Why Courage Matters

February 9, 2004
After two stirring memoirs, Senator McCain turns in a slim meditation on the nature of courage. Suggesting the definition of courage has been stretched thin in contemporary parlance, where it can be applied to acts as insignificant as cutting or not cutting one's hair, McCain seeks to return to the word's fundamental meaning not just of "the capacity for action despite our fears" but self-sacrifice for the benefit of others as well as for oneself. Although he addresses valorous conduct by American soldiers in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he is, as always, modestly self-critical of his own experiences in Vietnam (although he and his fellow POWs turned to one another for moral support on a daily basis, he confesses, "I was not always a match for my enemies"). In an especially moving chapter, he recounts the participation of his congressional colleague John Lewis in the nonviolent wing of the Civil Rights movement. Other sections discuss the Navajo leaders Manuelito and Barboncito, Jewish freedom fighter Hannah Senesh and Burmese dissident (and Nobel Peace Prize recipient) Aung San Suu Kyi. These compelling life stories stand up against the best passages of McCain's previous works. Alas, his writing becomes more vague and less interesting when he shifts to a more abstract discussion of the need for courage in the post–September 11 era. One of McCain's greatest strengths as a writer has been that he doesn't sound like just another politician, and while the drop-off in quality here isn't significant, it is noticeable. (On sale Apr. 13)

Forecast:
Strong sales are likely, aided by national media appearances, a radio drive-time tour and ads in the
New York Times and
USA Today. Random House will simultaneously publish large-print and audio editions.

April 1, 2004
Concerned that the definition of courage has been watered down in late 20th-century America, Senator McCain (R-AZ) has compiled outstanding examples of truly courageous actions to offer inspiration and encouragement. He offers a variety of accounts, from the story of a mother who lost her life fighting the neighborhood drug dealer to those of servicemen and -women who risked their own lives to help others on the battlefield. Because McCain believes that courage is the underpinning of all other virtues, he implores readers to develop this quality in themselves and their children. Unfortunately, though his message comes through loud and clear, the steps one must take to increase one's courage are not as clearly outlined as one would hope; McCain rambles on, as if he were delivering a sermon that becomes more impassioned as it unwinds. This book might do well where inspirational books and parenting books on virtue are popular but otherwise is an optional purchase.-Deborah Bigelow, Leonia P.L., NJ

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2004
Adult/High School-Senator McCain approaches the investigation of courage from a position of unease at how diluted a commodity it has become in our society, and at how shallowly the label is applied. In offering anecdotes of individuals whose actions embody the rarity of true courage, his well-drawn examples range from Navajo leaders to Colorado River explorers to Jewish freedom fighter Hannah Senesh and Burmese dissident and Nobel Peace Prize-recipient Aung San Suu Kyi. He reflects on the wellsprings of courage, defining it as conscious self-sacrifice "for the sake of others or to uphold a virtue," encompassing actions that may be spurred by honor, outrage, a sense of duty, one's conscience, or moral obligation. He is self-critical and careful to avoid personal aggrandizement, but coaches readers to believe that one can use "fear [as] the opportunity for courage," and, by tackling modest daily challenges, increase the probability of summoning deeper reserves when needed. The book is not a primer but is, rather, a declaration of why striving for courage is fundamentally important as an attribute of character. The anecdotes are the most crisply written portions; the text becomes less taut and more hazy when addressing abstractions such as the qualities and types of courage, but focus and momentum are usually restored, often by a signature McCain sound bite.-Lynn Nutwell, Fairfax City Regional Library, VA

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 1, 2004
Arizona senator--and 2000 GOP presidential candidate--McCain has already scaled the nonfiction best-seller lists with two memoirs, " Faith of Our Fathers" (1999) and " Worth the Fighting For" (2002), both coauthored with longtime staffer Salter. Here, the McCain team takes on courage: what it is and what individuals can do to make it more likely that they--and their children--will face life's challenges bravely. Much of the power of McCain and Salter's narrative lies in the stories they tell: of soldiers like Roy Benavidez in Vietnam, Mitchell Red Cloud in Korea, and the thousands who fought the Battle of Peleliu Island in World War II; of Navajo leaders Manuelito and Barboncito; of civil rights veteran and Georgia congressman John Lewis and East Baltimore anti-crime activist Angela Dawson; of explorer John Wesley Powell, anti-Nazi paratrooper Hannah Senesh, and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, imprisoned for much of the past 15 years by the despots who monopolize power in Burma. The authors draw thoughtful lessons about the sources and types of courage and the importance of facing down fear, particularly in a world defined by color-coded terrorism alerts. Likely to circulate, particularly where McCain's previous books have been popular. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)