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terrimarshall's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed this memoir by actor, Gary Sinise. His life story of how his first big movie role as Lieutenant Dan in Forest Gump turned into a lifetime of service to our nation's veterans, especially severely wounded veterans, is absolutely incredible. I really admire Gary and his tireless service to our military, veterans, and first responders through his Gary Sinise Foundation. Gary is a prime example of why actors, professional athletes, and other famous people shouldn't just "shut up and play" but should absolutely use their celebrity for causes that are important to them. Gary has used his celebrity including his money and his fame to do a ton of good work. I loved hearing his story.
auntsusie41's review against another edition
5.0
When I first received my Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from the publisher, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew Gary Sinise from Forrest Gump, but didn't follow his work a lot outside of that. This book describes Gary's journey in an honest and humble way. His heart for serving those who gave up so much is moving and encouraging. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
jaimeleigh318's review against another edition
5.0
"Each person is here for a purpose. As the years have rolled on, I've come to believe that purpose is to care for other people and to help this world become a better place through service to others. This belief is part of my life's mission."
From his early years in Chicago, through his days of acting, and family life, Mr. Sinise offers the reader a look into his life and career. All of his life experiences contributed to this theory of service to others and honoring our military and rescue workers. 9/11, having made an impact on every American, inspired Gary to show gratitude to those men and women who enable us to live the lives we do.
Sinise's faith also reminds us that, "God can cause all things to work together for good." And God is certainly using this man for good. Thank you, Gary Sinise, for this book and for the works of service you do. But also for reminding us that we should all be Grateful Americans.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher.
From his early years in Chicago, through his days of acting, and family life, Mr. Sinise offers the reader a look into his life and career. All of his life experiences contributed to this theory of service to others and honoring our military and rescue workers. 9/11, having made an impact on every American, inspired Gary to show gratitude to those men and women who enable us to live the lives we do.
Sinise's faith also reminds us that, "God can cause all things to work together for good." And God is certainly using this man for good. Thank you, Gary Sinise, for this book and for the works of service you do. But also for reminding us that we should all be Grateful Americans.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher.
dblake6145's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time! Outstanding and inspiring
jennifermreads's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this one up because my mom and bonus-dad said it was a “must read.” They were right. Wow. How uplifting, moving, emotional, touching, and hopeful. A word of warning: do not listen to this book while trying to apply makeup. I had to wash my face and start makeup application over three times while listening to this book. I should have known better than to keep listening while prepping for work … the first time I was in tears was during the prologue!
I, like so many, became familiar with Gary Sinise after his role as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. What I had no idea about was how influential that role was in his own life, how much it steered all of his life thereafter. His portrayal of a disabled veteran brought light the atrocities faced by soldiers during the Vietnam War, the unmeasurable sacrifices the soldiers made in the war, and the horrible treatment that Vietnam Veterans received on their return home. Veterans flocked to Gary Sinise. But the actor used the fame to lend his heart to causes that help and support veterans. What started as handshake tours with the USO grew into his foundation that still thrives today.
While the book will indeed have your heart swelling with pride over being American and so thankful for all the soldiers have given to help us be free, readers also will get a glimpse into Mr. Sinise’s youth, the development of the now-famous Steppenwolf theater group, and his acting career. But make no mistake. This is a book about veterans, for veterans, and with thanks to veterans. What an amazing man who has given so much of himself to such an amazing group of people. I add my own thanks to those who have given of themselves in service to our country. God bless you.
I, like so many, became familiar with Gary Sinise after his role as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. What I had no idea about was how influential that role was in his own life, how much it steered all of his life thereafter. His portrayal of a disabled veteran brought light the atrocities faced by soldiers during the Vietnam War, the unmeasurable sacrifices the soldiers made in the war, and the horrible treatment that Vietnam Veterans received on their return home. Veterans flocked to Gary Sinise. But the actor used the fame to lend his heart to causes that help and support veterans. What started as handshake tours with the USO grew into his foundation that still thrives today.
While the book will indeed have your heart swelling with pride over being American and so thankful for all the soldiers have given to help us be free, readers also will get a glimpse into Mr. Sinise’s youth, the development of the now-famous Steppenwolf theater group, and his acting career. But make no mistake. This is a book about veterans, for veterans, and with thanks to veterans. What an amazing man who has given so much of himself to such an amazing group of people. I add my own thanks to those who have given of themselves in service to our country. God bless you.
seantele's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great book. Cried several times while reading it! Thank you Gary Sinise for all you do!
chuxsox's review against another edition
3.0
There is no doubt that Gary Sinise has done more to support, cheer, entertain, and serve US servicemen and servicewomen than almost anyone in the history of the US. As a veteran, I am grateful for all of the time, energy, and dedication he has given to the aforementioned endeavor. I truly enjoyed this book for the most part - how Gary told the story of his shift from serving and glorifying self to serving in what I would call the most vigorous serving I have ever seen. It was good to understand where he came from and how he came to be the Gary Sinise whom we all know and love. However, after he came to the point in his life when he realized that he wanted to exert the large part of his energy to ensuring that the members of our armed services are appreciated, the book began to read almost as a resume of all of the serving he has done - almost as if he is trying to prove that he is a good man to the reader, to the listener, or to God. This was a huge drawback of this account. If his desire in writing and performing this book was to toot his own horn, then he certainly succeeded. Propriety suggests that he should probably have focused on telling his life change story and let others give him accolades.
amytir's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audio version of this book. I enjoyed hearing it read by the author himself and it was interesting to hear him tell his story. I appreciate his mission and his efforts to reach further and further without ceasing to achieve it.
jfr_wi's review against another edition
5.0
A moving and inspiring story.
As I read reviews of those who did not finish the book, I feel that they really missed out on the culmination of the complete story and sentiment. Although the first several chapters did not move along as swiftly as the rest of the book, they provided a foundation to understand the journey that this amazing man embarked upon. He is a Grateful American and I am grateful for the services he provides for our service members, first responders, and veterans.
As I read reviews of those who did not finish the book, I feel that they really missed out on the culmination of the complete story and sentiment. Although the first several chapters did not move along as swiftly as the rest of the book, they provided a foundation to understand the journey that this amazing man embarked upon. He is a Grateful American and I am grateful for the services he provides for our service members, first responders, and veterans.
nancyinoregon's review against another edition
4.0
How to assign a rating to a memoir like this?
Writing quality? 2 stars--many repetitions of information--reads like he dictated the book in sections and the book was never edited from start to finish.
Memorable stories about individuals in service to our country? 4 stars.
A life purposefully lived? 5 stars.
Effect of the author's actions on the quality of others' lives? 5 stars.
Ability to make tears spring to readers' eyes? 5 stars.
Inspiration to live one's own life more meaningfully? 4 stars.
Likelihood of remembering that I read this book? 5 stars.
I didn't know about Gary Sinise's "other life" of charitable work. He has used his fame to accomplish extraordinary things. While much of Hollywood is busy virtue signaling, Gary has quietly worked for decades to make individual lives tangibly better, his reward being the satisfaction that comes with a life of service and gratitude. Want to change the world and change your own life for the better? You can do it with small acts of kindness.
Writing quality? 2 stars--many repetitions of information--reads like he dictated the book in sections and the book was never edited from start to finish.
Memorable stories about individuals in service to our country? 4 stars.
A life purposefully lived? 5 stars.
Effect of the author's actions on the quality of others' lives? 5 stars.
Ability to make tears spring to readers' eyes? 5 stars.
Inspiration to live one's own life more meaningfully? 4 stars.
Likelihood of remembering that I read this book? 5 stars.
I didn't know about Gary Sinise's "other life" of charitable work. He has used his fame to accomplish extraordinary things. While much of Hollywood is busy virtue signaling, Gary has quietly worked for decades to make individual lives tangibly better, his reward being the satisfaction that comes with a life of service and gratitude. Want to change the world and change your own life for the better? You can do it with small acts of kindness.