No Easy Day

The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden

By: Mark Owen, Kevin Maurer

Narrated by: Holter Graham

Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

For the first time anywhere, the first-person account of the planning and execution of the Bin Laden raid from a Navy Seal who confronted the terrorist mastermind and witnessed his final moments....

From the streets of Iraq to the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips in the Indian Ocean, and from the mountaintops of Afghanistan to the third floor of Osama Bin Laden's compound, operator Mark Owen of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group - commonly known as SEAL Team Six - has been a part of some of the most memorable special operations in history, as well as countless missions that never made headlines.

No Easy Day puts listeners alongside Owen and the other handpicked members of the 24-man team as they train for the biggest mission of their lives. The blow-by-blow narrative of the assault, beginning with the helicopter crash that could have ended Owen's life straight through to the radio call confirming Bin Laden's death, is an essential piece of modern history. In No Easy Day, Owen also takes listeners onto the field of battle in America's ongoing War on Terror and details the selection and training process for one of the most elite units in the military.

Owen's story draws on his youth in Alaska and describes the SEALs' quest to challenge themselves at the highest levels of physical and mental endurance. With boots-on-the-ground detail, Owen describes numerous previously unreported missions that illustrate the life and work of a SEAL and the evolution of the team after the events of September 11.

In telling the true story of the SEALs whose talents, skills, experiences, and exceptional sacrifices led to one of the greatest victories in the War on Terror, Mark Owen honors the men who risk everything for our country, and he leaves listenres with a deep understanding of the warriors who keep America safe.

©2012 Mark Owen and Kevin Maurer (P)2012 Penguin Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This harrowing, minute-by-minute account by one of the highly trained members of Navy SEAL Team Six is narrative nonfiction at its most gripping.... No Easy Deal puts you right there for every tense moment." (Entertainment Weekly)

"Gripping.... There is no better illustration in No Easy Day that SEALs are ruthless pragmatists. They think fast. They adapt to whatever faces them. They do what they have to do." (The New York Times)

"[Mark Owen] has given us a brave retelling of one of the most important events in U.S. military history." (People)

Exciting first-hand account of historic mission!

Awe-inspiring. I appreciate the author's detail of this mission and the importance he placed on giving everyone credit who helped carry out the mission. These Navy seals really arent the ego-maniacs that other "seal books" make them out to be. The seals in this book are true heroes.
Narration was solid.

Enjoyable and informative a great read

Would you listen to No Easy Day again? Why?

This was a fun read that is up there with a Tom Clancy novel while also giving a true look at the life of a real seal and a famous mission.

Great job!

Osama bin Laden: Coward

This book was great. I really enjoy real-life Special Operation stories. That made this book right up my alley. The way this book differs from other SOF books is that it mainly focuses on one particular mission. He doesn't go too deep into his life before joining DEVGRU (SEAL Team 6) or does he go too deep into his life at all. It is 80% about the mission or things that are relevant to the mission. He is an above average storyteller and I didn't find myself get bored at all while listening. Because of the fact that it is about the mission to kill UBL automatically makes it a great story (to me anyway). You can tell that the author does not like President Obama and that he is fighting making any political views. In my review's title when I mention UBL being a coward, well, you'll just have to buy the book because I don't want to ruin one of the greatest facts from the mission.
The Narrator was sufficient. Nothing special. I would recommened this book and I don't think you'll regret it. I sure didn't

Kept my interest

The reader was did a very good job. I found the content excellent and it kept my interest..I recommend this audio book.

Good book

A good story and history. I pictured myself going trough his travel myself. They make it sound easy though!

You NEED to hear this story!

I Couldn't get enough. Very important story to hear and was very easy to follow. Everyone should understand what it means to sacrifice in the name of liberty and justice. This book gives you a lot of insight on that.

A very good listen

What did you like best about this story?

The raw images of tests, practice, practice and pain

What does Holter Graham bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The voice was good, emotion heard, excitement edged

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The one who did not get away

Amazing

I love the this story and it gives more insight than the movie ever thought about I wish it was longer I could listen to hours and hours!

Hell yeah! Well done men.

That's how you do it. Much respect to all those who serve and have served.

An American Honor Guard Story

What did you love best about No Easy Day?

That it was not from a bystander's point of view!

What did you like best about this story?

America at its finest, by its finest!

Which scene was your favorite?

When the Navy Seal called out to Bin Ladins son, just before he doubled tapped him!

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this Americans story about revenge for us all for 9/11. The closest we will get to justice!