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Sea Stories

My Life in Special Operations

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Sea Stories

By: William H. McRaven
Narrated by: William H. McRaven
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About this listen

 In this instant New York Times bestseller, the celebrated author of Make Your Bed shares amazing adventure stories from his career as a Navy SEAL and commander of America's Special Operations Forces.
Admiral William H. McRaven is a part of American military history, having been involved in some of the most famous missions in recent memory, including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, and the raid to kill Osama bin Laden.
Sea Stories begins in 1960 at the American Officers' Club in France, where Allied officers and their wives gathered to have drinks and tell stories about their adventures during World War II -- the place where a young Bill McRaven learned the value of a good story. Sea Stories is an unforgettable look back on one man's incredible life, from childhood days sneaking into high-security military sites to a day job of hunting terrorists and rescuing hostages.
Action-packed, inspiring, and full of thrilling stories from life in the special operations world, Sea Stories is a remarkable memoir from one of America's most accomplished leaders.

NOTE ON THE CD FORMAT: The Publisher has been made aware that there is an issue with part of the print run and that some customers have had issues playing one of the CDs in this set. Please feel free to email audiobooks.Generic@hbgusa.com if you need a disc replacement. We apologize for the inconvenience. Afghan & Iraq Wars Armed Forces Military Military & War Special & Elite Forces Middle East Solider War Witty

Critic Reviews

"Fascinating...McRaven's war stories deliver remarkable insight into the life of a wartime leader."—Publishers Weekly
"Engaging...Sea Stories is more than an autobiography, more than a narrative of recent military history, and more than the sum of one remarkable man's experiences. In his excellently flowing prose...McRaven not only allows readers the opportunity to vicariously experience daring adventures and the command of elite warriors heading into harm's way, he also shares practical everyday wisdom."—Booklist (Starred Review)
"Sea Stories, a well-written book that reads like a thriller, covers some of the most important historical actions taken by Navy SEALs and other special operators."—The Washington Times
"Readers interested in the essential work of military special forces will be inspired by McRaven's adventures."—Kirkus
PRAISE FOR MAKE YOUR BED:
"Should be read by every leader in America... [MAKE YOUR BED] is a book to inspire your children and grandchildren to become everything that they can. It is a book to discuss with your executive leadership team as a spur to meeting shared goals. Most of all, it is a book that will leave you with tears in your eyes."
—Wall Street Journal
"Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault...McRaven's lessons, like his commencement speech, extend far beyond his bed-making. He devotes the 10-chapter book to lessons about moving beyond failure, standing up to bullies and giving others hope."—Washington Post
"McRaven...has taken the genesis of what he learned during SEAL training and his nearly four decades in Navy Special Operations into a thin, powerful book."—USA Today
"Exquisitely simple...superb, smart, and succinct."—Forbes
"Spellbinding."—Texas Monthly
All stars
Most relevant
I am a ADM McRaven fan so may have tinted lens but this book of his stories was a great listen. The view of major SF operations through his eyes and ears is captivating and you can’t put this book down.

ADM McRaven Stories are Superb

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William McRaven you are an inspirational man, and this story was fascinating, out of the ordinary and a very special story.

What a guy

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I could live twice as long as mcraven and still live half the life he has

words to live by

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Enthralling enjoyed every minute, made even better by personal narration, a little holly wood with the musical backing on occasion, Provided a perspective into the burden and responsibility of command.
Highly recommended.

In HIS words

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Amazing to know more about the life of an navy seal !! A lot of stories /behind the scenes shared when any special operations carried out by forces ..it’s a story of living courage , empathy and leadership!!

Excellent storytelling

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An amazing recount of a storied career from an amazing man who has given so much of his life and has shaped the branch for all those to come

An amazing recount of a storied Career.

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This has been a most enjoyable experience listening to the Admiral share highlights of his career and life in only the way he can inspire and tell a tale .....

A must add book to anyone who was inspired by this Gentleman Warrior and who values the wisdom and humour of a life “well lived”....

A must add to any Militaria collection

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Admiral McRaven is a Man's Man. A leader, who many would and have followed through hell and back. Admiral McRaven, you have earnt your 5th Star and I am grateful for your service and this book. Sea Stories only covers a very small but extremely significant part of Admiral McRaven's career and life. I highly recommend reading/listening to Sea Stories.

I stand in awe of this man, his career and his sacrifice.

I can not leave a review without noting Admiral McRaven's most recent demonstration of what a true officer and gentlemen is all about: "Revoke my security clearance, too, Mr President". McRaven said when Brennan had his security clearance withdrawn by, the Trump administration, Of Brennan, Admiral McRaven stated "He is a man of unparalleled integrity, whose honesty and character have never been in question ... except by those who don't know him." Of Trump, McRaven wrote, "Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation."

I heartily say of Admiral McRaven, using his own words, "Is a man of unparalleled integrity, whose honesty, humility and character have never been in question" A true modern day hero who knows how to sugar cookie with the best of them.

Must read/Listen.
***** Admiral.

I stand to attention, there is an "Officer on Deck", a hero in the Hall.

Attention, Officer on Deck, You have 5 Stars, Sir

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Great book. Listened in 2 days!

A great amount of detail has gone into revealing a glimpse into the behind the scenes top secret mission plannings

Beautifully Read

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Wow, what an insightful look into the world of special operations and what it takes to be a great leader and a great man.
Highly recommended

A warrior shares his journey through up and down

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