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 Hardcover edition.

"With the optimistic, confident delivery (occasionally peppered with a slightly precious, 'for children' tone) familiar to viewers of Sunday morning political programs, Senator McCain serves up an admirable family recording with bipartisan appeal. Beginning with his own parents (a mother who is always eager to learn and 'a stickler for good manners,' and a father whose integrity shone in his dedication to military service, at one point a commander to his son in Vietnam), McCain profiles individuals who he feels exemplify attributes of good character. Thomas More was a great example of honesty; Ernest Shackleton exhibited loyalty, Victor Frankl dignity, and McCain himself clung to faith during his time as a prisoner of war. McCain's overriding message, that character is all about choices, and that one's character — not looks, abilities or possessions — determines one's happiness in life, is certainly an inspirational one that listeners from any political orientation can get behind." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

In Character is Destiny, 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, righteousness in the face of iniquity, hope in adversity, and sacrifices for a cause greater than self-interest. 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 Hardcover edition.

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.

Mark Salter has worked on Senator McCain's staff for more than 15 years. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife, Diane, and their two daughters.