Faith of My Fathers

A Family Memoir

By: John McCain, Mark Salter

Narrated by: John McCain

Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

John McCain's grandfather was rail-thin, a gaunt, hawk-faced man known as Slew by his fellow officers and affectionately as Popeye by the sailors who served under him. McCain Sr. played the horses, drank bourbon and water, and rolled his own cigarettes with one hand. More significantly, he was one of the Navy's greatest commanders, and led the aircraft carrier of the Third Fleet in key battles during World War II.

John McCain's father fallowed a similar path, one equally distinguished by heroic service, in the Navy as a submarine commander during World War II. McCain Jr. was a slightly built man, but, like his father, he earned the respect and affection of his men. He, too, rose to the rank of four-star admiral, making the McCains the first family in American history to achieve that distinction. McCain Jr.'s final assignment was as commander of all U.S. forces in the Pacific during the Vietnam War.

It was in the Vietnam War that John McCain III faced the most difficult challenge of his life. A Naval officer, he was shot down over Hanoi in 1967 and seriously injured. When Vietnamese millitary officers realized he was the son of the top commander, they offered McCain early release in an effort to embarrass the United States. Acting from a sense of honor taught to him by his father and the U.S. Naval Academy, McCain refused the offer. He was tortured, held in solitary confinement, and imprisoned for over five years.

This memoir is the story of what McCain learned from his grandfather and father, and how their example enabled him to endure those hard years. It is a story of three imperfect men who faced adversity and emerged with their honor intact. Ultimately, Faith of My Fathers is a story of fathers and sons, what they give each other and what endures.

©1999 John McCain (P)1999 Random House, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"McCain's memoir is too good to be dismissed as simply another campaign book. It is a serious, utterly engrossing account of faith, fathers and military tradition." ( Publishers Weekly)

The Meaning of Character

Well written. Even better since read by the author. Expresses the the meaning of true character, devotion, humility, and love for America. A great book about a great leader. Perhaps the most important book you should read this year!

Engaging

Before reading John McCain’s new book “The Restless Wave”, I decided to reread his book “Faith of Our Fathers”. I originally read this book in 2009. I am glad I reviewed McCain’s life considering his cancer and the politics of the day.

In “Faith of Our Fathers” McCain reviews his early life and tells about the lives of his grandfather and father. Both men became 4-star admirals. His father was head of CINCPAC during part of the Viet Nam War. I found his stories about growing up as a “navy brat” most interesting. The military culture is unique. McCain also covered his life as a POW. The story ends with his release from the POW facility. If McCain writes a book about his life from his release to the present, I would enjoy reading it.

The book is just about five hours. John McCain did a good job with the narration of the book. I enjoy listening to the author read his book particularly a well-known man like McCain whose voice I recognize.

great

excellent book. well read by McCain, succinct and to the point. very moving. highly recommend

Insight...

Politics not withstanding, I now understand John McCain. His history and background come alive. I am a fan of Author read works, and this one is no exception. If you want to understand the man, then give this book a listen. I have listened to it four times myself. You will enjoy it.

Donald Trump/Draft Dodger and Coward

I listened when Donald Trump said that this man, this Patriot was not an American Hero. It takes a grown man’s character and decency to recognize the suffering and sacrifice John McCain endured as a US Naval Officer in the fulfillment of his Oath of Office. This humble man John McCain embodies the sacrifices good men and woman have endured to Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America. This is something Donald Trump could never begin to understand. It is not the fake “Bone Spurs” in his feet that kept him from serving in the US Military, it is his lack of Courage, Patriotism, Honor and Decency that did not allow him to serve with Courageous Patriots like John McCain. This Nation called Donald Trump to serve, John McCain went, Donald Trump didn’t. Americans need to remember this when they vote for a President of the United States. signed, A Veteran

Donald J. Trump should read this book.

Donald J. Trump should read this book. And then Trump should feel very ashamed! However, Trump is a coward, traitor and a lout.

A must read! A man of true character & substance!

This is a man of true character and moral conviction. From a generation that is almost lost to us now. There will never be another one like it.
John McCain has written and narrated a brilliant, brutally honest, self realized story of his life up until he was released from a POW Camp during the Vietnam War.
He speaks about his the love of our Nation, his family's long history of Military service to our Nation, and self sacrifice for the greater good.
How he survived being shot down, gravely injured, captured, tortured, a POW for 5+ years, and maintained his humanity. Well, that is a credit to his parents, family, teachers, his fellow prisoners of war, his Faith and himself.
What a great man, WHAT A GREAT MAN, I don't think I can stop saying that.
This is the person, that we should have running our country.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Timeless

It's hard to not be moved by such a trial. Rest in peace, good Sir.

The great John McCain

Great book, but wish it was longer and more detailed. I would have liked more information of his father and grandfather.

A testament of an honorable man

Anyone who doubts John McCain's heroism should read this book.
it's only real drawback is brevity.