Stronger

Courage, Hope, and Humor in My Life with John McCain

By: Cindy McCain

Narrated by: Cindy McCain

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

In Stronger, the widow of Senator John McCain opens up about her beloved husband, their 38-year marriage, and the trials and triumphs of a singular American life.

Named One of the Best Books of the Year by New York Post

“At once a love letter to her late husband...and an indictment of the party-line politics he fought against.... This is the Cindy McCain we suspected was at his side for so many years.” (Time)

Cindy Hensley was just out of college when she met and fell in love with the celebrated Navy hero John McCain. They embarked on a thrilling life together that put her at the center of American politics for over four decades. Stronger, her moving and inspiring memoir, tells the story of her adventurous life with John for the first time. 

Raising their four children in Arizona while John flourished as a six-term senator in Washington, DC, Cindy McCain brought her own flair to the role of political wife. She eagerly supported John’s career even as she tried hard to stay out of the spotlight and maintain her own health and well-being. In Stronger, she is honest in revealing her own successes and missteps, discussing how she dealt with political attacks targeting her children, her battle with opioid addiction, and the wild whirl of campaigning for president.

As they built their life together, Cindy and John continued the multi-generation McCain tradition of service to country. With both immense pride and deep worry, she sent two sons off to active duty in the military. She describes her own brave efforts bringing medical support to countries in crisis and empowering women in Africa and around the world. And she reveals her feelings about the tumultuous effects of the Trump presidency on the military.

Most important, this book shares how John’s humor and strength helped Cindy grow into the confident woman she is now. More than a political story, Stronger is the unforgettable journey of one woman who believes in family, honor, and country - and is willing to stand up for all of them.

©2021 Random House Audio (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Cindy McCain shares her front row seat to the life and times of the late six-term senator [John McCain] in an account that makes it a worthwhile read.” (NPR)

“[A] bracing volume.” (The Washington Post) 

“There are a handful of great American families in politics that have risen to the rank of legend. The Kennedys and the Bushes, the Rockefellers and the Roosevelts. But perhaps no mythology has been nursed with such purpose and a sense of national service than that of the McCains - and not without good cause or true mission.... Cindy McCain’s memoir...is at once a love-letter to her late husband, who died of brain cancer in 2018, and an indictment of the party-line politics he fought against. It’s also a late cry for help in a political system that still expects spouses to be mute and insists successful women married to politicians defer to the men whose names are on ballots.... This is the Cindy McCain we suspected was at his side for so many years, but who chose to stay out of the political fray so as not to cause trouble for her husband.... Her writing is replete with the famed tales that make the McCain legend so compelling.... With this memoir, the still-committed Republican is signaling that the grit that defines the McCain brand in American political life and its mythology is still here.” (Time) 

Not What I Expected

Poignant memoir written by a courageous woman. You never really know what someone is going through.

Absolutely beautiful❤️

Being a native Arizonan, I especially appreciate the exceptional example in public service, grace and mature authenticity that my brother and I and my daughter were privileged to have growing up and as a voice for the people of Arizona.

This book is such an amazing reflection of the courageous life Cindy McCain has led. She is open about difficult times she’s survived and her honestly about her own struggle with opioid pain medication was almost exactly what I had gone through... hearing someone admired and respected as much as Mrs McCain tell her story is will profoundly bring change in removing shame for others as well as providing hope.

Her years married to Senator McCain and in raising their family were also a pair in strength.

Wonderfully written and wonderfully read.

Engaging

I came away from this book impressed with the dignity and courage of the McCain family. Cindy reveals such grace and dignity that is almost old fashion. The book starts with the death of John McCain and then proceeds to tell the story of Cindy and her marriage to John McCain. If you enjoy memoirs, you will find this one a must read.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and twenty-one minutes. Cindy McCain does a good job narrating the book.

Moving!

What an amazing, touching and inspiring story. One of the best memoirs I've listened too. Great story and great performance by the author.

A Beautiful Mind. Standing Ovation.

A beautiful mind. Fascinating Memior. A life motivated by contributing to others. That kind of wind that is neccessary to go under the wings of anyone that really flies. You can listen to her talk all day long and wish for more. Great read. Do not deny yourself the pleasure.

From my Democratic perspective

As an AZ Dem I had some preconceived beliefs and started listening not objectively. I was pleasantly surprised. Gov programs or free market growth are not exclusive, we all are proud Americans. Job well done.

Awesome Book!

I enjoyed everything about this book. It is well written, flows nicely, tells an interesting story and pulls at your soul to look at yourself in the mirror and get involved in something bigger than yourself. But ultimately it's about compassion and love of a spouse, children, service, people, country and self. The narration is great. Thank you Cindy McCain for sharing your story! ❤👍

You made me want to be better

I loved your book. I am going through a very difficult time personally, I have
Incredible kids and a lot to be grateful for. Unlike your marriage, mine is ending in divorce. Your love story and gift of giving was just what I needed. Thank you for sharing your story. BTW-I have never written a review in at least 10 years.

Excellent story

This was a very touching story of love devotion and integrity. an example that others can live by.

Faith, Hope and Joy

For all Americans, this is why we have a democracy. Cindy MacCain is an excellent author to write and tell of her beloved John.

Cindy McCain is so different to what I expected

I lean left, so this was an unusual choice.
I saw Mrs McCain talking about her husband Senator John McCain and then endorse Joe Biden in the 2020 election. I thought this was worth a read and I'm so glad I chose it!

Deeply moving

A lovely memoir by one of America’s strongest women. Comforting and inspiring and highly recommended!