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)

Excellent listen.

Really good story, and the narrator did a great job. Worth the time to listen

Well told story

Terrific retelling of the author’s experience and back story. Not political or patriotic but simply the tale of a dedicated professional.

This is a great telling of the raid story and the background of the author.

This is a great version of the events leading up to the OBL raid. It's definitely worth taking the time to listen to.

Story that'll keep you on the edge of your seat

Great narrator and extremely well written story about our secret heroes abroad that don't get enough recognition

Outstanding

Outstanding book!
Thank you Servicemen and Women of the United States of America!!
Thank you Special Operators!!

Exciting, gripping!

A really great first-hand account of one of the most important historical events of our time. A great contrast to the constant daily useless yammering on Twitter etc about totally inconsequential events. This book isn't about politics, and it doesn't contain any secret information. It's just like the stuff that was in the news, except, you know, accurate!

Incredible Story!!! No reason to be controversial!

Would you consider the audio edition of No Easy Day to be better than the print version?

I liked listening to the book, the narrator did an incredible job.

What did you like best about this story?

It is incredible to see what these men had to go through to be ready and prepared for years prior to this mission. Their sacrifices are unbelievable...makes you very proud to be an American.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I just finished Feerless the story of Seal Team 6 member Adam Brown a week before and hearing his friends a short time later take on this mission was quite powerful, and sad to imagine what these guys and their families go through. Such a sacrifice is made, and we are at home complaining about our lives all the time. We have nothing to complain about...these guys are incredible.

Intense, absorbing

Wow! This story was enthralling to me as the mother of a son who has just entered the armed services. The story is intense and had my heart in my mouth at times. I personally cannot imagine going into a building not knowing if there are people waiting inside to ambush and kill me. The bravery of these men and women takes my breath away if I dwell on what they do from day to day. The narration was very well done,in my opinion.

Mission Accomplished

Whatever was redacted can't keep this wild ride from being a compelling insight into the daily life of the toughtest men that protect this country. Great read, great story, great result!!!

The author takes you there!

"Mark Owen" takes the reader along with him on this mission as if you are a member of the team. Almost like looking over his shoulder as you climb the steps.

I loved the backgound and insight into the training and personal build up to this heroic mission.

The book had minimal politics so don't heed the media hype.

A patriotic story from a true Patriot! Thank you "Mark" for your service and sacrific.