Faith of My Fathers

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Summary: Inspiring story of courage not seen often in the 90s
Review: While John McCain's politics are too conservative for me, he still gets my attention for this inspiring story. Parts of his father and grandfather's stories could have been shortened to concentrate more on his struggle in Vietnam. His admission that the North Vietnamese did break him shows his honesty and the depths of his mental struggle. I applaud this valuable American and recommend this book.

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Summary: The integrity of McCain outshines many
Review: The pride I felt to be an American was enhanced from each sitting with the book. I am 16 years old and to imagine people a year older than me undergoing the harsh treatment that was inflicted on John McCain is unsettling to say the least. I have always been a patriotic person, but my devotion to God and my country was increased ten fold by this book. I had always wanted to be in the military, but this book has further inspired me to serve my country, since there is no greater honor. I implore everyone to read Faith of My Fathers for it lays the cornerstone for why America is so great and what great things we have as American citizens. The honor that was upheld by John McCain is outstanding. McCain does not only focus on his honor, but the honor of his fellow prisoners. His humbleness in expressing his experiences further proves his honor to his fellow compatriots and country. Read Faith of My Fathers at least to understand how great a man in a time of great hardship can be to still serve is country.

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Summary: A must read for everyone!
Review: Just a terrific book about John McCain's struggle to live up to the lofty accomplishments of his forefathers, something most people can really relate to. The first couple of chapters deal with his grandfather and father, both of whom fought in World War II, and how their lives affected his childhood. But the longer part of the book deals with John McCain's detainment in a Vietnamese POW camp and how he tries to retain hope amid the worst of despair. Simple prose written in a fast-moving style will keep you reading even if you never heard of Senator McCain.

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Summary: Get this one from the Library, don't buy it.
Review: Like many parent's, I would like to think that my children will someday read the books that had an impact on my life, Faith of my Fathers however will not be on the short list. Let me say up front that I am an unabashed supporter of every soldier that ever wore an American uniform in battle. I respect and appreciate what John McCain did. As an American I am in his debt. His book however lacked punch. In my opinion too much time was spent lauding the accomplishments of his father and grandfather. The description of his experiences as a POW were unpleasent, but they paled in comparison to Henri Charriere's description of the conditions on Devil's Island which included the infamous prisoner Papillon.

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Summary: A fair and moving account
Review: I am a Vietnam combat veteran, and I was pleasantly surprised by this book because almost everything in it was new to me. I knew very little about the careers of Senator McCain's grandfather and father, and even less about his harsh years as a POW in North Vietnam. My miserable year in combat pales in comparison to the horrible treatment these men received. I particularly enjoyed McCain's openness and honesty about his own shortcomings, his self-deprecating style, his dry sense of humor, his generous praise for others, and most of all his humility. I was also struck by the total lack of hostility expressed towards his captors. This is a very readable book and I found the author's personal insights into the Vietnam War both moving and powerful. Reading this made me proud to be an American, and it reminded me that we do have something special and unique to offer in the world, and how fortunate we are to have leaders like John McCain in our midst.

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Summary: War hero...and family man
Review: Into most lives will walk an unexpected opportunity--a "yea" or "nay" moment that can change things forever. McCain's days in Vietnam were filled with such moments. For the Senator and his wife, Cindy, one of those opportunities also came in the body of a tiny ten-week-old infant in Bangladesh who needed immediate medical care if she were to survive. How the McCains answered that call and made Becky a member of their family is told in an intimate account of their family life in PARENTS AT LAST, Celebrating Adoption and the New Pathways to Parenthood (1998). The Senator's drive and heroism on the battlefront is no less noticeable on the homefront!

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Summary: A moving, very emotional memoir of a courageous family.
Review: Anyone that wishes to understand devotion to duty, as best illustrated within one family's saga, should read about the McCains. This book is not just about John McCain, but more importantly deals with his father's and grandfather's experiences in the Navy and WWII---and how it shaped John McCain's approach towards loyalty among other men, the ability to lead and his devotion to duty and honor. An excellent read for anyone that loves military history combined with a family memoir.

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Summary: AS FINE AS ANY HISTORY BOOK
Review: John McCain has written an auto-biography that teaches both history and family values. I knew before reading the book that McCain had been a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam and I know a little about his work in the U.S. Senate. I knew nothing about his father and grand-father. Both men held high rankings in the United States Navy and had much influence during our many conflicts dating back to World War II. This book will stir your faith in family values and pride in your country.

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Summary: great book -- only wish it discribed his life as a senator
Review: It's a great book, very nicely written. I think Mccain is the best presidential canidate out there!

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Summary: Integrity has no ideology
Review: I'm a bleeding heart liberal. You can probably hear my knee jerking from wherever you're reading this. But I'm impressed as hell with Senator McCain's book -- and life. He doesn't try to go over the top about his heroism; he doesn't bang home the fact that many of us would have gone nuts in the prison camp, and that he's a remarkable survivor. He talks about the lessons he learned while living in hell, and draws the connections between his experiences and those of his forbears.

Good read, warts and all. It would not be a bad thing for the country to have John McCain and Bill Bradley engaging in weekly debates -- thoughtful, reasonable debates -- about the future of the country.