You Never Know

A Memoir

By: Tom Selleck, Ellis Henican

Narrated by: Tom Selleck

There are many miles from the business school and basketball court at the University of Southern California to 50 million viewers for the final episode of a TV show called Magnum P.I. Tom Selleck has lived every one of those miles in his own iconoclastic and joyful way.

Frank, funny and open-hearted, You Never Know is an intimate memoir from one of the most beloved actors of our time, the highly personal story of a remarkable life and thoroughly accidental career. In his own voice and uniquely unpretentious style, the famed actor brings readers on his uncharted but serendipitous journey to the top in Hollywood, his temptations and distractions, his misfires and mistakes and, over time, his well-earned success. Along the way, he clears up an armload of misconceptions and shares dozens of never-told stories from all corners of his personal and professional life. His rambunctious California childhood. His clueless arrival as a good-looking college jock in Hollywood (from the Dating Game to the Fox New Talent Program to co-starring with Mae West and escorting her to black-tie social functions). What it was like to emerge as a mega-star in his mid-thirties and remain so for decades to come, an actor whose authenticity and ease in front of the camera connected with audiences worldwide while embodying and also redefining the clichés of onscreen manhood.

In You Never Know, Selleck recounts his personal friendships with a vivid army of A-listers, everyone from Frank Sinatra to Carol Burnett to Sam Elliott, paying special tribute to his mentor James Garner of The Rockford Files, who believed, like Selleck, that TV protagonists are far more interesting when they have rough edges. He also more than tips his hat to the American western and the scruffy band of actors, directors and other ruffians who helped define that classic genre, where Selleck has repeatedly found a happy home. Magnum fans will be fascinated to learn how Selleck put his career on the line to make Thomas Magnum a more imperfect hero and explains why he walked away from a show that could easily have gone on for years longer.

Hollywood is never easy, even for stars who make it look that way. In You Never Know, Selleck explains how he’s struggled to balance his personal and professional lives, frequently adjusting his career to protect his family’s privacy and normalcy. His journey offers a truly fresh perspective on a changing industry and a changing world. Beneath all the charm and talent and self-deprecating humor, Selleck’s memoir reveals an American icon who has reached remarkable heights by always insisting on being himself.

I Guess The 90s Never Happened..

This was an amazing book with wonderful storytelling and interesting insights into the life and career of Tom Selleck...at least until about 1988. He dives deep into his early commercials and movie roles, along with his early years and athletic career. Of course, we learn a lot about his years as Thomas Magnum, but after that it's straight to the epilogue!! He led an entire franchise as Jesse Stone and it goes UNMENTIONED.. there is no talk of his famous role in Friends... there's no insight into his filming of Mr. Baseball and his experiences in Japan.. it's really weird. It's so detailed until 1988 and even covers movies he didn't even like.. then after Magnum it jumps right to the end and he talks a little about Blue Bloods. I wouldn't call this a memoir.. more like "My Early Years." That said, I really enjoyed it.. Just really wish he maybe backed off on Magnum and added more about his work in the 90s and 2000s.

Looking forward to … Part 2?

I loved hearing Tom Selleck’s story about his early life and career start. Truly remarkable and the consummate professional! I was surprised to not hear any mention about the Jesse Stone movies. I love those! It would have been interesting to hear some details about that time period along with more on Blue Bloods. Maybe a part 2 to “You Never Know”? This audiobook doesn’t disappoint and of course its narration by the author himself keeps the listener engaged. Worth the listen!

Great story

Tom Selleck has such a rich and familiar voice. Wonderful facts about his life and writing. Highly recommend.

Yes, just yes!

Fascinating story by a true all-around good man! I enjoyed every minute and didn’t and didn’t want it to end.

Enjoyed this!

I enjoyed listening to the stories and lessons shared here. Now I want to go back and watch Magnum and movies again.