33 Men

Inside the Miraculous Survival and Dramatic Rescue of the Chilean Miners

By: Jonathan Franklin

Narrated by: Armando Valdez Kennedy

Having had unparalleled access to the Chilean mine disaster, award-winning journalist Jonathan Franklin takes readers to the heart of a remarkable story of human endurance, survival, and historic heroism.33 Men is the groundbreaking, authoritative account of the Chilean mine disaster, one of the longest human entrapments in history. Rushing to the scene when the miners were discovered, Franklin obtained a coveted "Rescue Team" pass and reported directly from the front lines of the rescue operation, beyond police controls, for six weeks.Based on more than 110 intimate interviews with the miners, their families, and the rescue team, Franklin's narrative captures the remarkable story of these men and women, in details shocking, beautiful, comedic, and heroic. Gripping and raw with never-before-revealed details, 33 Men is a true story that reads like a thriller.

You know the ending, but getting there is intense

I went to see the rescue capsule at the Smithsonian and had seen some one-year later interviews on TV. I wanted to learn more about the men involved and what they went through. This book tries to make you understand and mostly succeeds. A great account of the entrapment and the rescue. The author does a decent job of mixing the two venues: the tunnel with the 33 miners and the mountaintop with the hundreds of rescuers, government officials, journalists and family members. There was a lot going on in both places. And the TV news didn't come close to telling the whole story. Here are many more details, along with some of the individual human stories. I found it quite enjoyable and exciting and emotional.

Details I never knew to think of

I enjoyed the book. It was a very stoic account, discussing in detail the men’s psychological and even sexual issues. It focuses more on what happened in the mine with the men, but does discuss the engineering of the rescue.

Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the narration. hardvto stop listening to this heroic adventure.

Interesting

A documentary filled with information about government, social services, and private enterprise. When these elements collide at the surface of a mine where 33 men are trapped, I found myself appalled, cynical, and discouraged.

I watched the rescue in real time and was filled with anxiety and then joy as all 33 came out alive. I was a little disappointed that those emotions did not return as I listened to the story unfold. I applaud those miners and the rescuers for their undying belief in humanity. I wonder, "Have we learned to nurture each other and to be grateful for the simple pleasure of everyday living? Will we ever learn?"

Amazing story

Would you listen to 33 Men again? Why?

I would definitely listen to the book again..it is a great story of how humans can be at their best when times are at their worst.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It was hard to have a favorite character, because the true characters of the men were never completely fleshed out.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The accents were a bit cheesy, but not unbearable. The drama of the story was well portrayed.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This was a good book to listen to all at once, it moves fast and doesn't drag.

Any additional comments?

I wish there had been more of the story of the various drillers trying to get to the trapped miners. I did appreciate that it was quite clear when they were talking about events inside the mine versus events "up top." I wish there was more about what happened to the miners after the rescue and how the book itself came together.