooled but something in Shatner's words made me cry more than once.
The ending of their relationship (mystery?!) is quite sad on Shatner's account. Shatner appeared to me to be quite lonely. The feeling that "best friend" might not have been Nimoy's term for Shatner hangs in the air.
Yet, whatever it was, it was probably what the relationship between the men that brought Spock and Kirk to us could have been: unique.
I'm happy I've read this book and discovered more about the men behind ST legendary duo.
Both have my respect and admiration.
LLAP
In my late 20s, I'm only a few years new to the Star Trek universe and had only the most basic general knowledge about it. And as a fangirl at heart, I always love to dig into something new.
Now, it also allowed me to get into the book without pre-conceived notions, especially about the long Shatner/Nimoy tv duo legendary relationship. As I stand for their case, I love them both for what I've seen on screen. That's my base.
After that, I have to admit I do like to enjoy performances of artists I think are also nice people in their daily life. The sweet love of one's performance (or any art) certainly turns bitter (in my case) when I find out the person's shitty.
And I'm happy to say I was not disappointed today.
I discovered one extraordinary man, Nimoy, through the eye of another, Shatner, I have no doubt really loved him. Granted, in a competitive way.
Reading that kind of book, the "one side" on a story, someone talking about someone else can be tricky.
In a business like Hollywood, how can you find the truth behind it all when you know actor want to be liked and money to be made? Tricky, tricky, tricky.
In Shatner's case, I thought his respect, admiration and love for Nimoy clearly showed through the whole book.
I certainly learned a lot about Leonard Nimoy, who lead such a full, passionate life. Maybe people who've known him for years would not learn anything new but as it was my first real intro to Nimoy's life, I certainly did. I will definitely read his own two autobiographies when I have the chance.
As for Shatner's part, I read him as sincere and open to his own faults and failure. He does not negate his part in what was indeed a complex relationship. The shortcoming on the hollywood system and actors' ego are present and accounted for.
What I got from this book was how two strong personalities (and Nimoy was certainly that - and more!) collided but also formed a friendship in extraordinary circumstances.
I have to admit I did cry a bit. Maybe I got fooled but something in Shatner's words made me cry more than once.
The ending of their relationship (mystery?!) is quite sad on Shatner's account. Shatner appeared to me to be quite lonely. The feeling that "best friend" might not have been Nimoy's term for Shatner hangs in the air.
Yet, whatever it was, it was probably what the relationship between the men that brought Spock and Kirk to us could have been: unique.
I'm happy I've read this book and discovered more about the men behind ST legendary duo.
Both have my respect and admiration.
LLAP
I am giving this book 5 stars because...
A personal biography of Nimoy by his on and off again friend William Shatner. Shatner mentions that their friendship waned with in the last years of Nimoy's life, as Nimoy cut him out. I suspect that Nimoy was feeling frail and aged, and did not wish to be seen in his weakened and near death state. I have seen that before in men, who were in their last years.
In reading the book I was saddened to learn that Nimoy was an alcoholic. He was high-functioning, and never let his drinking affect his work, but his addiction twisted his life. I also learnt more of the friendship between the two men. They were friends longer and closer than I had known.
A fascinating look at a fascinating man.
Excellent read. Recommended.
A personal biography of Nimoy by his on and off again friend William Shatner. Shatner mentions that their friendship waned with in the last years of Nimoy's life, as Nimoy cut him out. I suspect that Nimoy was feeling frail and aged, and did not wish to be seen in his weakened and near death state. I have seen that before in men, who were in their last years.
In reading the book I was saddened to learn that Nimoy was an alcoholic. He was high-functioning, and never let his drinking affect his work, but his addiction twisted his life. I also learnt more of the friendship between the two men. They were friends longer and closer than I had known.
A fascinating look at a fascinating man.
Excellent read. Recommended.
A wonderful tribute, brought me to tears in places. Surprisingly candid for Shatner.
Had to go back and forth a bit about the rating, considered giving it no rating since it's not really the book that you're reading with any real thought re: literary merit or recommendation potential. A certain type of person is going to to read this no matter what I tell you about it; I am one of those people. If you a Star Trek fan, I don't need to encourage you to read it or discourage you since you're going to do it anyway.
It's a little hard to pass a judgment on person's perception of a friendship. A friendship that was different in the last few years before Leonard Nimoy's death especially. William Shatner also cannot resist the limelight and so he gets pretty much equal billing here. You expect that in a book about a friendship and I do think he was trying to rein it in as much as he could. What I do get out of this is that Shatner looks back fondly on the good times they had, wishes he could have done thing different or acted differently in the not so good ones, and deeply regrets not being better in touch with him before the end.
Despite all of that he is obviously very grateful for the time he did get with him. There are fan favourite stories and legends that pop up here again, blessedly not beaten to death or told in the exact same way, as well as insights and stories that I had never heard. This is primarily Shatner's recollections but there are others' as well - notably Nimoy's son, Adam.
It's an experience essential for a Star Trek fan. You are reminded exactly how awesome a guy Nimoy was and how badly we're going to miss him. I'm crushed that he's missing Star Trek's 50th anniversary and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
It's a little hard to pass a judgment on person's perception of a friendship. A friendship that was different in the last few years before Leonard Nimoy's death especially. William Shatner also cannot resist the limelight and so he gets pretty much equal billing here. You expect that in a book about a friendship and I do think he was trying to rein it in as much as he could. What I do get out of this is that Shatner looks back fondly on the good times they had, wishes he could have done thing different or acted differently in the not so good ones, and deeply regrets not being better in touch with him before the end.
Despite all of that he is obviously very grateful for the time he did get with him. There are fan favourite stories and legends that pop up here again, blessedly not beaten to death or told in the exact same way, as well as insights and stories that I had never heard. This is primarily Shatner's recollections but there are others' as well - notably Nimoy's son, Adam.
It's an experience essential for a Star Trek fan. You are reminded exactly how awesome a guy Nimoy was and how badly we're going to miss him. I'm crushed that he's missing Star Trek's 50th anniversary and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
3.5 stars
I'm not a big fan of Star Trek, though I did grow up watching the Next Generation. I have only seen a handful of the original series but I have always been a fan of the character of Spock in general, and therefore Leonard Nimoy by extension. Hardcore fans may not enjoy this book as much as I did because I figure a great deal of the details contained within it were already known. I, however, knew almost nothing about Nimoy as an individual. I found not only Nimoy as a person but Nimoy and Shatner's relationship to be a wonderful discovery. Despite Shatner's reputation of self-absorption, I did not feel as though he overstepped much in this book and actually conveyed Nimoy and their relationship well. After reading the book I watched some videos of them at conventions and they were quite entertaining together. I walk away liking both Nimoy and Shatner more after this and gaining a new appreciation for Star Trek.
I'm not a big fan of Star Trek, though I did grow up watching the Next Generation. I have only seen a handful of the original series but I have always been a fan of the character of Spock in general, and therefore Leonard Nimoy by extension. Hardcore fans may not enjoy this book as much as I did because I figure a great deal of the details contained within it were already known. I, however, knew almost nothing about Nimoy as an individual. I found not only Nimoy as a person but Nimoy and Shatner's relationship to be a wonderful discovery. Despite Shatner's reputation of self-absorption, I did not feel as though he overstepped much in this book and actually conveyed Nimoy and their relationship well. After reading the book I watched some videos of them at conventions and they were quite entertaining together. I walk away liking both Nimoy and Shatner more after this and gaining a new appreciation for Star Trek.
Shatner has written and read a lovely tribute to his friend Leonard Nimoy. A mixture of both of their stories, I enjoyed hearing about both of their origins, the beginnings of their careers and the progression of their lives.
A book about W Shatner's relationship with Leonard Nimoy. Perhaps it should have been titled "Leonard and I".
Interesting. There are some old stories revisited and new ones.
Interesting. There are some old stories revisited and new ones.
What a strange book. Any book about a beloved person who has recently died is going to be pervaded by a lurking melancholy, and this book is no exception, except that Shatner's narcissism gets the best of him now and again, and the book about Nimoy is briefly a book about Shatner. And I get it; their lives and friendship forms a complex and intertwined tapestry of whatever, but seriously- this occasionally just a book about Bill. To be fair, he mostly does a good job, but this book was so rushed, it's obvious: verb tenses are wrong, timelines jump and jump back (without even kissing themselves) and neither the ghostwriter or editor caught it. And it happens kind of a lot. "Facts" are presented as fallible, "I could be wrong" or "I don't remember it that way, but" sorts of memories, which makes for an unreliable narrative that must be trusted and cannot be effectively assailed. (This book has the first really negative things I've heard about Gene Roddenberry, for instance.) At the core are some things about Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, their families, friendship and experiences that feel true, however, and that makes this a worthwhile read for the hardcore fan, I think. It's quick and sentimental and no doubt, better biographies of the man have been and will be written, but this one is going to be unique and weird forever.