A Captain's Duty

Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea

By: Richard Phillips, Stephan Talty

Narrated by: George K. Wilson

Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

"I share the country's admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew. His courage is a model for all Americans."
President Barack Obama

It was just another day on the job for 53-year-old Richard Phillips, captain of the Maersk Alabama, a United States-flagged cargo ship that was carrying, among other things, food and agricultural materials for the World Food Program. That all changed when armed Somali pirates boarded the ship.

The pirates didn't expect the crew to fight back, nor did they expect Captain Phillips to offer himself as a hostage in exchange for the safety of his crew. Thus began the tense five-day standoff, which ended in a daring high-seas rescue when U.S. Navy SEALs opened fire and picked off three of the captors.

"It never ends like this," Captain Phillips said. And he's right. A story of adventure and courage, A Captain's Duty provides the intimate details of this high-seas hostage-taking - the unbearable heat, the death threats, the mock executions, and the escape attempt. When the pirates boarded his ship, Captain Phillips put his experience into action, doing everything he could to safeguard his crew. And when he was held captive by the pirates, he marshaled all his resources to ensure his own survival, withstanding intense physical hardship and an escalating battle of wills with the pirates. This was it: the moment where training meets instinct and where character is everything. Richard Phillips was ready.

©2010 Richard Phillips (P)2010 Tantor

A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

Any additional comments?

Imagine living five days not knowing if you were going to die right now. Over 100 hours of sheer terror. The man is the ultimate stoic. Could have done without the love story (only reason for the 4 not a 5 overall), but some people like that in a story. Glad I read (listened to) the book before seeing the excellent movie. My hat is off to you, Captain, a true American Hero. Do you like true life adventure? Don't miss this fantastic story.

The movie is much better

This book adds a lot of details that were not in the movie but the movie is much better. If you have seen the movie I would not recommend reading the book. The extra details are really not that significant. If you have read the book and have not seen the movie, go watch the movie, its a lot better experience.

I watched the film and wanted some more background

As it turned out I liked the book even more than the film. This story is very moving and sad, which was because it was true. The tone is very genuine which all works together to make it like you were there. It did not feel like this book had a hollywood makeover, which suits me as it made you realize that this happened to a real person and that the kidnappers were real people too.

Capt’n Phillips Review

I have seen the movie many times and always enjoy it, however, the book gives so much more into the mind of the captain and additional details about his captivity than the movie possibly could.

Amazing

One of the best ways someone has told a story. Suspense throughout. Thank You Captain

Lives up to the title. A tale of courage and duty

A gripping story even when knowing the outcome already. Captain Phillips demonstrated with his actions what it means to be Captain. He took care of his ship and his crew, and then removed the problem. It was very interesting how he handled the pirates and his situation of being their prisoner. I also enjoyed the background of the Merchant Marines and the kind of life the MMs live. I just might see the Tom Hanks movie now.

I would recommend this selection to anyone

Duty

Nice piece of work from current history. Tells the story of a senior USA merchant mariner besot by pirates in the Indian Ocean from his perspective...up close and personal. It's also a tale of servant leadership from which we all can learn. From the beginning of the country, Yankee sailors have gone down to the sea and fought its perils. This is but one more--made into a movie, which I can't wait to see.

Great book

He dies into the captains life on how he came in merchant marine or how he met his wife what happened turn his hostage situation it’s a great book all are around I enjoyed immensely

Great insight

If you could sum up A Captain's Duty in three words, what would they be?

Great mental insight.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Captain's Duty?

Spoofing the pirates.

Which scene was your favorite?

Successful hostage recovery.

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

No

Any additional comments?

Riveting story from recent history.

Good story

This is fun story with plenty of action. Not fabulous writing, but what it lacks in style it is more than makes up in passion. I've not seen the movie, but now plan to.