 "I wouldn't say he lied about writing this book" | 2008-09-15 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1LGVW9JP0EAPD |
To the previous reviewer, it clearly states in on the book's cover that "Faith of My Fathers" was co-authored with Mark Salter. I'm sure with Sen. McCain's busy schedule he didn't have the time to sit down and write a book, so Salter was hired to do the writing, but you can be sure that this is McCain's story as he told it and it was he who contacted old family friends and and acquaintances to verfiy information.
I am a retired Army officer and have remained apolitical a large portion of my adult life, not because I wasn't intersted in who runs our country, but because when you wear the uniform you must be careful not to represent your views as those of the service in which you serve. This book was clearly written to capitalize on Sen. McCain's story before the 2000 elections. However, unlike so many banal, self-servicing political memoirs that spring up like weeds just before an election, this books will stand up as an important book on its own merits in any season.
All politics aside, "Faith of My Fathers" tells a story that anyone interested in naval history, the Vietnam War, military history, leadership, etc will find interesting. It is my opinion that John McCain was a military professional who 'walked the walk.' I also recommend "The Nightingale's Song" by Robert Timberg's, which gives a lot of insights to John McCain's life. You'll learn that John McCain, while no saint and as human as the rest of us, is a man who possesses a lot of character and honor.
If you're like the previous reviewer, you probably don't understand things like duty, honor, and selfless service - just political sound bites and what 'talking heads' tell you. I personally have not agreed with a lot of Sen. McCain's politics, but he is certainly a man for which I have great respect. |
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 "Know the man behind the Republican nominee." | 2008-09-08 |
| - Reviewed By User: A26DKEBEFTK1YU |
| What a story! What a life! John McCain has had quite a life in the military. His whole family has. This book has nothing to do with "party lines" or politics so regardless if you are a donkey or an elephant you will get something positive out of his story. Check it out! |
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| "Honest portrayal of McCains character" | 2008-09-07 |
| - Reviewed By dukeoferl2 |
| Excellent read. Just read this book then Obama's Prayers from my father and see the vast difference in personalities and upbringing. As Barrack praises his dead beat dad, McCain goes into the history of his Gradfather and father's lives that while not perfect where rich in devotion and honor to their country. McCain's early history is also explained in a similar manner that shows his faults, but also his example of living the morals that were passed on from his fathers before him. I personally would much rather have his characteristics in a president. |
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| "A must-read for anyone this campaign season!" | 2008-09-07 |
| - Reviewed By hood-lum |
An important story, told with grace, humility, and much appeal. This book reveals the strengths and the depth of this remarkable American--from a great family of leaders.
From his father and his grandfather (and his mother), John Sidney McCain III learned about the things that matter, the lasting virtues: faith, honor, loyalty, truth-telling, devotion to a worthy cause greater than oneself.
Through it all, McCain shows how he grew from an attractive but rather self-centered and superficial young man to someone of stature and real wisdom, much of it learned the (very) hard way.
Some of the stories here are deeply moving: the prisoners' Christmas, for example, or the guard who marks a cross in the dust at McCain's feet.
This is a book that should prompt personal and even national self-examination of our core values: who we are, what we stand for, and where we want to go.
Highly recommended: indeed, a NECESSARY read. |
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| "Read this to get to know the character of our next President!!" | 2008-09-06 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2LT3E5EMXWRVM |
Don't let this election be about style over substance. The country has a once in a lifetime chance to elect a true patriot & American hero to our highest office.
The courage and valor of this man comes through loud and clear as you gain an understanding of his lineage, and the sacrifice to country made by three generations of McCain's.
A must-read for anyone following this year's election!!
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| "Story of a family of true American patriots" | 2008-09-02 |
| - Reviewed By laal1980 |
| I am not 100% behind McCain's politics. I think he is a great American but a terrible Republican. Though I admit, his character amazes me. He has suffered so much and has done a lot for the United States. His father and grand fathers have done a lot for the country and haven't asked for much. I am amazed. This book is also a lot about American military since Sen McCain comes from a remarkable family with a long history of military involvement. When I think of his daily beatings at the hands of N. Vietnamese, it makes me support him more than ever. He's a true hero while his opponent is a zero. Put a Liberal in Hanoi Hilton for 48 hours and see how they would act. I am not sure if a Leftie could endure as much as a purpose driven, faithful and strong Conservative like McCain did. I salute Senator McCain and wish him success in this campaign. This book is highly recommended to every one especially young people. |
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| "Heroism at its best" | 2008-08-17 |
| - Reviewed By User: A259EHM68DM6MO |
| I was moved to tears while reading this book. This is a man that loved his country so much he suffered many years of physical, medical, and psychological torture at the hands of the enemy, even when they asked him if he wanted to be released. He put his fellow POW's first as well as his country. Certainly a better fit for commander-in-chief than any other candidate. Slow moving at first, but interesting just the same. He is a genuine patriot!!!! |
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| "New Insight into John McCain" | 2008-08-09 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2SBZZ3VLMTNYB |
I found the first four chapters a bit boring because I was looking for more about McCain. However, as I got into it further, I realized the need for this background. I see the importance of the connections he felt with his parents, grandparents, other people as the events in the "Hanoi Hilton" unfolded and what these connections meant to fellow POW's as well as to us today. He is a true hero who puts his country and his fellow citizens above self-interest. He gives credit to many other people. He has a pattern of serving interests larger than just his self-interests. We don't need to be told. We see this in action.
I found that several emails circulating around the internet are true: support from a POW named Day, the secretive Christian encouragement, a kindness from a guard, etc. The horrors are un-nerving. How many young people today think of the Hogan's Heroes image of prison camps!
When I got to the part about John McCain in Vietnam, I could not put the book down. We see rather than are told about the importance of faith in God, family and friends, and country. He isn't a hero just because of his suffering. He is a hero because of the way he handles life and the way he connects to people!
They say one measure of character is to look at what makes the person angry. Is it petty things or important things? He has had cause to be angry about things which he feels are hurtful to our country! Even in his worst temptations, he didn't say "God damn America." He never was inspired by people who wanted to do harm to the USA.
He was not my first choice in the primaries, but now I feel secure and hopeful in voting for him. This is not just influenced by the book but this book and other books about him have helped. I've also been helped by watching him in town hall meetings, getting more understanding about his not voting for something that sounded good except for "bad strings" attached to the bill, etc.
I appreciate the insight this book provided. In spite of the seriousness of this book, there are some parts which are very funny. |
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| "Fath of Our Fathers" | 2008-08-03 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1BZ0TSJ5GNRRY |
| Great book. Very enlightening. Enjoyed it very much and helped me to see John McCain for the loyal, trusted, patriot that he is. |
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| "Faith of My Fathers by John McCain" | 2008-07-26 |
| - Reviewed By User: AT5CYFIJF72XA |
| This was an excellent book helping me to get to know our candidate for president. It gave me immense respect for him and his strong character and honor. |
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