Generous Women: An Appreciation

by Earl Hamner

" 'Generous Women' is about the women who have given so much much of themselves to the man I am today," writes Earl Hamner. This fond appreciation is a warm thank-you for gifts freely given and a reminder that, truly, no man is an island unto himself."

This is an honest, remarkable memoir in which Hamner writes of the many women who have influenced his life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened on this book while browsing lower shelves at my library; this book is a gem! Written by the creator of THE WALTONS (a TV show I watched as a kid) it delves into the dear women that influenced Earl Hamner's life from childhood to adult years. By giving the reader a glimpse at these women, chaper by chapter, he tells his life story which gives the reader such a powerful look at what it was like to grow up in the depression in a small Virginia town, go off to war, move in literary circles, direct a TV show, deal with actresses, and live a life true to one's self and one's roots. So glad I stumbled on this treasure.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed that. As a fan of The Homecoming and The Waltons, I enjoyed the references to those shows, as well as actresses and literature that I like. Hamner is an engaging writer.

[Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I learned from writing this book is that impiortant changes in my life and career were often determined by generosity of women. Often thier gifts were made out of love or affection. At other times they were given to me in an effort to enrich my life, or to guide me to a new plateau in my career. I also learned that by paying tribute to them I was able to dramatize how a kindness, a gift, even a small one, can mark a major transition in one's life. And lastly I learned that if each of us looks back we will discover gifts that were given so quitly that we did not recognize their importance at the time.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off good. I found it to be more of an autobiography about Earl's jobs and experiences than the in depth stories about the most important women in his life that I hoped for. I think his personal friends and acquaintances would enjoy it more than I did.
My favorite parts were about his mother and the Women from The Walton's stories like Patricia Neal, Michael Learned and Ellen Corby.
I also found how he met his wife, who she was some what interesting.
I wasn't really interested in other women he met even if they were famous. That seemed a lot like name dropping as though he said, "look who I met". He didn't have much else to say about them.
I bought the book thinking it would be a good addition for my library but I read it and am going to pass it on. I wouldn't read it twice.
If I want to read a book again is a good marker of how valuable it is to me.

[John Poat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful read of the women who influenced his life by Earl Hamner Jr. the creator and producer of the Waltons tv series in the 70's.

[Debi Steeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book- I am keeping it to read again and share with others

[Betsy Gonwa]

about to read the chapter: The Gift of the Big Time (page 95) June 13th. Overdue at library

[Cynthia Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writer of the Waltons and Falcon Crest writes a touching collection about the women who have played a strong role in his life. Mr. Hamner, I believe, is a national writing treasure, and in this book he honors women for the various types of influence they've had on him as a man in general and on writing career. From his tender and poignant words, it becomes clear that this true gentleman loves and respects women, which is so refreshing to know about someone these days.

I wish there was an image cover of this book because I think it would be more appealing to the casual browser. I loved this book so much that I went to Mr. Hamner's blog and purchased an autographed copy of the book.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick enjoyable read. An authors tribute to women who have been important in his life. Starts with his mother, ends with his daughter ,with many interesting ladies in between. Author is Earl Hamner, creator of "The Waltons", so there are some interesting "Walton" stories included.

[Massanutten Regional Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha, Central patron, July 2016, 4 stars:

As a fan of The Waltons television show, I was curious about Earl Hamner's life and found this gentle collection of essays a pleasant read. Folks interested in local history will enjoy it, too.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I have never seen the Waltons, but I borrowed the book as I was told they were short biographical pieces about generous and interesting women. I found them to be exactly that, and really enjoyed getting an account of the 20s and 30s in the United States. A really nice read.