The Garner Files: A Memoir

Wonderful read. He lived an American life much like the Wright Brothers a generation earlier. The current generation is less fortunate to be without virtues but greater material comfort. I was intrigued that he didn't like Republicans or as he said, "I don't understand how they think." I feel the same way about Democrats. Garner was a great movie and TV star and I will miss him. Bless you.

My husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said "The Garner Files (A Memoir)" Unfortunately, he ordered too early and I couldn't wait so I read it. I am a hugh fan of James Garner have been since Maverick. He is one of my all time favorite actors. Initially the book moves slowly because of a painful childhood but picks up after the first 50 pages. He is everything I hoped he would be honest and loyal. After the first 50 pages I just could not put the book down. I love him in comedy. I can't tell you how many times this man has put me on the floor laughing. Do yourself a favor if you are a fan of this man -- buy this book you will not be disappointed.

James Garner gives an honest assessment of his life; how it is working in the movie business; the people he worked with, and his own
personality flaws. I very much enjoyed reading this book. I like Jim Garner and will continue to see his movies and TV shows.

This is a wonderful book for any James Garner fan, as I have been since I was five years old watching Maverick on Sunday nights. I read the book before Mr. Garner's death last year, and read it a few times since. He was a great guy, and it's interesting that you will never find one unkind word said about him even on the internet.

I grew up watching James Garner, Maverick was always a favorite, and I continued to enjoy his work. This is an easy to read, honest memoir filled with the enjoyable humor you would expect from James Garner. After reading this book you will come away feeling like you have personally known Mr. Garner. It also includes personal, family, and professional photos.

I've watched James Gardner in some movies and the Rockford files but I can't say that I'm a fan as such. There's a disclaimer about being a curmudgeon and the writer has captured a sense of James Gardner. He's a straight talking guy who survived hard childhood complete with nasty stepmother who dressed him in girls clothes as punishment, making his own way as a teenager and as a model. Through out the successes and lows, he appears to be a grounded person with good observations( hilarious in parts). He's transparency is basically, this is hollywood business and how I learnt to work it , some of it's good , some not but what a lovely man -like his description of his wife getting plastic surgery which he didn't even notice. His politics, like everything else is said out loud and proud and he's calls an ass, an ass !

This is a great autobiography of James Garner. It is written very well and goes through his life in detail. There are some great stories spanning over 50 years in "the business." James Garner also writes about all the other things he has been a part of. It's a must read for any James Garner fan.

I delighted in reading "The Garner Files" and learning about his struggles and successes. James Garner's humility is rare for an actor and allowed me to relate to him as a human being, not just a Hollywood icon.

I consider James Garner to be America's answer to Laurence Olivier, our country's top multi-faceted actor. There is no one else who infuses a sense of believability and realism into a role as he does. Sitting on a porch whittling and saying "I'm working on it" brought alive an otherwise silly, mediocre episode of the "Maverick" TV series, giving that half hour a depth that made it live. Even fifty years later, his performance is fresh and pumped with low-key energy. In the later movie with Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, Garner stole every scene with an understated yet completely real portrayal of both character and story -- the screen disappears and the audience is standing with James Garner in that time and place. He brings roles to life with a finely nuanced understanding of the character, showing thought and emotion on the human face.

Each year I delight in watching again my all-time favorite movies, "The Americanization of Emily" and "Grand Prix." Garner's roles in these films demonstrate the enormous range of his talent. He effortlessly moves from a caring, charming "dog-robber" who understands the utter pointlessness of war, even against Hitler, to an aggressive, ambitious Formula One driver.

This is a great autobiography of James Garner. It is written very well and goes through his life in detail. There are some great stories spanning over 50 years in "the business." James Garner also writes about all the other things he has been a part of. It's a must read for any James Garner fan.

I delighted in reading "The Garner Files" and learning about his struggles and successes. James Garner's humility is rare for an actor and allowed me to relate to him as a human being, not just a Hollywood icon.

I consider James Garner to be America's answer to Laurence Olivier, our country's top multi-faceted actor. There is no one else who infuses a sense of believability and realism into a role as he does. Sitting on a porch whittling and saying "I'm working on it" brought alive an otherwise silly, mediocre episode of the "Maverick" TV series, giving that half hour a depth that made it live. Even fifty years later, his performance is fresh and pumped with low-key energy. In the later movie with Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, Garner stole every scene with an understated yet completely real portrayal of both character and story -- the screen disappears and the audience is standing with James Garner in that time and place. He brings roles to life with a finely nuanced understanding of the character, showing thought and emotion on the human face.

Each year I delight in watching again my all-time favorite movies, "The Americanization of Emily" and "Grand Prix." Garner's roles in these films demonstrate the enormous range of his talent. He effortlessly moves from a caring, charming "dog-robber" who understands the utter pointlessness of war, even against Hitler, to an aggressive, ambitious Formula One driver.

Mom and I both love James Garner. Garner and Selleck have a lot in common. Garner is most definately a legend. I got this book because my Mom wanted to read what he has to say. I will read it after her.

I really liked this book, liked James Garner before reading about him, came to think more of him. Loved his movies and other programs, no bad language, no nudity, no heavy violence. Pretty much family entertainment

I have always loved James Garner and this book only makes me love him more. He is everything a person in his position of example to others should be. This generation of stars should be half the man he is and maybe I would have more to watch on TV or movies.

Garner's honesty hits you first, then his humor, and after that, you realize that this is a man you'd like to have coffee with or maybe a round of golf, or maybe just sit with. I thoroughly enjoyed how he expressed himself, how he does what he does, how he feels when he does it, and I believe his priorities are untouched by the business of acting.

If Jon Winokur's respected name didn't appear beneath that of author James Garner, I wouldn't have guessed anyone else had been involved, it's that subtle. My guess is that Winokur put Garner's story in order, and that the actual words are Garner's.

Garner comes across as a man who knows how to have a good time and he also knows how to have a bad time -- and isn't scared to tell us about it.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Jon Winokur has done an excellent job with James Garner in writing one of the best memoirs I have ever read.

It tells a wonderful story of Mr. Garner's life, that shows a man who lives by a basic code of what is right. He is just a regular guy doing what he feels is best and fair for himself and other people. It is so nice to read about a person who is honest about his life and does not sugarcoat anything. His honesty is refreshing in our world of non-responsibility. Through this book you can see why James Garner is loved by so many people all over the world.

My favorite chapter is "Act-ing". It gives you a great insight into the man, and Jon Winokur has done an excellent job getting Mr. Garner to open up about his private life. I felt badly that one of our great actors felt he had lost his anonymity, so he can no longer do some of the simple things in life that we take for granted. I have a number of items s he has autographed for me over the years, and I now feel guilty for bothering him for them, although I will treasure them forever.

I thank Jon Winokur for giving me a new perspective on this wonderful man, James Garner. I will reread this book many times I am sure.

Jim Suva