Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(95)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

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.

"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.

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!

I am currently working an assignment in Waco, TX. Last year I had the opportunity to visit the site where Cindy and her flock were protesting near the Bush ranch. I could not believe some of the words on the signs and the sides of busses and cars. I thought I was back in the 60s at Berkeley where students who knew nothing about what they were protesting did so because it was the thing to do. I feel sorry for MS. Sheehan and her loss but have lost all respect for her. She has no respect for our troops or their cause. She just wants attention. So Catherine and Melanie your books is GREAT! We finally have the truth in writing and the Libs are going crazy!

An excellent read. Reveals the true story behind the far left's manipulation and funding of the anti-war movement and Sheehan. It also shows how true Americans, soldiers and their families are proud of thier country and its soldiers. A must read.

American Morning brings a view that isn't being discussed by the traditional media. For everyone that believes there are two sides to every story that should be heard this book rates will give that perspective to the issues America is wrestling with at this moment of our history. For us to truely find our way out of the troubles of our world of today we need to consider all sides and "American Morning" is a must for balance.

As a disabled veteran, I find that honesty often hurts. Defaming the memory of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice must be exposed and America Mourning does exactly that. It honors the honorable and exposes the unworthy. If there were more stars available, I'd have to add them.

To those that have not read the book but wish to defame it anyway, you truly represent the worst of the worst.

As others have said, this is a story of two young men in the United States Army-Casey Sheehan and Justin Johnson. One of these young men was well known but the other was not until this book came out. It is telling that those who have a different point of view from Ms. Sheehan are not known at all and when they do try to speak out are smacked down by the MSM and those on the left who suffer from Bush Derangement Syndrome. I did see Ms. Sheehan when she was in HI, approximately 10 months or so ago. She smacked down a set of parents who felt that she was degrading not only their son's memory but her son's as well. She also said she was losing her patience or something like that with people who didn't agree with her point of view. I know that those who believe she is a saint will trash me and this review but that's okay. That's what this country is all about-free speech (not the lefts view of free speech for me but not for thee).
While I did learn a few things (didn't know she was "recruited", had not heard that Justin's father went into the military; I really can't say the internet porn (supposedly millions are addicted) or the adultry thing was really a big shock. Those who kiss the ground she walks on do not want anything that is negative said or written about her. However, she has introduced herself as a public figure and by doing so cannot escape the fact that people will find the bad as well as the good.
Is it the best book ever written, no but it is an interesting book nonetheless. If one keeps it in the perspective that this story is about two American Soldiers then one can appreciate the book. However, there are many who don't care one wit about anything other than their heroine who does not come out in the best light. Perhaps if the story was written to show the Johnson family negatively and Sheehan in her usual fluff self you'd all feel differently.
Additionally, I am sick of people who didn't read the book but wrote reviews anyway. Some just saw them on television and wrote a review based on that. Yes, the first day I did do the same myself because I was sick and tired of those who haven't read it trashing it & figured it was time someone from the other camp who didn't read it do the same thing. However, unlike the leftist fools I deleted mine, bought a copy and read it, then re-reviewed. I am sure that will bring on the mocking of many on the left as well. However, it is telling that they cannot mock their own who had not read it and think those "reviews" are wonderful.
I do feel more pity for Sheehan then contempt since I read the book. She is a "useful idiot" to those whose cause she furthers and I wonder where all her "pals" will be in the years to come when this is resolved and people forget. Eventually people do forget and what will become of her when she is no longer the cause celeb? I hope you on the left remember who and keep in touch with her so she's not left alone. Those of us on the right have a job to do ourselves in supporting those who lost children and disagree with her who are not given support. We on the right have not been as helpful to those other Gold Star families as the only one I can think of is Sgt. Paul Smith, who received the Medal of Honor after his death. Not sure how much support his family gets though either. We must do a better job of making sure these families also receive the honor they deserve as well. We cannot let these families suffer as mine did after the death of my brother in Viet Nam. Thank goodness for this book so we can learn of another heroic family and their son as well.

Finally someone has written the truth and exposed Cindy for what she is. The book is well written and follows history with facts. "Kudos" to Melanie and Catherine.

I never write reviews but found it important to express my thoughts on such a controversial subject. I also felt it was important to give this book it's due as it won't get the kind of advertising a "Sheehan" book would. The general public should know the truth, no matter his or her politics or beliefs on or about the Iraq war. This is easy and exciting read that offers you something you won't find published by the government media complex.