Grateful American

A Journey from Self to Service

By: Gary Sinise, Marcus Brotherton

Narrated by: Gary Sinise

Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best seller: 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.

"The book is called Grateful American, and I promise you after you read it you will be grateful for what Gary has accomplished and contributed to our country." (Clint Eastwood)

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 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 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 mission. While starring in hits like Apollo 13, Ransom, Truman, George Wallace, CSI:NY, and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Gary has worked tirelessly on behalf of those who serve this country...entertaining more than a half-million troops around the world playing bass guitar with his Lt. Dan Band, raising funds on behalf of veterans, and founding 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 calling: to see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten.

©2019 Gary Sinise (P)2019 Thomas Nelson

Critic reviews

"Actor Gary Sinise's familiar gravelly voice evokes genuine emotion... Sinise draws on his experience as a veteran audiobook narrator to deliver his own intriguing story. Listen with a box of tissues and enjoy the twists and turns that brought Sinise to war zones and, eventually, the White House." (AudioFile)

Very Grateful

Absolutely love this book. I have followed Gary because of all of his work he does for first responders and the military so I decided to read this book, not really knowing what it was about.

It was such a wonderful book, I laughed and cried in the same chapter! I had no idea of everything he has done in his personal and professional life but he has done so much.

This is what servant leadership is all about.

I saw Gary on a show last week talking about this book and immediately went to audible.com to download it. Over the past 16 months I watched a few self-proclaimed servant leaders selfishly run a company into the ground. Gary Sinise shows how one event in your life can make a difference not just to you and your family but to an entire world. When Jesus gave told us the parable of the Good Samaritan and said, “Go and do likewise,” this is the type of example I believe he was referencing. We owe it to those who protect our streets and nation to serve others. Lt. Dan may have changed the trajectory of Gary’ career, but even better it laid the example to serve those who serve us. The concept of se a need - fill a need really shines all through out this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who aspires to become that servant leader. #GarySiniseFoundation #LTDanBand

Respect and well done Gary!

Well done Gary! A great listen for any American. Thank you and great respect goes out to to our Veterans, current Military, and 1st Responders.

Grateful American

Powerful! Thank you Mr. Sinise for making a profound impact and giving of your time, talents and financial resources to honor our military men and women, not from afar but from closeup and personal. I too, am a grateful American and so very proud of our uniformed men and women.

YOU MUST READ

This book is a must read. The history Mr. Sinise has presented here is a powerful reminder that our liberty is not free. Every joy, every sorrow, every experience is masterfully shared so that you are right there with him, feeling every piece deep in the marrow of your bones. Well done, Mr. Sinise. ❤

Wonderful

This book made me realize even more how grateful I am to have the freedom.
I choose this book because I have seen many articles regarding Gary Sinise and I had no idea what all he has done.
A very great and appreciative gentleman he is.

Moving and amazing

I wasn't always on board with the flow/order of the details but I understand why it is written the way it is. now, who should get this book. Anyone who is current or former military, has friend(s) or family member(s) who is/was military. Anyone who has struggled with substance abuse or depression. Anyone who has stuggled with self worth or meaning. Anyone who is religious or spiritual. All of these categories needs to get this book. Emotional, moving and motivating story. Thank God for people like Gary Sinise!

Be best!

Inspiring. Life happens to all of us. Better yet, Gary Sinese inspires on how to make it happen.

Outstanding story of a Great person.

What a great presentation of a commitment to serving all who have served. God Bless! And Thank you!

Truly inspirational!

God bless Gary Sinise and his family and all that they have done and sacrificed for those that preserve our freedom. I highly recommended this book to anyone in the land of freedom and beyond. Thank you to all of our veterans past, present and future.