Hi everyone! We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday! What Are YOU Reading? 

I just completed Grateful American by Gary Sinise. It was fantastic!

*Disclosure: I received this book for free as part of The Book Look Bloggers book review program. I am not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.

I haven’t seen a lot of Gary Sinise’s work, but what I have seen was excellent. I know he was the lead in CSI: New York for several years, but I never watched it. I did see Forrest Gump though ( is there anyone who has not seen it? ). As you all know, he played Lieutenant Dan. Little did he know when he played that role, it would set a course for his life.

Gary Sinise was already familiar with the plight of Vietnam vets, his brother-in-law was one. He also went through rigorous training to play that role. Once Forrest Gump was released, Lt. Dan became a symbol for vets. He received letters and was approached by many to praise him on the accuracy of his portrayal in the role. After that, he started to go to VA hospitals to meet injured soldiers. That snowballed into his band going overseas to entertain vets and he is now considered a modern-day Bob Hope. He is truly grateful to the soldiers who keep us safe.

I was amazed to read about all the humanitarian work he does. He helps raise funds to build smart homes for severely injured soldiers. His foundation has also helped children in war-torn countries by supplying them with school supplies. The list of things he has done is endless.

This memoir also included very personal details of his life. I admire his honesty at telling his wife’s battle with alcohol and how it affected his children. I enjoyed reading about how he started his acting career in high school and moved on the theater in Chicago. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes memoirs, especially grateful Americans.

I enjoyed the book so much that I want to share. I am going to give it away, I can only afford to mail it within the US though. If you want to enter for a chance to win it, let me know in the comment section before Wednesday at 9PM (EST).