Served in Silence - The Struggle to Live Authentically

De: Mark David Gibson

Narrado por: Arthur Rowan

Retired US Air Force captain Mark David Gibson makes his debut as an author with his memoir, Served in Silence. Join Mark as he takes you on his journey before, during, and after the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Walk right alongside Mark as he shares his story of guilt, shame, and secrecy, and draw inspiration as you witness him create a new life grounded in love, authenticity, and purpose. Served in Silence speaks to the heart of anyone struggling to live authentically and aims to inspire listeners to be brave and live firmly in their truth.

©2018 Mark David Gibson, LLC (P)2019 Mark David Gibson, LLC

What an incredible read (listen)

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The author's story is compelling and fascinating and certainly a timely topic. The narrator really makes this book come to life with superb audio narration quality. There were so many instances where I felt like I was a fly on the wall listening to this decorated soldier share his story of finding his truth and his struggle to live openly while serving in the military. There are so many lessons to learn and insights to gain around being vulnerable and open around how we treat one another that are applicable in our social climate in the present day.

One brave soldier - I salute you and your journey

Very well narrated; as I closed my eyes (as I do with audible books) and followed the phenomenal journey of Mark's struggle to discern what was proper and accepted to what was his reality and actuality. This is not a Hallmark story, this is life - a story of survival in a time when it was NOT OK to be true to yourself.
A compelling, heart-wrenching story that exposes the closed minds and cruel world that our children, siblings, family members AND our soldiers had to endure.
I salute you Mr. Gibson and thank you, not only for your service to our nation, but for the real strength it took to share your incredible journey.

Pulled in from the beginning

I thought I'd save this recording for my next long car ride, but I was hooked from the beginning and sat at my computer far longer than I expected to listen. I wanted to hear more about Mark and the journey he traveled. Both the writing and narration placed me firmly in the center of his story - as if I was there myself. I'm inspired by his vulnerability and openness, and amazed by all he's overcome.

Highly recommend!

5 Stars Isn't Enough

"Served in Silence" caught me off guard. Not because I was expecting it to be bad but because I was expecting it to just be a story about someone's struggle through their life. Like my experience with most memoirs I expected to learn a little bit about the author and where they've come from. But "Served in Silence" was different. This book taught me more about myself than I thought it could have. Not only did I learn about the struggles of Mark's journey to live authentically, but this book forced me to take a step back and look at my own life. To ask myself the question, "Am I living authentically?" As Arthur Rowan expertly narrates the writing I'm caught feeling as though I am Mark. I was never in the military and I never dealt with many of the specific challenges and obstacles that Mark did, but I related to the struggles he felt. I saw myself in this writing all while learning about his story and how he got to where is now; living authentically. This book changed a lot about my life in a positive way and I cannot recommend it enough. Mark's story, Arthur's narration, and the writing is the best combination I've come across with audio books.

Living Authentically = Vulnerability

This book took me through a rollercoaster of emotions as I found myself reflecting on my own childhood and life. It truly takes courage to be brave enough to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. Mark’s story gave me insight into how freeing living authentically can truly be - glad you found your voice, Mark!

Exciting and Inspiring Rollercoaster Ride Memoir!

Served in Silence is a memoir detailing a retired member of the U.S. Air Force who shares his life story before, during, and after the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. The book chronicles the author's real-life highs and lows on an epic rollercoaster ride through life in the 1970s through the 2000s, and his struggle to deal with both his sexual identity and life inside and outside the military. A rare view into the life of a gay military service member, this story is about more than military experience but also human authenticity. Served in Silence provides valuable lessons to readers of all ages while entertaining as you travel through Mark's life from small town America to the war-torn Middle East.

The narrator does an excellent job of telling this story with a relatable and engaging voice that makes you want to keep listening. This is an important book for the unique perspective of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell era as well as lessons to apply to current day as the U.S. is banning transgender people from military service.

You will enjoy this well-written (and well-narrated) book that is full of life stories and lessons that are heartfelt, exciting, nostalgic, thought-provoking, and inspiring. Be prepared for lots of twist and turns! Let's hope the next step is a movie!

Great story of value of being authentic

Thought the audio book narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. Really vivid images. The author’s life stories are funny, tragic, colorful, inspirational. I can see the whole story playing out like a movie. The heartbreak of the war stories compared to the hysterical images of the flamingos in the pool, contrasted with the saga to find and heal himself in Costa Rica... it just pulls you right along for the journey. Highly recommend.

A moving account of finding ones self!

I truly enjoyed my first audible and I think I found a way to make my future commutes more enjoyable. Mark’s ability to share his personal journey pulls you in from the beginning to the end making you feel what he must have felt..hard to put down!

Absolute depravity

I got 3/4 way through, stopped listening. What a messed up life, alcoholism, sexual deprivation, deception sexual fantasies of men, no commitment. No moral compass at all