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)

Beautifully told by Senator McCain.

Senator McCains account of his family's place in American history is indelibly shared. This story has given me a perspective on heroism, bravery, and the tenacity of principled men.

A great history on John McCain and his past

the story of him, his father and his grandfather and ehat made him the man he is today.

A testament of an honorable man

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

A true American hero & patriot

An inspiring story about a man and the accompanying military POWs. I have such respect for these men and this story solidified the reasons we should all be grateful for those that sacrificed so much.

A story of a true American hero

Stories both Touchin Inspiron strong and patriotic.his story makes me want to be more of a patriot.

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.

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.

Amazing man! Loved the last chapter

Too much military speak in first chapters, but really enjoyed fast forwarding to the end of the third on!

Generations of American Heroes

A naked and inspirational account of a patriotic American family through the memories of a storied son. This sets a high water mark that few will achieve but that all Americans should strive for.

Powerful story read by Senator McCain himself

This book was very eye opening to me having only ever received a summary account of Vietnam in school. The detailed description that Mr. McCain provides delivered a whole different perspective on what his experience was like.