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Title details for Character is Destiny by John McCain - Available

Character is Destiny

Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember

by John McCain
Mark Salter
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
John McCain and Mark Salter have written three acclaimed bestsellers, but CHARACTER IS DESTINY may be their most influential and enduring book yet–a work for parents to share with their children, and for Americans of all ages to listen to for inspiration and guidance.
McCain has been called “one of the most inspiring public figures of his generation” by The Washington Post. In CHARACTER IS DESTINY, he shows us why, by telling the stories of celebrated historical figures and lesser-known heroes whose values exemplify the best of the human spirit. He illustrates these qualities with moving stories of triumph against the odds, righteousness in the face of iniquity, hope in adversity, and sacrifices for a cause greater than self-interest.
In CHARACTER IS DESTINY we meet heroes of exemplary character. This book is John McCain’s moving and eloquent tribute to men and women who have lived truthfully, and whose stories will stir the hearts of young and old alike and help prepare us for the hard work of choosing our own destinies.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    November 15, 2005

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781415947777
      • File size: 406835 KB
      • Duration: 14:07:34

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      John McCain's introduction gives interesting insights into his character and the family that produced it. Likewise, the lives of the 34 individuals McCain and co-author Mark Salter explore are all worthy of study and imitation. Their selections range across history and around the globe, demonstrating that good character is universal. Unfortunately, while adults might wade through the clunky writing and frequent clichés, it's unlikely that many young people will make it very far in this collection. Arthur Morey's narration is clear and serious, but unfortunately, it fits the collection's style, which means it sounds stuffy and preachy at times. Morey does little to bring out the humor of a figure like Thomas More or the quiet bravery of Gandhi. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Here is a series of stories that illuminate such virtues as courage, integrity, enthusiasm, and loyalty. A person who epitomizes each virtue is profiled, and his or her story is told. McCain's narration, although a bit didactic in tone, has a grandfatherly quality, and if listeners are ready to learn the moral, they'll be treated to a well-told story. Pat Tillman's, Mother Teresa's, and Oseola McCarty's are a few stories that are told. McCain speaks from experience when he tells his own story and urges listeners to use these people as models for character and follow their paths. Young adults are encouraged to listen; however, adults will be more receptive. D.L.M. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from September 26, 2005
      As in last year's Why Courage Matters
      , McCain's latest volume uses biography as an illustration of virtue, but this time the senator broadens his palette significantly, telling 34 stories of heroes whose lives embody qualities ranging from honesty and loyalty to curiosity and enthusiasm. At the root of them all, he says, is a willingness to stay true to one's conscience against all challenges. Thus martyrs appear prominently, from Thomas More and Joan of Arc to Edith Cavell and Father Maximilian Kolbe, as do military heroes, including Pat Tillman, the pro football player whose love of country led him to enlist in the army shortly after 9/11. But the pantheon is inclusive enough to hold Aung San Suu Kyi and Gandhi alongside Churchill and Eisenhower. Although he is reaching out to a younger readership, McCain's plain but sincere language does not condescend to his audience. He makes occasional oblique references to his experiences as a prisoner of war—describing, for example, how they reinforce his understanding of Victor Frankl's concept of dignity—but the only chapter centered on his ordeal highlights a furtive moment of kindness from a Vietnamese soldier. Amid much speculation concerning his plans for 2008, McCain has made a declaration of values that liberals can embrace as readily as conservatives. Agent, Flip Brophy.

    • Publisher's Weekly

      January 16, 2006
      With the optimistic, confident delivery (occasionally peppered with a slightly precious, "for children" tone) familiar to viewers of Sunday morning political programs, Senator McCain serves up an admirable family recording with bipartisan appeal. Beginning with his own parents (a mother who is always eager to learn and "a stickler for good manners," and a father whose integrity shone in his dedication to military service, at one point a commander to his son in Vietnam), McCain profiles individuals who he feels exemplify attributes of good character. Thomas More was a great example of honesty; Ernest Shackleton exhibited loyalty, Victor Frankl dignity, and McCain himself clung to faith during his time as a prisoner of war. McCain's overriding message, that character is all about choices, and that one's character—not looks, abilities or possessions—determines one's happiness in life, is certainly an inspirational one that listeners from any political orientation can get behind.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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