American Mourning: The Intimate Story of Two Families Joined by War--Torn by Beliefs [Hardcover]

Catherine Moy (Author), Melanie Morgan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 16, 2006

American Mourning' is the story of two families?the Johnsons and the Sheehans?that lost sons in the war on terror. Their sons were buddies?best friends since they first met at Fort Hood in Texas?but the two families have little else in common.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a beautiful, raw war story that breaks the heart and strengthens resolve to protect America from her enemies. -- Ann Coulter

...a brilliant social essay of a defining moment in American history. -- New York Post, November 19, 2006

...puts a face on two magnificent heroes whose great deeds and unimaginable sacrifices are all but ignored by the media... -- Mark Levin

I was soon moved to tears by both the Sheehan and Johnson clans... -- James Dalessandro

The truth in this book will set you free. -- Sean Hannity

Their stories illuminate the hell that our servicemen and women face every day... -- Buzz Patterson

About the Author

Catherine Moy is an award-winning journalist who has been honored by prestigious media groups for her work as an investigative reporter, feature writer, columnist, political journalist, business writer, and agricultural reporter. Winner of the Society of Professional Journalists' highest award for public service, she is a freelance journalist and columnist for the Vacaville Reporter. She lives in Solano County, California.

Melanie Morgan is president of Move America Forward, an organization dedicated to supporting our troops in their fight against terrorism. She also cohosts one of the top-rated drive-time shows in one of the largest radio markets in the nation, The Lee Rogers and Melanie Morgan Show on KSFO 560 AM, San Francisco. A frequent guest on Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, and CBS, she also has appeared on the BBC and in newspapers and broadcasts worldwide. She lives in Marin County, California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing; Second edition edition (October 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581825404
• ISBN-13: 978-1581825404
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (123 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,489,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!!!, October 19, 2006

By 

M. Hughes "bast magazine" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Mourning: The Intimate Story of Two Families Joined by War--Torn by Beliefs (Hardcover)

It's about time someone reveal what is really happening with the troops and Iraq. The left would like you to believe this book is NOT about the courageous soldiers fighting for our freedom. They want you to think it is just a hatchett job of Mrs. Sheehan. It is not. Sure, her dirty past is brought up, if only to show that she is a lying hyopocrit. But I doubt those of the left have even read this fine book.

Instead, this book is about two young men who gave the ultimate sacrifice so you and I can read and discuss issues that are illegal in most muslim countries.

142 of 168 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful and captivating account of heroism and mourning, October 18, 2006

By 

Joseph Wierzbicki (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Mourning: The Intimate Story of Two Families Joined by War--Torn by Beliefs (Hardcover)

"American Mourning" is a beautiful and poignant story that chronicles the divide in America over the war against terrorism. What makes this book so intriguing is that it personalizes the story by showing how 2 different American families respond to the death of their son. It's a raw and gripping portrayal of how we mourn as a nation, and how our individualism propels us to respond to similar events in such starkly different ways. One mother, Cindy Sheehan, becomes a broken woman when her son, Casey, is killed in a war that his mother never supported. For her it becomes the cruelest form of torture that he should die for a cause she finds to be anything but just. Contrast that to the story of Jan and Joe Johnson, who become greater patriots upon hearing news that their son Justin died. At the age of 46, Joe Johnson went so far as to re-enlist in the U.S. Army and went over to Iraq to fight - to avenge his son's death. But the best part is that the son's of these families, Casey Sheehan and Justin Johnson, become best buddies themselves while in the military. Casey dies just 6 days before Justin in the slums of Sadr City, after being ambushed by terrorist insurgents. Justin is emotionally distraught over the death of his friend. He goes online to post a message of condolence at the memorial page for Casey. It will be one of the last things Justin Johnson writes. 6 days later he himself is killed in that same city where his good friend, Casey was killed. "American Mourning" is an honest story. It shows us both the attributes and failings of both families. That will not sit well with fans of Cindy Sheehan who have idolized this woman and created a false persona of "Mother Sheehan" - a woman of absolute moral authority who can do no wrong. The truth is somewhat different, and American Mourning chronicles her story in stark terms. At a time when Americans debate how best to fight the war on terrorism, "American Mourning" showcases the divide in our nation in a way that is irresistible. It is impossible to put this book down - each chapter propelling the reader on to the next. This book recognizes that the ultimate heroes, those whose legacy must be remembered, are those brave men who gave their lives - Casey Sheehan and Justin Johnson - and that is what makes this book such a powerful read.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How refreshing to hear another side of the story!, October 19, 2006

By 

Cheryl Maki "American" (Auburn, Ca.) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: American Mourning: The Intimate Story of Two Families Joined by War--Torn by Beliefs (Hardcover)

I am so grateful as an American to be able to finally read the "other" side of the story. I am so tired of the press labeling these people who degrade our troops as heroes and those of us who fear terroism as "baby killers" and worse. This book gives the reader an opportunity, not normally given in the media, to decipher and judge for themselves. I like having all sides of a story before I decide how to vote, think or speak. What a concept!