The Garner Files
A Memoir
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4.1 • 187 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
Told in the charming and self-deprecating style that has made him one of America’s most beloved celebrities—the real story behind Hollywood legend James Garner, from his Depression-era childhood to his colorful career.
His incredible story, in his own words.
One of Hollywood’s all-time great leading men, James Garner enjoyed a remarkable career spanning six decades, and whether you know him as Bret Maverick or Jim Rockford, his appeal bridges generations. Few know the real story, now told in this intimate memoir of growing up in Depression-era Oklahoma and triumphing in Hollywood.
After physical abuse at the hands of his stepmother, Garner left home at fourteen. He was Oklahoma’s first draftee of the Korean War, receiving two Purple Hearts for combat wounds. Back in Los Angeles in need of a job, Garner reluctantly tried acting and was surprised to find his career taking off. Working with such luminaries as Julie Andrews, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, and Clint Eastwood, he became a star in his own right. He threw himself into his work, and despite stage fright and bouts of depression, constant physical pain and epic battles with the Hollywood establishment, he became the acting equivalent of a national monument.
Written with Jon Winokur, The Garner Files is a wry, engaging self-portrait chronicling the vagaries of a screen career along with the cast of personal and professional characters that helped shape a great American life.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Though Garner fans are aging inevitable, since the star himself is 84-years-old there are plenty who'll snap up this enjoyable memoir. Having gained a loyal following through TV series such as Maverick and The Rockford Files, and films including The Great Escape and The Notebook, Garner has remained in the public eye for more than six decades. Wherever you fall on the Garner spectrum, there's plenty to love in this book. Garner (or more likely Winokur) has a knack for telling a story and finding the perfect quote to tie it all together. Summing up his difficult childhood, which included an alcoholic father and an abusive stepmother, Garner says he lived through "The Depression. In Oklahoma. In the dust. After that, studio executives don't bother you at all." He fell into acting because "a woman pulled out of a parking space in front of a producer's office" and he pulled in. In describing meeting his wife, Garner says he "fell in love for the first and last time on August 1, 1956." Even if this charming book has some choppy and random moments, it still resembles a conversation with an old friend who loves to tell colorful stories.
Customer Reviews
Talkin & Sittin' In With Jimbo!
I've ALWAYS been a huge Jim Garner fan, especially in The Rockford Files, so I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of his book! As a result, I was not disappointed.The book flows easily like a lazy brook on a sunny summer morning, All in a rhythm of Jim's easy Oklahoma drawl, siting on the back porch , telling his story right to you! Such an easygoing man-- his persona seems much like his characters on the screen! Nothing phony here -- just pure Jimbo, telling it like it is! I found it entertaining , but I found that it ended much too abruptly ---- kind of like.. "Oh-oh--- sorry Ronnie.... Gotta go NOW!!.... See Ya!". I was left hanging, wanting more! Most importantly ... I was hoping to hear how Jim was doing NOW! With his recent health problems, I wanted to hear it from HIM how things are going these days , instead of what has been said in the tabloids! God bless you, Mr. Garner, & thank you for all the many entertaining hours you have given to us"! And thank you for sharing your time and story! The pleasure was all mine!
RON in NH
Great Story
Just when you think you know what James Garner is all about then you you read this book and get a different story. Garner is certainly all our favorite characters: Maverick and Rockford but he's much more than that. Thanks, Mr. Garner for sharing your insights and many wonderful and personal stories of your life.
Have to love James Garner
Beautifully done, page turner that gives great insight to one of our favorite actors! Some surprises, but he is our man. Great personal reviews of his takes on his personal and professional life and accomplishments. Reader feels like nothing is left out......raw feelings.
Personal observation. With such a great career, I am certain with such great accomplishments, The Ultimate Gift his last film was ho-hum. However to us as parents in a world of kids living in a world of entitlements, it is a must see for every adolescent. Thank you Jim for doing this film.......a real performance.
I was saddened to hear about his lack of commitment to God. In such an amazing life......I see God in it tremendously. May God continue to bless you Jim. We love you.