Customer Reviews

Faith of My Fathers

5 star:		(158)
4 star:		(65)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This book contains quite a bit of military history and military details that some readers will not find interesting. I am one of those people; nevertheless, I found McCain's book delightful overall. It is inspiring to read the life story of a man who lives for something greater than himself, and has the humility to give extensive credit to his forefathers and his fellow POWS, many of whom he mentions by name. McCain tells his story with the help of a professional writer (one online reviewer, who obviously never read this book, says the book couldn't have been written by McCain because he wouldn't have had the time--and that that must be evidence of the man's inauthenticity!) In fact, Faith of My Fathers is full of credit graciously given to a vast array of friends and associates, including his ghostwriter. Today, McCain's once-athletic body still shows evidence of the abuse and torture he suffered. In a self-absorbed age with few heroes, we need to hear more from men of conviction, character and courage like John McCain. It inspires us to push on, regardless of the cost or of the disabilities with which we struggle.

This is a moving and compelling account of the careers of three extraordinary American sailors. It is an exceptional look at the American soldier and the military family that makes one wonder why we don't have people like this anymore.

McCain's account of his time in a Vietnam POW camp makes one think what they would have done in a similar situation. Would I have turned down early release because other POWs had been there longer? Would I have adhered to the military code of conduct?

Politically, I don't agree with John McCain on his key issues like attacking ethanol and campaign finance reform, but this book makes me put that aside and consider supporting him for president.

It shows he is a leader who can weather the storm.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a president to look up to again?

My wife read this book and kept after me to read it too. At first I did not want to read it because I thought it was another book by a man with a political agenda. After I finally picked it up I could not put it down -- this book is very good. This book reminds me of Baa Baa Blacksheep (A book about a pilot from a different war who was shot down in the Pacific and faced hard times as a POW). Both books tell it like it is. McCain does not try to pretend that he is a saint and candidly tells of his errors in life. The book, however, is about more than McCain it is also about his remarkable family and, more importantly, about his fellow POWs. McCain does not try to pretend that he was America's best POW. In fact, he seems upset by feelings that he was treated better than the other POWs because of his father's rank. While McCain plays down his own acts, he describes in detail the extraordinary acts of heroism of his fellow POWs. If you read this book for no other reason, you should read it for the stories that describe how our fighting men honored themselves and this country by refusing to cooperate with the enemy.

Dealing with the realities of today and the promise of tomorrow we often forget yesterday. As a young army wife with a husband that served two tours in Nam and the mother of a Gulf era veteran reading this book rekindled the memories of the struggle of that horrible time. We do ourselves a dis service if we forget that war. John McCain's description of his captivity is an inspiration that will help me with my focus on our role of peackeeper in this world. I wore his bracelet and prayed for him as a POW, said a thanksgiving prayer when the POWs came home.Now I say thank you for writing a book that won't forget this war of yesterday as we pray that our sons and daughters will never face this ordeal.

While John McCain's politics are too conservative for me, he still gets my attention for this inspiring story. Parts of his father and grandfather's stories could have been shortened to concentrate more on his struggle in Vietnam. His admission that the North Vietnamese did break him shows his honesty and the depths of his mental struggle. I applaud this valuable American and recommend this book.

John McCain's autobiography is a stirring account of perseverance and family values that is ultimately a tribute to the will of humanity to prevail. If only more fathers would give their sons the lessons that John Sr. instilled in John, our world would be a better place. If only more men had the unwavering self-confidence that John had as a POW, we could all live inspired. John McCain shows us that we can grow as people if we learn to do what's right in the end. After all, he wasn't perfect, but he learned to hold his head high and make his life as perfect as it could be with what he had. Outstanding, altogether.

Amazing book. Not only did John withstand Vietnamese torture for five years, but also dealt with personal tragedy upon his arrival back in the States. This is a true success story based on the principals on which this country was founded. John McCain has my vote for President of this great country not only because of his experience, but more importantly because of his character. We should be so lucky to have a man of his convictions in the White House. God bless you, John. You make me proud to be an American again!

It takes a lot for me to sit still long enough to read a book, but to read this one in one sitting, is quite a reflection on the material. John McCain, tells it all, not taking himself seriously, is very humble in his self assesment of the horrors of the Vietnam prisons...One thing that shines thru in the book, is his love of America, and of our freedom...John has earned our respect, and this book is well worth reading...you wont put it down....God Bless JohnMcCain....

The pride I felt to be an American was enhanced from each sitting with the book. I am 16 years old and to imagine people a year older than me undergoing the harsh treatment that was inflicted on John McCain is unsettling to say the least. I have always been a patriotic person, but my devotion to God and my country was increased ten fold by this book. I had always wanted to be in the military, but this book has further inspired me to serve my country, since there is no greater honor. I implore everyone to read Faith of My Fathers for it lays the cornerstone for why America is so great and what great things we have as American citizens. The honor that was upheld by John McCain is outstanding. McCain does not only focus on his honor, but the honor of his fellow prisoners. His humbleness in expressing his experiences further proves his honor to his fellow compatriots and country. Read Faith of My Fathers at least to understand how great a man in a time of great hardship can be to still serve is country.

This book kept my interest from beginning to end.

John McCain honored his country, his fellows and God. He has experienced the heroes journey, something that most people and politicians only read about. In his book McCain also represents and honors the unsung hero - those that have also suffered and have not been recognized for their suffering.

His life experiences permit him to be a leader, not just because of his honor and war experience, but because of his ability to to speak the truth, even when the listener does not want to hear what he is saying. He has been initiated for the job as leader of the US.