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Grateful American
Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service | Gary Sinise
19 posts | 16 read | 13 to read
The moving, entertaining, never-before-told story of how one man found his calling. "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 Awardwinning 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 eventually 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.
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LiseWorks
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November 24 #NovemberNarrative Grateful This sounds interesting. I never new how much he did for the Veterans. @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs I read this a few months ago-he is dedicated!! 1y
16 likes1 comment
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booklover3258
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Pickpick

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/o-ET07myJEc

Enjoy!

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LisaLovesToRead
Pickpick

A little long at parts & somewhat confusing with jumping around timelines. Still, overall a powerful message and neat to learn more about Gary Sinise.

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bookishbitch
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Pickpick

This covers quite a lot. From his beginnings as a disillusioned teen and drama student, his movie and tv career, to his amazing work giving back to first responders and veterans. Overall I really enjoyed it, even if it is heavy on facts in places. Excuse my recycled photo. I took the dustjacket off to protect it and now I can't find it. Which is making me absolutely insane. I'm usually very careful with them!

13 likes2 stack adds
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IolaGoulton
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Pickpick

The overarching theme of Grateful American is that Sinise is grateful to have been born in a country—the United States of America—that has given him the opportunities he‘s had, and allowed him the freedom to pursue his goals while acknowledging and emphasising that freedom is not a free gift.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

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Tkgbjenn1
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Pickpick

This man is true to his word and puts his money where his mouth his. His patriotism is more than just lip service. As a successful actor he has dedicated so much effort and time to the military and first responders. I think he can be compared to Bob Hope in his dedication to the military. A good Autobiography.

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CaitZ
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Pickpick

I've always liked Gary Sinise's acting, but after reading this I admire his dedication to the armed forces. He volunteers much of his time visiting, encouraging and raising money for veterans.

He lays out his story, from a kid without much direction to an outstanding actor and director, not glossing over the hard times. A very well written and engaging book.

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cassareada
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Greatest. Day. Ever.

I was so freaking nervous to meet Gary Sinise today that I struggled with taking my walkie and name tag off, but it made him and his assistant laugh so it was well worth it 😂 AND he liked our store.

#holycrows #omgomgomg #thelifeofabookseller

julesG Soooo cooool! 5y
wanderinglynn That‘s so awesome!!! 🤩 5y
AmyG That‘s awesome! 5y
See All 6 Comments
JoScho Very cool! 5y
cassareada @julesG @wanderinglynn @AmyG @JoScho it was so cool. He was really nice. 5y
MrBook One of my favorites!!! 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 So incredibly happy for you! 👍🏻👍🏻 5y
71 likes6 comments
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cassareada
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Mama says, "The best way to prepare for a book signing with Gary Sinise is to watch Forrest Gump." And by golly, that's what I'm doing when I should be going to bed early so I can look refreshed for the signing tomorrow.

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Soupkidmc
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I couldn‘t put it down. He is a great man and I feel his story is like so many out there. Very relatable

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Rissa1
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Pickpick

I suggest, if you want to feel motivated to give, that you read this book. 4⭐

20 likes1 stack add
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Rissa1
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Monday is my cleaning day, and this is my lunch break. #thinmints

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Rissa1
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🤣

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Rissa1
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Reading + Alabama snuggles = a great Sunday.

gradcat Y‘all are killing me today...so many gorgeous babies 🐱🐶🥰 5y
14 likes1 comment
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Rissa1
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Eyre did not want me reading, the book insert pic shows the fur she left on the pages of my book. #eyrethecalico

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Rissa1
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Super excited for this! #FunkoPopandBookSwap. Thanks for hosting @kstadt929

kstadt929 Thanks for helping to spread the word! Glad you are joining!! 5y
9 likes1 comment
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Rissa1
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I love that he refuses to use the word disorder.

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bookishbitch
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My husband has always been a great gift giver. He snagged this for me and it's even a signed copy. I love his work with veterans. I'm looking forward to tucking into this one.

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Aimeesue
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Gary Sinise-ing at the PX. ❤️

jillrhudy 😍 5y
37 likes1 comment