Grateful American
A Journey from Self to Service
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4.7 • 171 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Discover 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.
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 true 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 countless 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 new calling.
Grateful American, now a New York Times bestseller, documents Gary's dedication to working tirelessly on behalf of those who serve this country, sharing stories about how he has:
Entertained more than a half million troops around the world playing bass guitar with his Lt. Dan BandRaised funds on behalf of veteransFounded 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 life's work: to see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten.
Praise for Grateful American:
"Gary Sinise writes as he lives, and as the artist and actor he has always been: with American authenticity, purpose, and a conviction that is inseparable from his nature."
--Tom Hanks, actor and filmmaker
"No entertainer alive today has visited and performed more for our troops at veterans hospitals and military bases all over the world than Gary Sinise. For years his foundation has built 'smart homes' for our troops that were severely wounded in combat. The book is called Grateful American, and I promise that after you read it you will be grateful for what Gary has accomplished and contributed to our country. He's truly one of a kind."
--Clint Eastwood, actor, director, producer, and musician
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Award-winning actor Gary Sinise shares his remarkable journey and his quest to give back to America’s men and women in uniform. A self-described screwup in high school, Sinise found direction and purpose through acting, founding the celebrated Steppenwolf Theatre Company and going on to act in movies like Forrest Gump and Apollo 13. But Sinise eventually discovered another calling through his faith as an advocate for America’s military and first responders. Sinise’s strong, straightforward style reveals his deep-seated values and self-deprecating humor, making Grateful American both entertaining and inspiring. The book reminds us how much of a difference one person can make.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Actor and debut author Sinise offers a heartfelt autobiography that doubles as a love letter to the U.S. military. Raised in Chicago's suburbs, Sinise describes a somewhat aimless adolescence until an astute drama teacher encouraged him to try out for his high school's production of West Side Story. That advice changed his life; he went on to pursue acting professionally and in 1974 cofounded the eminent Steppenwolf Theater Company. Hearing about his brothers-in-law's Vietnam War tours of duty, and acting in 1991 in a play, Tracers, about Vietnam vets, first made Sinise feel the American military was not sufficiently appreciated. In 1994, he took the life-changing role of Lieutenant Dan in the hugely successful film Forrest Gump. Finding himself newly and widely identified with veterans by the public, he has since devoted himself to a life of service, through USO tours; benefit concerts by his cover band, the Lt. Dan Band; and the Gary Sinise Foundation, which, among other services, builds "smart homes" for disabled veterans. Sinise continually emphasizes his humility, next to actual military personnel, as someone famous "merely for playing a part in a movie," yet his self-effacing words belie the evident depth of his commitment to helping them, which marks this winningly earnest and unabashedly patriotic story.
Customer Reviews
A book based on honesty.
This book beautifully written helped me understand and appreciate Gary Sinise more than ever! As a retired military wife I already respected Mr Sinise. This book helped me see the many ways he has touched and helped so many lives and continues to do so. Not just as a great actor but as a giving, kind and generous person. Thank you Mr. Sinise for sharing your story.
Moving and Inspiring
An excellent read. Well-written and detailed look at the events and people that inspired this worthy successor to Bob Hope. The fascinating story of a devoted, passionate supporter of our country’s military, veterans and 1st responders. In an environment (Hollywood) so overpopulated with narcissists and destructive excesses, it’s heartening to read the story of selfless service to causes larger than one’s self. A must read!!
Grateful American
I just finished reading this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Gary Sinise is an actor that I have always enjoyed watching on tv and in movies plus I have always admired his work with the military. As a former military wife this hits close to home.
I enjoyed reading about all the things that he does with his foundation!
Pick this book up for a interesting, patriotic read.