Leonard

I've read I Am Spock several times, and I am at least aware enough of I Am Not Spock that I own it and have read partway into it before the unfortunate truths of being a college student kicked in. However, a few months back, I stumbled on a third book, Leonard, a biography written not by Leonard Nimoy, but by friend and former costar William Shatner. Expecting something of a lighthearted reminiscence, I picked it up.

And of course, I was immediately surprised by the contents. Shatner begins by recalling an interview in which Nimoy had said he was his best friend, and notes that he wasn't particularly emotionally expressive in those kinds of situations. He very frankly notes what a big deal it was for him to say that. This was the moment that I realized just what I'd gotten myself into by picking up that book.

I don't have the book with me right now, so I can't discuss it in as much detail as I would like, or pull quotes. But if you're familiar with Shatner's Star Trek Memories or Star Trek Movie Memories, you would probably expect no small amount of humor. And while there are light-hearted moments and comments given in ways he seems aware he'd never be able to get away with around anyone else, I wouldn't call the book comedy. Despite a few memories of jokes played on each other (or others) and a few tongue-in-cheek remarks about his own ego, Shatner's book is surprisingly frank. He himself is only mentioned in the context of his and Nimoy's similar experiences, as if to explain why they would have bonded over that. You can certainly feel his respect for Leonard Nimoy in the pages of that book.

It isn't all the fun memories either. Shatner writes with unexpected precision and sensitivity on the subject of painful divorces and struggles with alcoholism, even seeming to regret that he couldn't have realized what was going on sooner. All I can say is that I found it very sobering to read those words, which showed more comprehension and maturity on the subject than many, even compared to some who you would expect to know better.

The book covers the entire span of their friendship, going even before their first meeting, up until the very end. And yet, there is a note of peace and optimism about it, even with the regrets. It is certainly an emotional read, although I can't guarantee the extent to which it will affect you. I myself did not become emotional in the areas I expected, but in completely different ones.

In any case, I would highly recommend the book and deeply regret that I am unable to pull quotes at the moment. 

So please, enjoy, and live long and prosper.