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The Garner Files: A Memoir (2011)

by James Garner(Favorite Author)
3.69 of 5 Votes: 3
ISBN
1451642601 (ISBN13: 9781451642605)
languge
English
genre
publisher
Simon & Schuster
review 1: I am a huge Jim Garner fan. I loved Maverick as a kid (can still remember the lyrics, kind of) and his performances in Great Escape, Victor Victoria, and 36 Hours ( full disclosure, the last produced by my Great Uncle) were outstanding. Rockford Files was one of the best TV Detective shows in it's time. But the book was somewhat disappointing. My favorite anecdote was famed actor Gary Cooper who paid for everything by check, knowing most would never be cashed so the merchant could post his autograph! If you like Jim a Garner, it's an OK book. If you're not a fan, then skip it.
review 2: It's a strange thing when you read a memoir and enjoy it, but come out liking the person less than you did before. I love "Maverick" and "Rockford Files" and enjoyed reading abo
... moreut how those shows were made. And there are plenty of testimonials from other folks in the book about what a great guy JG is. But still... There's a great story in the book about Garner working in the army post office in Korea and he tells how he withheld mail at times to finagle deals to build a recreation center complete with bar, baseball field and indoor swimming pool. Which is a great story and reminds one of the great roles Garner played in "The Americanization of Emily" and especially "The Great Escape" (a contender for my all time favorite film.) And yet I thought, what kind of jerk withholds mail from soldiers overseas? He admits that one of the reasons he wrote the book was to settle some scores. Which does make for interesting reading at times, but makes the writer look petty. Enjoyed the book, will continue to revisit and enjoy his shows and films and do like the guy, just a little less. less
Reviews (see all)
Hannah
Like Garner, liked his story. Disappointed wasn't read by him, but, still, very entertaining.
kathyyyyy
This was one groovy (and adorable guy). A must-read for the James Garner fan.
khehra
One of my favorite actors and a really stand-up guy. This was a fun read.
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