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The Garner Files: A Memoir Audiobook
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(3.02) - 570 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
After suffering physical abuse at the hands of his stepmother, James Garner left home at fourteen. He became Oklahoma's first draftee of the Korean War and was awarded with two Purple Hearts before returning to the United States and settling in Los Angeles to become an actor. Working alongside some of the most renowned celebrities, including Julie Andrews, Marlon Brando, and Clint Eastwood, Garner became a star in his own right, despite struggles with stage fright and depression.
In The Garner Files, this revered actor and quintessential self-made man recalls "trying to decipher" William Wyler with Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine, breaking Doris Day's ribs, having a "heart-to-heart and eyeball-to-eyeball" with Steve McQueen, being "a card-carrying liberal—and proud of it," and much more.
This audiobook features an introduction by Julie Andrews read by Wanda McCaddon.
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"I liked it. You wouldn't describe the writing as great, but as I read it I could "hear" James Garner's voice telling the story. He's very vocal about his politics, so if you don't agree with him, you might not enjoy it as much. I like how he had a very candid, and not so politically correct, view of many other public figures."
— Kristin (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Garner follows his own heroic dictum: plenty of self-deprecating, humor, a general air of live-and-let-live, but when it comes down to it, no pulled punches. For Garner fans, The Garner Files is catnip…A fine, frank, and fun collection.”
— Los Angeles Times -
Narrator Michael Kramer effectively captures the actor's easygoing manner and humor.
— Library Journal Audio Review -
“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’…Resembles a conversation with an old friend who loves to tell colorful stories.”
— Publishers Weekly
The Garner Files Listener Reviews
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" Bought this as a gift for my mom, but scanned it first. Light read, but interesting to hear his strategic career moves and suits against the studios. "
— Denise, 2/17/2014 -
" Really enjoyed it. You could almost hear him speaking throughout the whole book. My kind of guy, stand up for what's right, stay truthful to who you are and admit you're not perfect. Always loved his acting and just looking at him. Seemed like a straight forward guy and the book seems to back that up in spades! "
— Darlene, 1/24/2014 -
" James Garner is one of my favorite actors, so I eagerly read his book. I wanted more! But I am so glad he did this much! "
— Ms, 1/16/2014 -
" Even though this book was well written, I didn't care for it too much. My favorite chapter was called "Outtakes" where James Garner's friends write excerpts about their experiences or impressions of him. I think you get a better picture of him from his friends rather than from him. I found I didn't like his attitude about life or his constant campaigning for his political party. It is extremely off-putting to feel that if you disagree with him at all he deems you the enemy. "
— Mom, 1/13/2014 -
" Easy reading without too much "bragging of self." "
— Eunys, 1/10/2014 -
" Interesting read for fans. I enjoyed the name dropping. JG explains near the end of the book how Jon Winokur to be his co-author and choosing him to write an autobiography still didn't make sense to me. The writing style was choppy but, for all I know, better than JG would have done on his own. If the publisher had suggested someone else, JG probably would have decked him. "
— Robin, 1/6/2014 -
" Humorous and heartfelt memoir of one of Hollywood's greatest actors. "
— Ruth, 1/6/2014 -
" Like a good conversation across a dinner table, this memoir is interesting and fun. "
— Clare, 12/22/2013 -
" Great book! It was a lot of fun to read. He has had a very interesting life and i loved how honest he was. "
— Dawn, 4/14/2013 -
" I enjoyed this memoir of an actor who seems to be one of the "good guys". He does delve into all aspects of his life without making too much of his own talent. He does make acting seem easy, which is enjoyable for us. "
— Carol, 3/8/2013 -
" Fun to listen to this read by James Garner. Pretty good. "
— Donna, 1/18/2013 -
" I have been a James Garner fan since I was a kid and I have enjoyed reading about his life. It is like following a daily planner , what he did and who was involved, ends by friends telling their thought about him. "
— Sally, 1/18/2013 -
" Always one of my favorite characters, one of a fading breed. I especially like that he is from Oklahoma where I am currently living and I have met people who know him.They say he is very much who he appears to be in this book. "
— JoDee, 3/4/2012 -
" this was an excellent book. He is so earthly and authentic & for a person that grew up in Oklahoma there's a lot of familiar references! "
— Liz, 2/4/2012 -
" I thought I would like this more than I did. I am a James Garner fan (not fanatic). The writing is okay but not very introspective. There aren't many insights into his character or acting style or anything. "
— Pam, 1/2/2012 -
" Finished in two days. Love him and the book. Great read "
— Becca, 11/19/2011 -
" This felt like I was sitting down and having a conversation with James Garner. It was a very enjoyable read and gave some fun insite into his personality and life that I did not know. I am a Garner fan and now maybe even a little bit more. It gave me the smile that I am supposed to remember him by. "
— Lee, 11/13/2011
About the Authors
James Garner has starred in numerous television shows and films, from Maverick and The Rockford Files to The Great Escape with Steve McQueen and Victor Victoria with Julie Andrews.
Jon Winokur is the author of various nonfiction books, including The Portable Curmudgeon, Zen to Go, and Advice to Writers.
About Michael Kramer
Michael Kramer is an AudioFile Earphones Award winner, a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration, and recipient of a Publishers Weekly Listen-Up Award. He is also an actor and director in the Washington, DC, area, where he is active in the area’s theater scene and has appeared in productions at the Shakespeare Theatre, the Kennedy Center, and Theater J.