Rodney Kemerer’s personality lit up the entire room as he spoke with eloquence and humor about his new book, Tales From the Garage, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens on February 22, 2024.
A car buff and avid reader of car magazines, Rodney was excited when he discerned that he had the desire and the ability to successfully write about his favorite topic…cars!
His first articles were well received by editors, but proper recognition for his work came slowly. Various published magazine articles led to a regular column in Garage Style Magazine.
The pandemic gave Rodney more time to write. That led him to take the plunge and write a book which would spotlight his talent and give him artistic control he had wanted.
After completing the text, Rodney interviewed many graphic designers in order to find one that would give the book its unique style. He wanted every segment of the book to reflect the life-long love affair that many car owners have with their cars. Each chapter was designed to have its own visual language and the format of the book is modeled after a car owner’s manual. The book contains thirty stories that describe everything from finding just the right car for your wife, to a Saint Christopher medal hiding at the back of a glove compartment, to a father’s deathbed pronouncement: “I should have bought Cadillacs!’
Next Rodney needed advance quotes for the book covers. He sent a request to Jay Leno, a highly respected car aficionado and others in the automotive world. The response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic:
If you’ve ever loved a car, or loved a person who loved a car, this book is for you. And it’s much cheaper than actually buying a car.” — Jay Leno
Getting the book out into the world was Rodney’s next challenge. He decided to choose a print on demand model which is now considered respected and a financially smart way to publish. Rodney’s book can be ordered on Amazon and through Talesfromthegarage.com.
Next Rodney read two chapters to the eager audience which delighted the group with his passion, humor, and real emotions. He understands that car stories can be the gateway to every aspect of our lives.
Then it was time to celebrate Rodney and his beautifully written book. And celebrate we did!
It was a beautiful day at Robinson Gardens. The tables in the Pool Pavilion were decorated with black and white checkered tablecloths representing the flags used at car races. There were lovely flowers on each table surrounded by miniature cars as well as small individual racing flags that each guest took home along with a signed copy of the book. It was the perfect décor, arranged by Education Chair Adrienne Horwitch, for a perfect afternoon.
A personal note from Joan:
I was married to a man who was in love with cars, and it made my life richer. Sunday drives in our shiny prewar drophead coupe Jaguar were some of the most beautiful memories I have of our lives together. Rodney captures the magic that exists between people and their cars.
Post by Joan Selwyn
Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member
Founder of the Friends
Photos by Linda Meadows and Sharon Gart
Clare Wagner
Thanks Joan for this interesting article.