Memoirs are a tricky concept, as personal perspectives on life events need to be balanced with objectivity to create a full picture. That very concept is something that author Adam Nimoy has clearly kept in mind when writing, and promoting, his book The Most Human: Reconciling With My Father, Leonard Nimoy.

Recounting his journey through 12 Step recovery, as well as his efforts to connect with his father years before the Star Trek legend’s 2015 passing, the book isn’t a tell all – but it gets brutally honest on all sides. But as the author shared with me his process and reasoning for this latest effort, the tender balance required in such projects was more than met.

Adam Nimoy Hopes To Offer Help With The Most Human

Speaking with Mr. Nimoy on behalf of That Hashtag Show, I could see the beating heart behind his recent memoir. While the title refers to Adam’s better understanding of his father’s life and legacy, it could also apply to the approach he took to writing this volume – currently available in paperback, through the Chicago Review Press. 

While Adam Nimoy’s 2016 documentary For the Love of Spock dug into some similar subject matter, there’s a very good reason for why The Most Human retells a lot of that history. As Nimoy shared with THS, this further examination came from a desire to help: 

The reason for writing the book was because my dad and I had a lot of trouble relating to one another. … I share about this at 12 Step meetings, I’m still in 12 Step meetings. I’m 22 years sober now. And [as] I shared it anonymously, [it] resonated with people who have some dysfunction in their family; with a parent, or a sibling, or some family member.

As revealed in The Most Human, as well as this interview, Adam Nimoy recalled how he and his father’s parallel journeys into addiction recovery helped them mend fences. Naturally, that means that his memoir is not only a personal account, it’s also a sort of teachable lesson in one of the core tenets of recovery: making amends. 

The inspiration for familial reconciliation was a strong drive behind Mr. Nimoy’s memoir; as was a desire to “be of service to the community” that resonated with his tale. And as he discussed further down the line in our chat, the veteran TV director also gained an even further appreciation of Leonard Nimoy’s life and times. 

The Epiphany Adam Nimoy Experienced While Writing The Most Human 

By retelling the story of Leonard Nimoy’s difficulties at home, as well as how his own life echoed such trials, Adam Nimoy has provided a good basis for anyone who wants to understand their family a little better. 

Not to mention, it was an opportunity for the Babylon 5 director to retrace Leonard’s career path – from an outsider with a Boston accent to a prime time TV star. That particular reflection stuck out to Adam during The Most Human’s crafting, which he highlighted thusly: 

The epiphany, and it kind of happened a little bit with [For the Love of Spock], was a real appreciation for what my dad had accomplished, when there were so many obstacles in his way. … The trajectory of his life was what really resonated with me; and I really came to appreciate what he had managed to accomplish in 17 years. 

However, Star Trek fans may have trouble reconciling the image of the man who helped define Mr. Spock, and the very mortal person behind that portrayal. Admitting that the “sacrifice” of his family life was part of building such a successful career is a very big part of that story.

Adam Nimoy sits in conversation in For The Love Of Spock.

How Adam Nimoy Balanced Legacy, Reality, And Responsibility In The Most Human

The intent behind The Most Human is to accurately reflect the identifiable flaws in the lives of Adam Nimoy and his father; while also honoring how he “would not change anything” about his childhood. Further solidifying his case for revisiting those life events once more on the page, Nimoy offered this additional context: 

The challenge is it’s not Mommy Dearest … although there are some episodes in the book where I’m honestly portraying my perception of what happened; and a lot of it was unpleasant. My dad had some challenges in the parenting department; there’s no doubt about it. But the fact is I’m sensitive to the fact that this is a man who’s loved and adored, still to this day, by millions of fans all over the world. The goal is to really kind of portray him in a human light, without taking pot shots at him, and accepting my own responsibility for the dysfunction in our relationship.

As someone who grew up with a casual fandom of Star Trek, as well as the usual difficulties with parental figures in life, The Most Human: Reconciling With My Father, Leonard Nimoy is a fantastic read. Even in the more unpleasant moments of Nimoy family history provide a satisfying echo in “the future,” as shown in the examples of how they influenced Adam Nimoy to learn and grow. That, if anything, is the most human endeavor of all.

The Most Human is currently available to purchase in hardcover or paperback. Meanwhile, Adam Nimoy’s documentary For the Love of Spock, is currently streaming through several free with ads platforms; and acts as a fitting companion to this tome. And don’t forget to keep your browser tuned to THS’ Star Trek archives, for all of the updates on the franchise’s 60th anniversary!