I Am Not Spock

Rating:
Summary: Not Just 'Another Star Trek Book'
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Not Just 'Another Star Trek Book'
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: One of the most under rated books!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book but Expensive
Review: 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. ;)

Rating:
Summary: Spock, 70's-style...
Review: 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. ;)

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable. Spock fans will love it.
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable. Spock fans will love it.
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book but Expensive
Review: This book was very good read but I felt it did not tell me enough about Leonard Nimoy. He basically mentions is work only. Nothing about his upbringing and childhood. Mind you the book and is thin i.e. only 130 odd pages. I greatly enjoyed the Dialogues between Nimoy and Spock and I liked the introspective thoughts of the first few chapters where Nimoy wonders who Spock is. It's a daft thing to complain about but I found it confusing that the anecdotes changed mid-chapter without a line break. I kept looking for some connection that was not there until I got used to it. It's great that I don't have to wait 20 years to read "I am Spock".