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  • Published: 15 February 2007
  • ISBN: 9780812974454
  • Imprint: Random House US Group
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 496
  • RRP: $32.99

Character Is Destiny

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





A newly repackaged reissued edition of the inspirational, character-building book by one of the country's most admired political figures.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Senator John McCain tells 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, hope in adversity, and sacrifices for a cause greater than self-interest. Among the heroes of exemplary character we meet are
 
• 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
• 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
 
Character Is Destiny is 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.
 
Praise for Character Is Destiny
 
“An eclectic collection of heroes . . . [John McCain] will be remembered in a volume like this some day.”—The Washington Post Book World

“Uplifting . . . inspiring . . . The lessons of these people’s lives are as relevant to adults as to children.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune

“McCain can surprise you, and Character Is Destiny surprises in the diversity of its cast.”—Houston Chronicle

“McCain has made a declaration of values that liberals can embrace as readily as conservatives.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  • Published: 15 February 2007
  • ISBN: 9780812974454
  • Imprint: Random House US Group
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 496
  • RRP: $32.99

About the authors

John McCain

After a career in the U.S. Navy and two terms as a U.S. representative, JOHN McCAIN was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986 and reelected in 1992 and 1998. He and his wife, Cindy, reside in Phoenix, Arizona.

Praise for Character Is Destiny


  • "An eclectic collection of heroes...[McCain] will be remembered in a volume like this someday." The Washington Post Book World
  • "Even the most sarcastic, ironic and world-weary among us can't help buy feel something when confronted with so many stories about people who saw virtue as its own reward. I wouldn't mind my own child reading some of these stories. I can't give McCain or Salter higher praise than that." Tampa Tribune
  • "McCain can surprise you, and Character is Destiny surprises in the diversity of its cast." The Houston Chronicle
  • "It is hard to imagine any other politician writing this book: a series of morality tales pitched at America's youth, built around an eclectic collection of heroes who embody a not entirely predictable set of virtues. But John McCain is not just any politician....This book is intended to inspire kids, but it will be of great interest to adults." J. Dionne Jr., The Washington Post
  • "Uplifting...Inspiring...The lessons of these people's lives are as relevant to adults as to children." Minneapolis Star Tribune
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