Character Is Destiny : Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember
 
Please Login or Join to Download.

Thumbnails:

Description:

ABOUT THE BOOK Character Is Destiny: True Stories Every Child Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember FROM OUR EDITORS Every good parent wants to instill sound qualities in his or her children. In Character Is Destiny, U.S. senator John McCain describes ten values that we all hold dear, linking each to a role model. Representative pairings include Diligence (Winston Churchill), Forgiveness (Nelson Mandela), Humor (Mark Twain), Confidence (Queen Elizabeth I), and Humanity (Dwight Eisenhower). FROM THE PUBLISHER 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 read 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: Pat Tillman, whose patriotism obliged him to leave the riches and celebrity of the NFL for a soldier's life in defense of his country Empress Theodora of Byzantium, whose courage shamed her husband and his court into defending their faith and civilization Winston Churchill, who, in a renowned eighteen-word remark, counseled schoolboys to "never give up" the Catholic priest in Auschwitz who offered to take a condemned man's place a nun, formerly a comfortable Beverly Hills housewife, who works with prisoners in Mexico's worst jails George Washington, whose wisdom and hard-earned self-control helped him survive the chaos of war. These are just a few of the heroes of exemplary character whose portraits McCain offers here. With Character Is Destiny, John McCain interprets Shakespeare's immortal advice, "To thine own self be true," as an eloquent restatement of the golden rule and the very definition of integrity. The tributes he pays here to men and women who have lived truthfully will stir the hearts of young and old alike, and help prepare us for the hard work of choosing our destiny. FROM THE CRITICS Publishers Weekly 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. (Nov. 1) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information. Library Journal Traits to have and the people who exemplify them (e.g., Elizabeth I displayed confidence), from the busy senator who gave us books like Worth the Fighting For. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Informatio

Submitted On:

09 Sep 2007

File Author:

Mccain, John

File Size:

2.76 MB