Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service

By Gary Sinise

Book Overview

New York Times Bestseller: 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, andfounding 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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400208122
• ISBN13: 9781400208128
• Release Date: February 2019
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

What a Surprise!

My only experience of Gary Sinise was as Lt Dan in Forest Gump and then CSI which I did not watch. A tremendously honest look inside a regular kid who had paths to choose, didn’t always choose the best one, but recovered and became an advocate - a “hands-on” advocate for disabled vets. A great example of how someone takes what comes his way and turns it into something good. Life is full of tough situations - he is proof we can survive and be a positive force in the world. I was inspired to get involved!

A Story of Passion, Purpose and Perseverance

From start to finish, Gary Sinise weaves a story of passion, purpose, and perseverance. Qualities, I believe our forefathers had when they founded this wonderful nation, and qualities Gary Sinise exemplifies today. Grateful American really should be required reading in schools, so young people can see how selfless service can change the world.