Grateful American

A Journey from Self to Service

De: Gary Sinise, Marcus Brotherton

Narrado por: Gary Sinise

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Discover 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.

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 true 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 countless 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 new calling.

Grateful American, now a New York Times bestseller, documents Gary's dedication to working tirelessly on behalf of those who serve this country, sharing stories about how he has:

• Entertained more than a half million troops around the world playing bass guitar with his Lt. Dan Band
• Raised funds on behalf of veterans
• Founded 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 life's work: to see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten.

Praise for Grateful American:

"Gary Sinise writes as he lives, and as the artist and actor he has always been: with American authenticity, purpose, and a conviction that is inseparable from his nature."

--Tom Hanks, actor and filmmaker

"No entertainer alive today has visited and performed more for our troops at veterans hospitals and military bases all over the world than Gary Sinise. For years his foundation has built 'smart homes' for our troops that were severely wounded in combat. The book is called Grateful American, and I promise that after you read it you will be grateful for what Gary has accomplished and contributed to our country. He's truly one of a kind."

--Clint Eastwood, actor, director, producer, and musician

Very Grateful

Absolutely love this book. I have followed Gary because of all of his work he does for first responders and the military so I decided to read this book, not really knowing what it was about.

It was such a wonderful book, I laughed and cried in the same chapter! I had no idea of everything he has done in his personal and professional life but he has done so much.

This is what servant leadership is all about.

I saw Gary on a show last week talking about this book and immediately went to audible.com to download it. Over the past 16 months I watched a few self-proclaimed servant leaders selfishly run a company into the ground. Gary Sinise shows how one event in your life can make a difference not just to you and your family but to an entire world. When Jesus gave told us the parable of the Good Samaritan and said, “Go and do likewise,” this is the type of example I believe he was referencing. We owe it to those who protect our streets and nation to serve others. Lt. Dan may have changed the trajectory of Gary’ career, but even better it laid the example to serve those who serve us. The concept of se a need - fill a need really shines all through out this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who aspires to become that servant leader. #GarySiniseFoundation #LTDanBand

Respect and well done Gary!

Well done Gary! A great listen for any American. Thank you and great respect goes out to to our Veterans, current Military, and 1st Responders.

Grateful American

Powerful! Thank you Mr. Sinise for making a profound impact and giving of your time, talents and financial resources to honor our military men and women, not from afar but from closeup and personal. I too, am a grateful American and so very proud of our uniformed men and women.

YOU MUST READ

This book is a must read. The history Mr. Sinise has presented here is a powerful reminder that our liberty is not free. Every joy, every sorrow, every experience is masterfully shared so that you are right there with him, feeling every piece deep in the marrow of your bones. Well done, Mr. Sinise. ❤