The Perfect Storm

A True Story of Men Against the Sea

By: Sebastian Junger

Narrated by: Richard Davidson

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Man’s struggle against the sea is a theme that has created some of the world’s most exciting stories. Now, in the tradition of Moby Dick comes a New York Times best seller destined to become a modern classic. Written by journalist Sebastian Junger, The Perfect Storm combines an intimate portrait of a small fishing crew with fascinating scientific data about boats and weather systems. In late October, North Atlantic seas are unpredictable. Still, one last good swordfish catch is a chance to start the winter with a fat wallet. As Captain Billy Tyne steers his 72-foot longboat Andrea Gail toward the Grand Banks, growing weather fronts are moving toward the same waters. The Andrea Gail is sailing into the storm of the century, one with 100 mile per hour winds and waves cresting over 110 feet. As each man on the boat faces this ultimate foe, Sebastian Junger gives the account an immediacy that fills The Perfect Storm with suspense and authenticity. Narrator Richard M. Davidson’s reading adds further drama to this unforgettable sea adventure. An interview with the author concludes the audiobook.

©1997 Sebastian Junger (P)1998 Recorded Books

A Perfect Listen...I Was Hooked!!

I had seen the movie and loved it! This audio book captures the soul of the fishing industry, the men behind the perilous work and the separation of these men from their families sometimes for months at a time!! The information contained in this book will give you a new found respect for these men and their perilous journey on the sea. The book was written at a wonderful pace, telling the story of not only the Andrea Gale and her men but of the instruments of today and of a century ago, the unforgiving nature of the sea, the history of fishing regulations and the geography of this treacherous area known as Grand Banks, the tip and the tail...just as fascinating as the swordfish themselves.

Unexpectedly enthralling

What did you love best about The Perfect Storm?

great personel storys about the extreme ruff and gruff high roller but broke fisherman lifestyle. This is mixed with enlightening information about how waves, storms, ship physics and economics work.

Deeply Informative

I read this book the first time shortly after it was published and thoroughly enjoyed it. A couple of decades later it was just as good. On the surface, this is a strange idea. It’s an attempt to describe a horrifically powerful storm that struck the Atlantic off the northeast coast and sank a fishing boat, killing its crew. In reality it’s a window into the highly dangerous world of deep-sea fishing with in-depth analysis of the dangers the men and women in the trade encounter. Along the way it throws in a history of the industry, descriptions of the lives of the fishers, and a lot of information on storms and the coast guard rescue operations. This is a very interesting book.

Superb Account of the Perfect Storm

If you have seen the wonderful film based on this book, be prepared for an equally exciting, thrilling and ultimately heartbreaking tale of men who fish for a living and the many hazards they face. It also tells of the bravery of the pararescue jumpers who save lives along side the brave crews of the Coast Guard and Air National Guard. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audiobook version and had a difficult time putting it down. It is simply an excellent true story, superbly told. A must read book for the level of research and detail, as well as the human element. Did you know there were two different sailors who were supposed to join the crew of the Andrea Gail? Both had eerie premonitions and walked away. Read or listen to find out more.

Perfect book

Book was solidly written and very educational. For me the narrator was perfect. Very well done.

more in-depth than the movie

I really enjoyed how the book went into some of the finer details of the events of the Andrea gail. pretty good book, makes me want to rewatch The movie.

Good story on a tragic event.

Such an amazing story and the tragic ending for the fishing boat in such a massive storm.

Glad I listened to this!

Factual account, so some descriptions are dry, but the story shines through and is well done.

Just read it!

I love how the author was merely stating facts.
So interesting.
I loved the book more than the movie & I loved the movie.
The narrator kept it very dignified.

Fantastic Sebastian Junger Classic

Fantastic Sebastian Junger Classic. Well narrated. Absolutely thrilling and delivers an intimate look into the lives of the people and professions described.