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A review by jennifermreads
Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service by Gary Sinise
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.