
Published by Thomas NelsonDate Published: 12 February, 2019
Pages: 272
Genres: Christian, Non Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Source: Booklook Blogger Program, Harper Collins (Thomas Nelson)
Purchase: Amazon
Add To Goodreads
Rating:
New York Times Bestseller: The moving, entertaining, never-before-told story of how one man found his calling: to see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten.
"The book is called Grateful American, and I promise you after you read it you will be grateful for what Gary has accomplished and contributed to our country." -- Clint Eastwood
As a kid in suburban Chicago, Gary Sinise was more interested in sports and rock 'n' roll than reading or schoolwork. But when he impulsively auditioned for a school production of West Side Story, he found his purpose--or so it seemed.
Within a few years Gary and a handful of friends created what became one of the most exciting and important new theater companies in America. From its humble beginnings in a suburban Chicago church basement and eventual move into the city, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company launched a series of groundbreaking productions, igniting Gary's career along with those of John Malkovich, Joan Allen, Gary Cole, Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Perry, John Mahoney, and others. Television and film came calling soon after, and Gary starred in Of Mice and Men (which he also directed) and The Stand before taking the role that would change his life in unforeseeable ways: Lieutenant Dan in the Academy Award–winning Forrest Gump.
The military community's embrace of the character of the disabled veteran was matched only by the depth of Gary's realization that America's defenders had not received all the honor, respect, and gratitude their sacrifices deserve. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, this became Gary's mission. While starring in hits like Apollo 13, Ransom, Truman, George Wallace, CSI:NY, and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Gary has worked tirelessly on behalf of those who serve this country, entertaining more than a half million troops around the world playing bass guitar with his Lt. Dan Band, raising funds on behalf of veterans, and eventually founding the Gary Sinise Foundation with a mission to serve and honor America's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.
Grateful American is the moving, entertaining, profoundly gripping story of how one man found his calling: to see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Booklook Blogger Program, Harper Collins (Thomas Nelson) and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.
My Thoughts
Years ago, I watched Forest Gump. Not for Tom Hanks and the amazing character he played, but for Lt. Dan. As a teenager, I had a major crush on Lieutenant Dan and all he his role entailed. Of course, that probably had a lot to do with the amazing actor behind him, Gary Sinise. Ever since then, I have followed Sinise’s happenings in the news and all his acting roles. So, when this book was available to review, I jumped at the chance to read it.
As the daughter of a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, I am very passionate about our men and women who serve. I am passionate about remembering them if they have fallen, honoring them if they are veterans or wounded warriors, thanking them if they are currently serving so that I, and my family, may stay free. Gary Sinise is a fellow passionate person about the same things. He includes many happenings in this book, from Oswald and Kennedy to the Wound Warriors. He shows us, as Americans, the way it should be. The way the world can be a better place if we just do a little more to be grateful Americans.
The emotion with with Sinise wrote this book is felt as a reader. He’s a grateful man, not forgetting who he is, or where he came from. He’s a grateful man, making sure that others know just how thankful he is. He is a grateful man, who makes sure that the children of the fallen soldiers are not forgotten. This man is a man of God, and one who definitely has me wanting to keep this 5 star book forever! Not one to love memoirs, this book had me smiling, crying and thanking Sinise for his amazing heart and spiritual guidance with this book! I definitely suggest you grab a copy of this book and be moved by the memorable words of this talented man.
Gary Sinise is amazing, and so is the work he does for active military and veterans.
I’m not American but I am a Lt. Dan fan, and this sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing!