Grateful American

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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).

I review for BookLook Bloggers

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63 comments

  5. Gary Sinise is an amazing actor and I love that he’s in that advertisement for wounded warriors AND his significant work in bringing their plight to light. Sounds like an amazing book too!

    Hugs, Pam

  8. Ellen,

    Other than ‘Forrest Gump’ like you, I haven’t seen much of Gary Sinise. I did know of his work with Vietnam vets which translates to me one stand up kinda guy. I wish more celebrities felt the call to reach out to those with served our country so bravely. Chemical dependency (alcohol or drugs) is a horrible, evil habit and the fight is one with the devil to get rid of, not all victories but for those who beat it still, battle it daily. Thankfully, this is a fight I’ve never known but I know many raging the war. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Gary’s book. Good review!

  12. I love Gary Sinise. He does so much for so many. Instead of talk about who needs, he steps up to the plate and does something about it.

    I’ve seen all the CSI: New York. Great show.

    Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Awww Monday, Ellen. Scritches to all the kitties. ♥

  13. He was fantastic in the teleplay miniseries of Stephen King’s “The Stand”. And he is one of few celebrities who has never disappointed me. ~nods~ Denzel Washington is another, as well as your precious Nic, off the top of my head. ~grin~ We got to see Mr. Sinise at Disney World years ago for a Christmas presentation of a Bible (!) reading. I bet that wouldn’t happen today. 🙁 I was pleasantly surprised even back then (the nineties?). Sounds like an amazing read. Be well, my dear!

    1. That is so cool that you got to see him. He is very religious, his entire family converted to Catholicism.

  16. I have so many books that I’m behind in reading right now, that I do not crave another, but I enjoyed your post about this book. Lieutenant Dan was the 2nd most important character in that movie; it wouldn’t have worked if Gary Sinise hadn’t performed so very well!

  17. I’ve never seen Forrest Gump which isn’t too surprising since I very seldom watch movies. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

  20. Mary liked Gary Sinise in “The Stand.” He’s quite an interesting guy, one of the original actors (with Laurie Metcalf, John Malkovich, and John Mahoney, among others) of Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago.

  21. TW is so out of it when it comes to modern culture, she first thought he was that politician who got shot playing softball but I think that was Scalise. HAH! Pop has seen Forrest Gump a few times and TW has heard buts of it while sitting at the computer. Please don’t enter us so someone who will read it wins.

  25. I know very little about him, apparently….it sounds like an intriguing book. I wish I had more time to read!

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