Leonard

My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man

By: William Shatner

Narrated by: William Shatner

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times best seller

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 as Spock and Captain Kirk, in a new science-fiction television series, would shape their lives in ways no one could have anticipated. In seventy-nine television episodes of Star Trek 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 audiobook, 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 audiobook written and read by one legendary actor in celebration of another.

©2016 William Shatner (P)2015 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Shatner narrates his story with touching reverence for a dear friend...Shatner's authentic performance moves the story along with humor and sincerity, making the anecdotes all the more interesting and touching." ( AudioFile Magazine)

Shatner brings to life an amazing tale about a talented, hardworking man!

For those wanting to understand more about the dynamic relationship Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner developed over their life, this book provides that and so much more. Shatner gives readers a rich tale of two friends and of how their lives were made better for having been put together. Mr. Shatner has a wonderful sense of story that makes listening and reading this book effortless and quite enjoyable. It is wonderful to hear this story told by the man who lived the story. As a fan of Star Trek, a reader can relive their childhood of what the characters of Kirk and Spock meant to them while understanding what those characters meant to the actors who portrayed them. If you are not a fan of the show, you can understand how those characters developed into icons and have a better appreciation for the skill needed to make the characters come alive.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to better understand the man who made Spock and how much he influenced the lives around him.

Well done, Mr. Shatner!

Heartfelt eulogy from the Shat to his best friend

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was a nice biography of Leonard Nimoy by William Shatner. It was like listening to a eulogy (so positively biased, but honest) given by a good friend. Shatner compares and contrasts his background with Leonard's, so it is like listening to both of their biographies together.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Leonard Nimoy - interesting to learn more about his background and approach to playing Spock.

Which character – as performed by Willam Shatner – was your favorite?

William Shatner.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The last section was very emotional. Shatner's regrets are understandable and heartfelt.

Any additional comments?

Although sometimes Shatner is difficult to understand, his narration makes the audiobook sing.

The importance of the one...or the two.

The best biography I have ever read (or heard). Not just because I am a fan, but because the author of the biography is so close to subject that they forever tied together. Like it nor not, and despite their large bodies of work, Shatner and Nimoy will forever be remembered as their respective characters on Star Trek. That should be a testament to the quality of their creations. Despite being a lifelong fan, I've read a lot of material on the two but had no idea of how deep their friendship was. It was exciting to hear so much about their inner workings together. It was equally as frustrating to share in Shatner's puzzlement at being left to ponder what happened.

Best Book I've Ever Read About Love & Friendship

FIVE STARS *****

Shatner opens his soul & shares events, including the struggles, the ups & downs between two unlikely people over a 50 year span. The two separate drives that allowed these two men to relate to each other, support each other, & travel life's unpredictable road together. A bond of love that tested life's furnace & came out strong on the other side.

When it comes down to the core we see two human beings with the same frailties, the same fears, the same issues & emotions we all deal with.

This is Shatner's best work. He opens up his soul in a most sensative & human manner. Bravo to Mr. Shatner & to his best friend, our own beloved Leonard Nimoy... Mr. Spock. LLAP

enlightening

Shatner's a great writer and narrator. It was a very good observation of Leonard from a friend's point of view. A very interesting man, his life, his loves and his passions.

Leonard by William Shatner

I found the audio book to be quite well done with a profound story of the friendship between Bill Shatner and Leonard Nimoy!

A great story and story telling.

Beautiful,touching stories

Shatner is a brilliant storyteller. He brings the real Leonard Nimoy to life in this book. I was in grade school when the original series debuted. I’ve been a fan ever since. But, I had no idea what an amazing, intelligent and MULTI-talented man Leonard Nimoy was. This book is a beautiful tribute to his longtime friend.

Touching Tribute

This is a 4.5 star book. Shatner has written a love letter to his friend and costar that is funny, poignant, tragic, and ultimately life affirming. While the Shatner ego is on display from time to time, so too are wonderful moments of candor about his own failings. One may well quibble that you'd have liked the experience to last a while longer-surely there are stories Shatner could have told and didn't- the book is a wonderful tribute to Nimoy and an ode to the complexities of friendship and the importance of telling the people who matter to us that they indeed do. Bravo Mr. Shatner. Rest in Peace, Mr. Nimoy.

Moving Tribute

This is as much a biographical tribute to Leonard Nimoy as it is a history of Star Trek and Nimoy's impact on modurn culture and entertainment. It is also an autobiography of William Shatner, but he does a good job of putting every personal story in the context of Leonard's influence on him. It is clear that Nimoy had a profound influence on everyone he touched. It was a quick read, but there were some very interesting details that most casual observers of pop culture would never have imagined.

Fascinating

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have already recommended this book to any Star Trek fan I have come across with, because of the poignancy of Shatner describing his closest friend's life for us to enjoy and admire.Nimoy is already missed!

What did you like best about this story?

All of it.

Have you listened to any of William Shatner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I enjoyed Shatner's "Star Trek Memories." The are comparable when discussing certain aspects of Star Trek, but each stand on their own.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Shatner in my opinion was unfairly criticized for missing Nimoy's funeral. This is a great tribute!