Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man by William Shatner

[gilda_elise]

Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner first crossed paths as actors on the set of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Little did they know that their next roles, in a new science-fiction television series, would shape their lives in ways no one could have anticipated. In seventy-nine television episodes and six feature films, they grew to know each other more than most friends could ever imagine.

Over the course of half a century, Shatner and Nimoy saw each other through personal and professional highs and lows. In this powerfully emotional book, Shatner tells the story of a man who was his friend for five decades, recounting anecdotes and untold stories of their lives on and off set, as well as gathering stories from others who knew Nimoy well, to present a full picture of a rich life.

As much a biography of Nimoy as a story of their friendship, Leonard is a uniquely heartfelt book written by one legendary actor in celebration of another.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read this book at first. For someone who’s been a Star Trek fan from the beginning, I didn’t think there could be much written that I didn’t already know. And that turned out to be basically the case, though there were a few stories I hadn’t heard before. What was new, was Shatner showing a more human side. Whether out of a sense of vulnerability, or his upbringing, or whatever, he’s inclined to too light a touch when it comes to how he feels. Here, he’s finally allowed his emotions to show.

Shatner has gotten a lot of bad press; how much of it is deserved, I can’t say. But I can say that, especially after reading this book, I think that his feelings for Nimoy were true and deep. And that alone made the book well worth the price of admission.

This isn't part of my Mount TBR challenge, as, not only do I not own it, but it was published this year, but once I decided that I wanted to read it, well, I just had to read it.

Comments

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this review. I'd heard about the book, but was hesitant. Perhaps it will be a good book to take on the plane.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

It would be a perfect book for taking on the plane. You'd probably finish it before you landed, it's that easy a read. But, at the same time, an interesting one.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

I'm going to have to check it out on Amazon. I read pretty fast, but we do have a night flight and I am hoping to get some sleep in at some point.

Thanks!

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome. :-)

[st-crispins.livejournal.com]

I flipped through the book at B&N and felt the same way. I do think Shatner is telling the truth, at least the way he sees it.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think so, too. Whatever happened between them, I think the book is sort of Shatner's way of fixing it, as best he can. It's just really sad.

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

Thank you! You're the first person I know who's actually read it, and I feel much more inclined to give it a go now, thank you.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Glad I was of some help. :-) I'm sort of surprised that I haven't heard of more people reading it, especially on my Trek groups. But I think you'll enjoy it.

[hsv-fangirl.livejournal.com]

*sob* I can't wait to start reading this. I'm just finishing up another book and then I will dive into this. What a good picture of LN on the cover too. So handsome. He would have enjoyed being part of the 50th anniversary ST celebrations. I feel very sad he missed that.
xx

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that would have been great if he had been able to share in the celebration. I'm really interested in hearing what you think of the book, so get to it! *g*

[leethet.livejournal.com]

I just finished this book! What struck me most about it was how much it reminded me of Jerry Lewis' "Dean and Me: A Love Story." Jerry Lewis, and William Shatner, probably didn't intend to reveal as much of their own massive egos as is revealed. But what is also very clear is how much Lewis loved Martin, and how much Shatner loved Nimoy. The books were both very interesting for those two things. I wouldn't call "Leonard" a good book, but it was interesting.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I have that book! Now, I'll just have to get around to reading it. *g* I suppose there is a passing similarity between the situations, though wasn't it Lewis who caused the rift between himself and Martin, something to do with Martin's divorce?

And, yes, Leonard, is more interesting than good, even though you would think that the two would go hand in hand. Maybe because, as you say, it tells you more about the writer than the subject.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

The impression I'm left with is Martin and Lewis split (as friends) because Jerry's fame, and ego, got huge, and Deano kind of got left in the dust, and didn't like it. That said, they remained friends, of a sort. It's a pretty good read, although every page throbs with Lewis' ego. Nonetheless, his love for Dean is quite evident, and the fact that you can feel it in spite of Jerry's ego says a lot for how strong it was.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I'm looking forward to reading it. I've seen evidence of Lewis's ego in other things, so I'm not surprised that it had something to do with their split, rather than an argument over ethics! But I supposed Martin's ego had a little bit to do with it, go. And I'm glad to hear that they remained friends, even if not close ones.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

Well, of course, it wasn't Lewis' fault that the world wanted more of him and not so much of Dean. That's fame. So that wasn't anyone's fault, really. But it's funny how Lewis, and Shatner, probably thought they weren't coming across as egotists because from time to time they'd write things like "Maybe I was wrong," but both books are just chock full of their respective egos. :-)

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Lol, I'll have to make a comparison, as the other book has now been bumped up on my "to be read" list.

[tinny]

Here, he’s finally allowed his emotions to show. Shatner has gotten a lot of bad press; how much of it is deserved, I can’t say. But I can say that, especially after reading this book, I think that his feelings for Nimoy were true and deep.

Yes, and yes. But that is good to hear. I wouldn't otherwise be inclined to read anything Shatner writes (or dictates, whatever), but this sounds worth it.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I think, for most Star Trek fans, it's worth reading. It's ultimately a sad story, yet uplifting in its own awkward way.