Chickenhawk

By: Robert Mason

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

With more than half a million copies sold, Robert Mason's Chickenhawk is one of the best-selling books ever written about the Vietnam War. Critically acclaimed for its unflinching detail, the book has been hailed by The New York Times as "a hypnotic narrative" and by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as "very simply the best book so far out of Vietnam."

Fascinated with flying from a young age, Mason earned his private pilot's license even before graduating high school. He enlisted in the army in 1964 and endured an extremely challenging "weeding out" process in an effort to fly helicopters. Sent to Vietnam, he survived more than 1,000 air combat missions despite the violence and brutality exploding all around him. This completely honest account of one soldier's traumatic experiences provides a perspective often neglected in print and film - that of the helicopter pilot. Through L. J. Ganser's powerful narration, the shattering story of men who lived and flew in constant peril is vividly retold.

©1983 Robert C. Mason (P)2001 Recorded Books, LLC

Best

Any additional comments?

Rarely review. More then 600 titles downloaded and this, by far, has been the best story I've listened. Waited years for this to come to audible.

Great book and naration.

great story, no fluff, just a lot of real and sometimes tough situations.

narrator really nailed it.

Lovely book.

It takes a little work if not a military buff (or pilot) but well worth the effort. Author lived a.n amazing life.

AWESOME!!!! A++

Any additional comments?

I read this book in hardback many years ago.
If you've ever been in the military, especially if you've ever been in military aviation, you will love this book.
Not real sure what happened with this guy after he got out, but this book is awesome.

Incredibly Impressive

Hard to describe how good this book is. For flight enthusiasts and those interested in the Vietnam War.

A Superb, Painfully Honest Vietnam Memoir

I went on a streak of Vietnam books for the last few weeks, and this has been my favorite. The author captures the terror, humor, and the mundane in an anti-surreal way. Rather than being carried off to another world by this book, I left it more firmly understanding that I live in the same world as the Vietnam War's. Moreover, the book is a slick and interesting read. I highly recommend it.

Necessary, important and fun

There are too few books like Chickenhawk. Having read the paperback I thought this narrated version would leave me cold. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fantastic voice over to a fabulous book. Thank you!

Helo pilots in Vietnam

What did you love best about Chickenhawk?

The flying. The antics. The pilots are the last real members of what could be called a "modern day flying circus." They pull pranks, etc; but they are the consummate professionals when it comes to doing their jobs. They put their own lives on the line, everyday, all the time, when it comes to saving other soldiers and civilians.

What did you like best about this story?

The flying. The flying was really the 'star' of the bock. This coming from a commercially rated, tactical helo pilot. (fire suppression, SAR, law enforcement, aeromedical rescue.)

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The narrator was so-so and nothing outstanding

Any additional comments?

Possible spoiler: I read this hard copy of this book when it first came out. I was disappointed at the end when I found out the author had been involved in drug smuggling.

Great classic read!

It's so good to see the book available again and is a must read for all.

a listen thay can't be missed.

absolutely loved the book, really puts you in the boots of a slick pilot. will probably listen again in a few months