Devotion

An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice

De: Adam Makos

Narrado por: Dominic Hoffman

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • THE BASIS FOR THE MAJOR MOTION PICTURE • A “riveting” (USA Today) true tale of courage during America’s “forgotten war” in Korea, from the author of A Higher Call and Spearhead

“In the spirit of Unbroken and The Boys in the Boat comes Devotion.”—Associated Press

“Aerial drama at its best—fast, powerful, and moving.”—Erik Larson

Devotion tells the inspirational story of the U.S. Navy’s most famous aviator duo, Lieutenant Tom Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown, and the Marines they fought to defend. A white New Englander from the country-club scene, Tom passed up Harvard to fly fighters for his country. An African American sharecropper’s son from Mississippi, Jesse became the navy’s first Black carrier pilot, defending a nation that wouldn’t even serve him in a bar. While much of America remained divided by segregation, Tom and Jesse joined forces as wingmen in Fighter Squadron 32.

Devotion takes us soaring overhead with these bold young aviators and into the foxholes with the Marines as they battle a North Korean invasion. As the fury of the fighting escalates and the Marines are cornered at the Chosin Reservoir, Tom and Jesse fly, guns blazing, to try to save them. When one of the duo is shot down behind enemy lines, the other embarks on one of history’s most audacious one-man rescue missions.

An unforgettable story of bravery and selflessness, Devotion asks: How far would you go to save a friend?

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Riveting . . . a meticulously researched and moving account.”—USA Today

“An inspiring tale . . . portrayed by [Adam] Makos in sharp, fact-filled prose and with strong reporting.”—Los Angeles Times

“[A] must-read.”—New York Post

“Stirring.”—Parade

“A masterful storyteller . . . [Makos brings] Devotion to life with amazing vividness. . . . [It] reads like a dream. The perfectly paced story cruises along in the fast lane—when you’re finished, you’ll want to start all over again.”—Associated Press

“A delight to read . . . Devotion is a story you will not forget.”—The Washington Times

“My great respect for Tom Hudner knows no bounds. He is a true hero; and in reading this book, you will understand why I feel that way.”—President George H. W. Bush

“This is aerial drama at its best—fast, powerful, and moving.”—Erik Larson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Splendid and the Vile

“Lovingly rendered and meticulously researched, here is a tale of true friendship across the racial divide. Though it concerns a famously cold battle in the Korean War, make no mistake: Devotion will warm your heart.”—Hampton Sides, New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Soldiers

“At last, the Korean War has its epic, a story that will stay with you long after you close this book.”—Eric Blehm, New York Times bestselling author of Fearless

“In this beautifully written book, Adam Makos reveals a long-lost story of heroism set in the frozen realm of North Korea. You won’t be able to put it down.”—Joseph L. Galloway, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young

“Adam Makos immerses you in a story so crisp that you’ll forget you’re reading a book. Prepare to be swept away.”—Michael Tougias, co-author of The Finest Hours

“Once again, Adam Makos demonstrates himself as a rising star in historical nonfiction. Getting the story is only half the battle. Telling the story is where he thrives.”—Colin Heaton, co-author of The Star of Africa

Best book in a long time!

Very moving story sad that the quality of American political leadership both then and now has not equalled the sacrifice and quality of people in the armed services and their families.

An Eye Opening and Dramatic True Story

Where does Devotion rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would rank this near the top and at the top for taking a true event and making it as dramatic as a screenplay. This would have been a good book even if it were fiction but as a true story it is outstanding!

What did you like best about this story?

The book put me in places that I have not been and gave me a greater understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles of the culture of the times.

Which character – as performed by Dominic Hoffman – was your favorite?

I like Red thoughout his part of the story. He was heroic but modest and believable, like he were someone you know. I also like young Jesse and the story of his youth in the deep south, it took uncommon character to rise above those circumstances.

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

The only color in the sky is blue.

Any additional comments?

Because the culmination of this story could be told in ten minutes, it is always a challenge to write a book that requires broadening the story to fill pages, not this time. Every elaboration and back story in Devotion is perfectly done. Rather than getting the listener lost, the author seamlessly builds on the characters and the story braiding multiple interdependent stories throughout the book. What is most amazing is that it is all true. The dialog and adjectives fit so naturally that you can picture the story clearly as it is told. I would suggest that you do not research on this book until after you have finished so you may move forward as unknowing of tomorrow as the characters. This book has exceeded my expectations in every way.

A beautiful story from a forgotten time

So many people may not even know what the Korean War was or how the people there endured. This a terrific glimpse at what it was like to be a fighting man at that time and how the bonds of friendship and love go beyond measure. Highly encourage to be read!

Great book

While Korean War is normally given the back burner this book honors Navy pilots and Marines who fought in in it. The author brings the story to life and While a bio tends to let you get to know a person, this book did so in a way that almost made me tear up and really feel for these brave people and what they went through

Three stories in one.

I really liked how the author followed multiple people through the events to provide different perspectives and provide background for people and motivations. The research was top notch.

I don't want to say anything negative or disrespectful about an act that was obviously heroic and took amazing courage. But the book, maybe unintentionally, highlights that there are many acts of amazing courage and bravery in war and the ones that get selected for medals and honors is somewhat random at best and political at worst. Was the act of the "main" event more or less heroic than the man that jumped on a grenade or the men that "simply" remained at the front line when a chance to run or escape presented itself?

Great story. Again, not to take anything away from the medal winner, but I was left with the feeling that anyone in this book could have deservedly be selected for the same medal.