GRATEFUL AMERICAN

A JOURNEY FROM SELF TO SERVICE

BY GARY SINISE

HARPER COLLINS

THOMAS NELSON

BIOGRAPHIES & MEMOIRS

PUB DATE 12 FEB 2019





I am reviewing a copy of Grateful American through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:





I must say I was excited for the opportunity to review this book and I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve been a long time fan of Gary Sinise not only for his career as a actor and a musician though I am definitely a fan of Forest Gump, as well as CSI: NY but it’s more because of what he has done for our Veterans.





As a kid in Suburban Chicago Gary Sinise was more interested in sports and rock and roll then he was in reading and academics. After he impulsively auditioned for a school production of West Side Story it seemed he had found his calling.





I’m just a matter of a few years Gary and a few friends created what was to become one of the most and exciting and new theatre companies in America. From the start of the company in a church basement in Suburban Chicago and its eventual move into the city, the Steppenwolf company went on to help launch not only Gary Sinise’s career but the careers of John Malkovich, Joan Allen, Gary Cole, Laurie Metcalf and others: Television and film soon came calling for Gary and he’d go on to Star in and Direct of Mice and Men, he’d also star in The Stand before taking the role of Lieutenant Dan in Forest Gump, the role that would change him life and spur him to advocate for the Veterans.





The military communities embrace of the character Lieutenant Dan, and the role itself made him come to the realization that American Defenders did not get the honor the respect and gratitude they deserved. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks this became his primary mission while staring in shows like Apollo 13, Ransom, Truman, CSI NY, George Wallace and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.





I give Grateful American five out of five stars because I found this book to be extremely inspiring as well as encouraging!





Happy Reading!

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Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service by Gary Sinise is a biography of the famous actor about his career, family and charity work. Mr. Sinise is a talented actor, known to many as Lieutenant Dan from the classic movie Forrest Gump, but is appreciated just as much for his work with American wounded veterans.

Forrest Gump and Apollo 13 are two of my favorite movies, but the work that Mr. Sinise does with wounded veterans is what sets him apart from many of his profession. I was looking forward to read the biography Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service by Gary Sinise, and I was not disappointed.

Mr. Sinise writes in a direct, honest way in which he tells his life story. His childhood and rebellious teenage years in Chicago, the founding of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and his family – all from a point of view of appreciating the United States and those who protect it.

The author made it his life’s mission to help wounded veterans wherever he can. He goes to hospitals, donates tons of money and time, props up charities and never looks the other way – even if it’s sometimes (most of the time, actually) more convenient to do so.

He talks about his acting career almost as if it’s a side project to support his true calling of being there for veterans. Mr. Sinise had many family members through blood and marriage serve in the armed forces, which seems to shape his perspective and even some of his acting choices.

Throughout the book, Mr. Sinise talks about some of the soldiers he met, how important it was for him and his goal of simply making someone’s day a bit brighter. Many of the soldiers recognize him as Lieutenant Dan, and instead of being afraid he’d be pigeonholed into a role, Mr. Sinise embraced that persona since it obviously meant a lot to the troops. After all, an honest and positive portray of a Vietnam vet doesn’t come out too often.

Who would have thought that the legacy of this talented actor would be that of a charitable humanitarian?

This is a strong but entertaining book, written with humility and sincerity. The gratitude Mr. Sinise feels toward the military and America flows abundantly off the pages and right into your heart.

A delightful read about a truly great American. I have always enjoyed watching Mr. Sinise as an actor, now I appreciate his talent even more.

What a terrific book by a wonderful man. I’ve always admired the things Gary Sinise has done for veterans, but to learn the reasons why really warmed my heart. I would remcommend this book to anyone. It was truly fantastic.

We keep looking for heroes and calling people heroes who end up being deeply flawed. Gary Sinise is a true hero for our modern times. He gives not only his money but he gives his time to America's military and first responders -- to them and to their families. This book is Gary's life - how he turned around from being a troubled young man in Chicago to being an award winning actor and humanitarian. You don't want to miss it!

Loved this book Gary Sinise is a true american hero. I would totally recomment this book. He is someone who took term service and embraced it with his whole life.

Truly a power house of a book, thoroughly enjoyed it. A story worth reading about how one man decided to make sure our national's veterans are not forgotten. Very inspiring and definitely a 5 star read.

Grateful American is one of the most inspiring books you'll ever read. In many ways, Gary Sinise is an unlikely story. He was the kid flunking out of every high school class. He was the longhaired counterculture guy who formed a drama troupe and who lived on Peanuts pursuing his dreams of acting. But, a magical thing happened and he found that Vietnam Veterans responded to his Lieutenant Dan character from Forrest Gump. No one remembered his real name, but they remembered this character. He got involved in the USO and meeting veterans and active duty troops. After 9/11 tore us out from our safe cocoons, he began touring in battlefield bases, visiting troops in Baghdad and Khandahar, showing them that America appreciated their sacrifices. As Sinise became well-known through CSI, he expanded his work to include backpacks of school supplies for children in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, later, visiting veterans (who all remembered him as Lieutenant Dan - only Dan suddenly had legs again) at Walter Reed, got involved in providing housing for veterans wounded - missing limbs- burned.

Written in an easygoing narrative voice that captures the reader first with his crazy childhood hijinks, this book serves as a reminder to us all of how we can help one another and pay it forward to those who need our help.

Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

Mr. Sinise is a fine American. He loves America, his family, his job (actor), and all of the people in the armed services.
Really...I am not being sarcastic. He is a fine human being, something more of us should endeavor to be.
I just wish this book did not read like a resume. If you want to know what he has done, whether as an actor or humanitarian or family man, it is all in here....but it reads like a timeline.
If not for that, I would have enjoyed this even more.

Honest and blunt account from Gary Sinise I remember him from 'Forest Gump' but it is interesting to follow his journey from high school all the way to his life of service. I liked him as an actor but have so much respect for him as a human being. The way he gives back to society and the way he helps the military.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Thomas Nelson and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service. I was under no obligation to review this memoir and my opinion is freely given.

Many readers will be surprised to learn that Gary Sinise is more than just the successful actor known for his pivotal portrayal of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, as well as his roles in Apollo 13, Ransom, Truman, George Wallace, CSI: NY, and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. Sinise has made it his mission to honor and support first responders and military personnel that have dedicated their lives to serving this country and its people.

Gary Sinise takes readers on a journey through his life thus far, from his beginnings in suburban Chicago, to his highly successful career, and finally to his years of service. More of Grateful American is dedicated to Sinise's rise as a stage actor and his transition to the small and large screens, but the progression of his life and career is so important for readers to understand. The service aspect of his life was born long before Gary Sinise was chosen to become Lt. Dan, as his desire to give back has roots in his past.

The only real drawback to Grateful American is the writing itself, which is choppy at times and does not flow well in places. In an effort to tell his whole story, Gary Sinise does get bogged down a little in the details. I was not mesmerized by the whole of Grateful American, despite the fact that Gary Sinise has lived a fascinating life thus far. Readers who are fans of the actor will enjoy getting to know the less public parts of his life, so I would recommend Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service for this reason.

Some celebrity biographies, Sean Astin's There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale for the sake of example, come off as self-aggrandizing and leave such a bad taste in one's mouth that they can no longer suffer the performer's work. Gary Sinese's Grateful American is not one of these titles. Comparatively speaking, the book strikes a chord close to Leonard Nimoy's I Am Spock in that allows readers to understand what led Sinese to play Lt. Dan Taylor and how that character came to influence his life thereafter.

The text does not shy from the more difficult episodes of his professional and personal life, but what I appreciate most about this book is the sense of humility it exudes. One could argue the title refers to a one who is grateful to those who've served this country, but reading between the lines, it is clear that Sinese is equally grateful for the circumstances that afforded him the opportunity to give back.

I really enjoyed reading this book about a humble man who appreciates all of the men and women that have fought for our freedom in the United States of America. Gary Sinise is very dedicated to the soldiers who have been seriously wounded and he helps them come to terms with their injuries. Gary is a hero in his own right by giving back to all those who lay down their own lives for our freedom.

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from Netgalley.com and the publisher Harper Collins Thomas Nelson and Gary Sinise. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review.

Mr. Sinise has written a wonderful memoir that is truly inspiring. From his early years growing up in Chicago to his most recent work with disabled veterans, his tale is at time laugh out loud funny, touching and heartfelt. An excellent read from someone who went from goof off kid to American patriot.

5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service is an excellent overview of the life and contributions of actor Gary Sinise. He has had a long and important and giving relationship with our military personnel that should be a road map for more of us. Even before the advent of Lieutenant Dan he was very much involved in helping Vietnam Vets and the VFW every chance he got. After Forrest Gump he made sure those chances became fulsome. Grateful American is an outline of a lifestyle we should all try to attain. Without the sacrifices of our military in every generation of Americans, we would not have much of a life.

I received a free electronic copy of this autobiography on March 5, 2019 from Netgalley, Gary Sinise, and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

5 stars!!!!

An amazing story about a true American patriot. He has done wonderful things to serve those who serve us all with their selflessness.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

I couldn’t even make it through the prologue of Grateful American without choking up. What a moving, memorable, and inspiring memoir!

We all love Lieutenant Dan from the movie Forrest Gump, but so little is known about the actor behind him, Gary Sinise. Until now. His love for Veterans and our country has me fired up and makes me want to make a bigger difference.

“I love my country, and I’m grateful to be an American. I know where my freedom comes from, and I do not take for granted the sacrifices of those who provide it.”

A highly entertaining, inspiring, and empowering memoir that certainly leaves you changed.

#GratefulAmerican
Author: Gary Sinese
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 272
First Line: I am not completely prepared for what awaits me on the other side of the doors.
I received an advanced copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Gary Sinise is one of my favourite actor and I was really happy to read his memoir.
Even if we are not always on the same page it was moving and engaging.
A very good book, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions are mine.

Gary Sinise's Grateful American is a wonderful book. Anyone who wants to read a book about an American who truly loves America should read it.