Faith of My Fathers

by John McCain, Mark Salter

book data

620 ratings, 3.65 average rating, 169 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		23%
4		34%
3		31%
2		9%
1		1%

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published

March 3rd 2008 (first published 1999) by Random House

binding

Hardcover, 368 pages

isbn

1400067928 (isbn13: 9781400067923)

description

Books by politicians are not often worth reading, but John McCain's Faith of My Fathers is an astonishing exception to the rule. The Republican senato...more

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10/05/08

booklady rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

bookshelves: 2008, autobiography, education, family, history, non-fiction, war

Read in October, 2008

recommends it for: any patriotic American

Despite its unfortunate title, Faith of My Fathers is an incredible book which has almost nothing to do with organized religion and everything to do with living an honorable life. The 'faith' Senator McCain is speaking about only becomes apparent on page 257 of the book and it is spelled with a small 'f', meaning 'keeping faith with one's brothers', in particular under the uniquely horrendous circumstances he faced as an American in a Vietnamese Prisoner of War camp in the 1960s. To attempt to...more Despite its unfortunate title, Faith of My Fathers is an incredible book which has almost nothing to do with organized religion and everything to do with living an honorable life. The 'faith' Senator McCain is speaking about only becomes apparent on page 257 of the book and it is spelled with a small 'f', meaning 'keeping faith with one's brothers', in particular under the uniquely horrendous circumstances he faced as an American in a Vietnamese Prisoner of War camp in the 1960s. To attempt to interpret the title out-of-context, especially today in light of the current Presidential race is totally inappropriate and inaccurate.

For sentimental and/or personal reasons I am strongly inclined to give this book five stars. I admit it; I was incredibly moved by Senator McCain's suffering on behalf of our country. I admire patriots, especially humble ones. In FoMF he constantly downplays his own torture and punishment, insisting he was spared what most of his comrades suffered because of his four star father. Maybe he was and maybe he wasn't. It certainly didn't sound like he got off too easy. If you call two broken arms, a broken knee, bayoneted twice, deliberately getting your shoulder broken, starved, beaten, solitary confinement for years, tortured, interrogated, hung by your arms and broken bones going unset for months favorable treatment, well then I guess his famous father's position earned him some sort of 'special' status. I just don't see it.
However, sympathy aside, the first half of the book is devoted to the history of Senator McCain's illustrious grandfather and father, both four star naval heros in their own rights. And while I recommend this sort of reading to my sea-loving father and my military husband and father-in-law, it can get a bit tedious to someone with no military background. It does, however, give anyone who wants to understand John McCain an excellent background on his family, their history, values, mannerisms and relationships. Also, McCain is very upfront and honest about his own youthful misadventures and all the hard knocks he took as a result. I liked him all the more for his humor and candor.

I don't deny that I was prepared to like the book. I had seen the movie of the same name and knew what McCain suffered in Vietnam. Still I liked the book for more than just the facts of what happened; I liked it for the way it downplayed his actions and focused on his family and the men he served with. There were many little ways that the character of the author shone through his writing.

Ultimately FoMF is a story about the Code of Conduct and what it meant to a group of young men who were tested to the utmost of their human endurance. In particular, McCain highlights one young man who he says never wavered in his commitment to the Code and died for his efforts. McCain confesses his worst fear during his five year ordeal in these words:

'My first concern was not that I might fail God and country, although I certainly hoped I would not. I was afraid to fail my friends. I was afraid to come back from an interrogation and tell them I couldn't hold up as well as they had...Had I accepted that many of the others had surrendered their dignity voluntarily, had agreed to live with such reproachful self-knowledge, I doubt I would have resisted to the extent that I did, and thus I would probably not have recovered from the shame I felt when I was broken...Glory belongs to the act of being constant to something greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles, to the people on whom you rely and who rely on you in turn. No misfortune, no injury, no humiliation can destroy it.' (pp. 256-257)

Unless we have experienced something of the magnitude of five years of systematic, unrelenting torture we can never know what it is like, but we can at least read about it, ponder it, value it and be grateful to the heroic patriots who have suffered and died for the sake of our country, for us.

An excellent book! Read it--this month if you can!

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

We watched the movie by the same name the other night and were all moved by what Senator McCain went through during his five year ordeal as a POW in Vietnam. This is the book my daughter's English class should be reading on the Vietnam War instead of The Things They Carried but we have become a nation which has forgotten its heroes. Are we in denial, blind or bent on self-destruction?

So far, the book is focused on McCain's grandfather and father, both four star Navy generals--the first ever father and son in the United States Navy to be so honored. They were both heroes in their own rights; Senator McCain had a hard double act to follow and yet he never flinched from it.

His writing about himself is self-deprecating, humorous and unflinchingly honest. I like him! (less)

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16 comments

09/02/08

Ryan rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Just like Obama's first book, this family memoir really tells you a lot about McCain. It goes into great length about his father's and grandfather's roles in WWII and the Vietnam War, which is both fascinating and a good history lesson. It also has many detailed chapters about his time as a POW. I'd challenge anyone to read this and not come away with a deeper appreciation for his service to our country.

You always hear about his 5 1/2 years spent as a POW, but I think that conce...more

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08/06/08

Philip rated it:

(review of isbn 0762851309)

bookshelves: memoirs

Read in January, 2009

This book reminded me about everything I love and hate about patriotism. Although it initially dragged, (and I mean really dragged) McCain's stories of his internment in Vietnam along with his father's stories of being in a submarine while the Japanese were dropping depth charges were fascinating. But, it took him too long to get to the stories of his sacrifice for our country.

The beginning of the book dealt with a lot of McCain's ancestry. He was trying to portray a sense of fate...more This book reminded me about everything I love and hate about patriotism. Although it initially dragged, (and I mean really dragged) McCain's stories of his internment in Vietnam along with his father's stories of being in a submarine while the Japanese were dropping depth charges were fascinating. But, it took him too long to get to the stories of his sacrifice for our country.

The beginning of the book dealt with a lot of McCain's ancestry. He was trying to portray a sense of fate, but for those sections all I got was a sense of longwindedness. I'm flipping to a random page: "The Youngs, of the Clan Lamont from the Firth Cumbrae Islands, arrived in America earlier than the McCains, having first fled to Ireland during England's "Great Rebellion." In 1646, Mary Young Lamont and her four sons crossed ..." I know the book is marketed as a "family memoir," but this was too much.

He dedicates a large portion of the book to his youthful follies. He definitely seemed to be a hell-raiser, which he attributed to a lot of things, including being small, moving a lot because of his father's military service, and the necessity of proving himself in each new enviornment. His grades suffered, and he was always in trouble. I think youthful folly ("My daredevil clowning had cut off electricity to a great many Spanish homes and created a small international incident) is a prerequisite for running for president - Bush, Obama, Kerry... I can't really picture Gore doing anything outlandish, but I'm sure he did... don't we all?

Once in Vietnam, the book improved. After what he went through, one can understand why McCain was and is so vehemently opposed to torture.
Although McCain agrees the war was mishandled, he never backs down that it should have been fought. I was impressed by the N.Viet. propaganda machine and often wonder about how those machines work today. You'd think they'd be a whole lot more efficient. I can't imagine how hard it would have been to keep faith in your country and compatriots when faced with such adversity. Wow. There was a great (and now well known) story of the POW who was with him who sewed an American flag, was tortured for it and that very night began sewing a new one.

And that's where I'm torn on Patriotism. Love for country and faith in country are great and important. But they have to be tempered with individual principles and morality. I'm not always sure it's really possible to have both at all times, but you can see how McCain really worked toward it (even if he definitely leaned toward completely patriotic.) I worry about blind patriotism and I worry about anti-patriotism.

On the ending pages he writes, "Many men who came home from Vietnam, physically and spiritually damaged, to what appeared to be a country that did not understand or appreciate their sacrifice." This book, at the very least, helped me understand that sacrifice a little more clearly.

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10/31/07

Eric K. rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Read in July, 2000

The 5-star review is NOT an endorsement of McCain for President. His time and place was 2000, and the country and the world suffer for his loss to Bush in the GOP primaries. Now he's too old, too crotchety, and will with a mathematical certainty get the USA into a righteous and wholly unnecessary war with Iran. As it happens, so far I support Obama.

But this book is extraordinary. McCain's father AND grandfather were admirals, but he never felt affection for or from them. He enrol...more

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09/23/08

Brandon rated it:

(review of isbn 0762851309)

Read in September, 2008

My goal was to read a McCain and Obama book by the time of the election. I feel more comfy with McCain so he got the nod. This is not a political book in the sense that it is not about current policy. It is a memoir of his grandfather, father, and his own experiences in war. Anything political in his book refers to Vietnam.
The first third of the book was OK. It dealt with his grandfather and father's experiences in WWII, mainly. The book kicked into high gear for me when ...more

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09/16/08

Jessica rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Read in September, 2008

recommends it for: every American

Wow! I loved this book so much. John McCain is a great storyteller and he has many too tell. It was a fascinating and educational read, full of ups and downs. The things he indured throughout his navy carrier and as a POW are amazing and make me so proud of all those who serve our country. He has had so many close calls that I'm left feeling God has great work for this man to do. He strikes me as a humble man who is full of integrity and lives his life to the best of his ability (though he never...more

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09/05/08

Kevin rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Read in September, 2008

Excellent book, well written, and engaging. I wanted to read this book to learn a bit more about John McCain. To be fair to both presidential candidates, I also plan to read Barack Obama's autobiography, not because I like or support him, but because I want to know more about him. Let me emphasize the fact that I do not plan on reading it because I like him, support him, or agree with his views (in fact, I feel quite the opposite), but to learn more about him.

Anyways. Back to John...more

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09/02/08

Chrissy rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Read in August, 2008

recommended to Chrissy by: My school
recommends it for: anyone who enjoys reading about the military & who likes John McCain

You’re probably saying to yourself “I have heard of family values but I really don’t know what it is.” The meaning of this phrase is simply put as a political and social concept used in many cultures to describe what is expecting. In the book “Faith of My Fathers”, John McCain III tries to follow in his father and paternal grandfather’s footsteps by enrolling in the navy. His family was very big on military and fighting for your country. To be a son and grandson of two men that hav...more

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08/22/08

Patricia rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

bookshelves: biography

So far, this book has surprised me totally, i was kind of expecting a dry drawling on and on about military and exploits, and yes those things are there, as he portrays his grandfather and his fathers military exploits, and his own life in school, the Naval Academy, and into live training, but he has such a winsome style of writing, and unlike many other biographies, one has the benefit of having heard his voice so much on media, that his voice comes beaming on through no problem.
Joh...more

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03/06/08

Ray rated it:

(review of isbn 0762851309)

Read in March, 2008

I had mixed feelings about McCain going into this book. I finished it, and in some ways I am more confused. Not because the book wasn't clarifying -- it added ALOT to my picture of McCain. The problem is that the more you know him the more complicated you realize he is.

This is NOT your typical ghost written 'campaign' autobio. (though I'm sure his help from Mark Salter was considerable). This is a VERY honest and revelatory account of his pre-political life and that of his family. H...more

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01/24/08

Janet rated it:

(review of isbn 0762851309)

Read in February, 2008

recommends it for: Voters, Americans, Patriots

“People may not love you for being strong when you have to be, but they respect you for it and learn to behave themselves when you are.”

Admiral Jack McCain father of Senator John McCain

Combining 2 targets of recent study, the military and politics, I began John McCain’s book with heightened interest. In searching for the right candidate for the Presidency, John McCain has become the man that intrigues me most. Here is an obvious American Hero, an individual who has...more “People may not love you for being strong when you have to be, but they respect you for it and learn to behave themselves when you are.”

Admiral Jack McCain father of Senator John McCain

Combining 2 targets of recent study, the military and politics, I began John McCain’s book with heightened interest. In searching for the right candidate for the Presidency, John McCain has become the man that intrigues me most. Here is an obvious American Hero, an individual who has given his life in service to our Nation, first as a Naval Aviator, as a POW in Vietnam for almost 6 years, as a Senator, and as candidate for Commander in Chief. Yet, the Republican Party hierarchy is reacting to his candidacy with scorn and vitriol, why? Everything I’ve read about John McCain testifies to his valor, his underlying character, his willingness to die for his country. I am not the sort of person who passively accepts the opinions of the “experts.” As my children constantly are pointing out when I embarrass them with pointed questions, I am a person who likes to “know things.”

John McCain has been called “The Maverick.” Well, I’m sort of a maverick too. My admiration piqued I began Faith of My Fathers and ordered the sequel Worth Fighting For. John McCain comes from a long line of Patriots. I can relate to much of his early family history. We both hail from the South, had ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War, the War Between the States, and WW2. In reading about his father and grandfather I am reminded of my own duty to remember and to record the lives of my forefathers as best I can.

The second half of this book has been a difficult read. How does one write (and read!) words describing almost 6 years of mental and physical torture. How does one survive as a POW and having survived against incredible odds, enduring unbelievable pain, what does one do with life's subsequent liberty? If you are John McCain life equals sacrifice and service. His faith, patriotism and sense of honor never fail him. Bring on book 2! I wonder if come November there will be an entirely new John McCain sequal, history being written.
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09/14/08

Laurel rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

bookshelves: memoir, nonfiction

I consider myself an Independent, and since I read Obama's book, I felt I should read McCain's as well. I was also quite curious, perhaps because of my own situation (I have been bedridden for years due to a chronic illness) to learn more about McCain's POW experience.

The first half of this book discussed the history and military experience of both his father and grandfather, and though impressive, I found the details a bit slow to get through. The second half of the book deals wi...more

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08/28/07

Dennis C. rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Read in March, 2007

I gained a lot of respect for John McCain after reading this. I came away from believing McCain is steadfast and sincere in his convictions about the war in Iraq. At the same time i disagree wholeheartedly with his conclusions about Vietnam.
I read this while traveling to Vietnam. After touring Hanoi and visiting a Vietnam War museum there, it becomes clear our leaders view of the war and the way the people of Vietnam viewed it were very different. Iraq seems to be a continuation of our le...more

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01/23/09

Kim rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Read in June, 2008

I read an Obama book so I had to be far. This book was very interesting. It contains one of my favorite quotes:

Ironically for someone who had so long asserted his own individuality as his first and best defense against insults of any kind, I discovered that faith in my self proved to be the least formidable strength I possessed when confronting alone organized inhumanity on a great scale than I had conceived possible. Faith in myself was important...but I discovered in prison that fa...more

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04/22/09

Maria rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

bookshelves: audio-books

Read in April, 2009

It was unfortunate that I chose to listen to this after listening to Obama's book Dreams of my Father for McCain suffered in comparison. Both audio books were read by their authors and Obama is a better reader.

I am fascinated by stories of POWs and know that I need to expand my reading and understanding of the Vietnam War. How incredible hard it would have been to be in the position of John McCain's father. Admiral McCain was leader of the Pacific Fleet and responsible for all tro...more

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03/12/09

D. rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Read in August, 2008

Faith of My Fathers is a powerful story of John McCain's grandfather, father and himself, all three generations graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. Grandfather and father both four star generals/admirals. It is a very moving, candid & incredible story of John's courage and character in the face of evil. He is a present time palpable, faithful war hero of this country. We learn along with him what matters most in this life. That glory is not an end in itself, but rather a reward for...more

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01/07/09

Richard rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

bookshelves: military-history

Read in January, 2006

A cathartic experience in writing, I'm sure. I might have chosen to put the entire ordeal into the locked position of my brain, not to be revisited by me or anyone else. If one day you think that things are tough, you should pick this book up and read it. Perhaps more than once.
Not knowing if you are going to live or die from one hour to the next. Or if you are going to be enslaved or freed from month to month is not within my realm of understanding.

This is a good read if you w...more

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09/18/08

Ninja rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Read in October, 2008

the book is extremely inspirational

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04/13/09

Nancy rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

bookshelves: non-fiction

Read in February, 2007

While I found the book interesting, I skipped over a lot of the military details. The parts I found most interesting was when McCain was a prisoner of war, but even there he went on and on, mentioning numerous other POWs that he admired “the most” or who were his most trusted friend. I guess there is a reason that McCain became a politician, not a writer. McCain is undoubtedly courageous and tenacious. The book did, however, bring to mind The Great Santini and the family, military “tr...more

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01/26/09

Tyler rated it:

(review of isbn 0060957867)

Read in March, 2009

I really enjoyed 'Faith of My Fathers'. It was very informative and I learned a lot. Unlike a previous reviewer who said that faith was hardly mentioned, I would like to say that I must have read a different book. My book had several references to how John McCain would pray for his survival. Also it mentions his father praying for him while he was in the POW camps in Vietnam. It also mentions the religious and Christmas services that John McCain fought for while in the POW camps. It is obvious t...more

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