Character Is Destiny: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember

Long car ride. 4 kids. Hey, let's torture the kids with John McCain... we packed along the iPods and gadgets, and figured WE (the adults) would listen to this while the kids ignored it. We popped in the first disc of the audio CD. After about 5 minutes, I thought, "there's just no way I can listen to this through the whole state of Utah!" McCain's voice is pretty monotone. Enough to put someone to sleep. Except, that after a little while, I realized I was listening to what Senator McCain was SAYING, listening to the story. The stories contained are very interesting. Eventually, my 7yr old son and 10 yr old daughter were engrossed in these stories. I also have a stronger opinion of Senator McCain after some of his musings. When he spoke of Pat Tillman, McCain says, "I wish I had known him. I wish I had known him all of his life." There were many comments like this that made you sure that Senator McCain really gave a hoot about the subjects of his stories. Whether you are a Republican, or other -- this is quite a read/listen. it you have any emotions, you will probably cry at times. You will cringe and feel for these heroes. BUY THIS! You won't be disappointed.

I was browsing this new book by Sen. McCain at my local bookstore and after thumbing through it, I had to buy it. In fact, I am adding it as an accessary gift at weddings and will be giving it away for Christmas as well. Sen. McCain is a man of character. His message is urgently needed. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Other reviewers have not revealed McCain's list of admirable character traits, and the individuals he believes best personify them, so let's do that: Grouped under "HONOR": Honesty (Thomas More), Respect (Ghandi), Authenticity (Joan of Arc), Loyalty (Sir Ernest Shackleton), Dignity (Victor Frankl). Grouped under "PURPOSE": Idealism (Sojourner Truth), Righteousness (Romeo Dallaire), Citizenship (Pat Tillman), Diligence (Winston Churchill), Responsibility (Lord Nelson & lieutenants), Cooperation (John Wooden). Under STRENGTH: Courage (Edity Cavell), Self-Control (George Washington), Confidence (Elizabeth I), Resilience (Abe Lincoln), Industry (Eric Hoffer), Hopefulness (John Winthrop). Under UNDERSTANDING: Faith (Christian guard at Hua Lo Prison), Compassion (Maximillian Kolbe), Mercy (Mother Antonia), Tolerance (The Four Chaplains), Forgiveness (Nelson Mandela), Generosity (Oseola McCarty). Under JUDGMENT: Fairness (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Humility (Eisenhower), Gratitude (Tecumseh), Humor (Mark Twain), Courtesy (Aung San Suu Kyi). Under CREATIVITY: Aspiration (Ferdinand Magellan), Discernment (Leonardo da Vinci), Curiosity (Charles Darwin), Enthusiasm (Theodore Roosevelt), Excellence (Wilma Rudolph). Under LOVE: Selflessness and Contentment (Mother Teresa) Little reflection is required to notice the arbitrariness of some of the above pairings of characteristics and individuals. Several other classifications and pairings would have been possible and, obviously, many of the above people qualify under more than one heading. But any listing and pairing could be criticized, so it's more practical to understand that McCain and Salter's list, while arbitrary in some respects, does perform the valuable service of setting out traits and proposed representatives in a listing probably as good as any other. What is most important about this book is its descriptions of so many people of high character. This presentation goes way beyond chicken soup stories. It's Lobster Bisque for the Noble Soul.

"Character Is Destiny," by Senator John McCain, reminds me somewhat of the series of books by virtue's czar, William Bennett. Bennett's forte was compiling vignettes from classical literature to illustrate various admirable character traits. McCain follows suit by highlighting character as illustrated by famous and not-so-famous individuals from ancient history and modern times. His choice of heroes and heroines is eclectic enough to please folks on the right and the left. As the subtitle suggests, the book can be a shared experienced between young and old, parents and children. It is worth the reading for its celebration of the human spirit, in particular the spirit of hope that overcomes despair, love that conquers hate, and faith that defeats doubt. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

This is an impeccably written book, and one that is well worth keeping, sharing, and especially giving as a gift, as the stories and principles hold a great deal of weight, by virtue of the light from which the stories have been written. On the subject of destiny, McCain does not believe in inevitable destiny. Instead, he shares, "It is your character, and your character alone, that will make your life happy or unhappy. That is all that really passes for destiny. And you choose it." On character and reputation, he shares: "Many good people mistake their reputation for their character. It is a mistake I have made many, many times," McCain writes. "Of course, our reputation should be a reflection of our character. But sometimes, through no fault of our own, it is not. "We must be true to ourselves. And we must be true to others, whether they believe we are or not." This is the ultimate message of this stellar book, and the stories help to reinforce how to live the messages by inspiring us with the truth others have shared and lived by. I am actually rewarding my high school age children to read this book. I also feel that anyone, at any age, can significantly enhance their lives from the many principles in "Character is Destiny" by making the conscious choices to do so. Deserves 10 Stars. Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence