“Spy of the First Person” by Sam Shepard

Near the end of his life, my dad said he and his friends, also in their early 80s, would sit and talk privately about their “legacies.” They would discuss what they would be remembered for after they were gone, both good and bad. My dad would sometimes say, “Lori, how is my legacy today?” I used to laugh and say, “The Odd Couple,” “Happy Days,” “Pretty Woman,” “Beaches,” and “Valentine’s Day,” I think your legacy is pretty safe.” The same could be said for another beloved man, Sam Shepard who passed away last year.  He appeared in 50 films and wrote 55 plays, and you would not think this would be a man compelled to write more book as he was dying. He was well known around the world for his acting and writing, but he insisted on completing this book “Spy of the First Person” before he died. As he was losing the ability to even hold a pencil due to the devastating effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, he dictated the end of this book to his sisters and three children using a tape recorder. It was almost as if he wanted to reveal to everyone that ALS was part of his legacy and the urgency in his narrative comes through clearly in every word. “Shepard’s family published “Spy of the First Person” with the help of his long-time friend, the singer-songwriter Patti Smith. The beauty and simplicity of this book is pure Shepard. His sister Sally told the “New York Times” that even during his final days “His mind was like a steel trap.” The prose of Sam Shepard will live on for many decades to come. I’m so glad he was able to finish this last book and share it with the world.  To purchase this book on Amazon click here.