Sea Stories

My Life in Special Operations

By: William H. McRaven

Narrated by: William H. McRaven

Following the success of his #1 New York Times bestseller Make Your Bed, Admiral William H. McRaven is back with amazing stories of bravery and heroism during his career as a Navy SEAL and commander of America's Special Operations Forces.

"Fascinating ... McRaven's war stories deliver remarkable insight into the life of a wartime leader." ―Publishers Weekly

Admiral William H. McRaven is a part of American military history, having been involved in some of the most famous missions in recent memory, including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, and the raid to kill Osama bin Laden.

Sea Stories begins in 1963 at a French Officers' Club in France, where Allied officers and their wives gathered to have drinks and tell stories about their adventures during World War II-the place where a young Bill McRaven learned the value of a good story. Sea Stories is an unforgettable look back on one man's incredible life, from childhood days sneaking into high-security military sites to a day job of hunting terrorists and rescuing hostages.

Action-packed, humorous, and full of valuable life lessons like those exemplified in McRaven's bestselling Make Your Bed, Sea Stories is a remarkable memoir from one of America's most accomplished leaders.

Critic reviews

"Fascinating...McRaven's war stories deliver remarkable insight into the life of a wartime leader."—Publishers Weekly

"Engaging...Sea Stories is more than an autobiography, more than a narrative of recent military history, and more than the sum of one remarkable man's experiences. In his excellently flowing prose...McRaven not only allows readers the opportunity to vicariously experience daring adventures and the command of elite warriors heading into harm's way, he also shares practical everyday wisdom."—Booklist (Starred Review)

"Sea Stories, a well-written book that reads like a thriller, covers some of the most important historical actions taken by Navy SEALs and other special operators."—The Washington Times

"Readers interested in the essential work of military special forces will be inspired by McRaven's adventures."—Kirkus

PRAISE FOR MAKE YOUR BED:
"Should be read by every leader in America... [MAKE YOUR BED] is a book to inspire your children and grandchildren to become everything that they can. It is a book to discuss with your executive leadership team as a spur to meeting shared goals. Most of all, it is a book that will leave you with tears in your eyes."
—Wall Street Journal

"Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault...McRaven's lessons, like his commencement speech, extend far beyond his bed-making. He devotes the 10-chapter book to lessons about moving beyond failure, standing up to bullies and giving others hope."—Washington Post

"McRaven...has taken the genesis of what he learned during SEAL training and his nearly four decades in Navy Special Operations into a thin, powerful book."—USA Today

"Exquisitely simple...superb, smart, and succinct."—Forbes

"Spellbinding."—Texas Monthly

Repeatative storyline.

the admiral is only a serviceable narrator. his stories lack punch. I would expect more interesting material.

Great Book

Simply, one of the best books I have ever read. Well written and well read by Admiral McRaven.

Tissue! I need tissue!

A most inspirational read because it’s real and it’s true. No one could have narrated except for Admiral McRaven. The only way it could be authentic. Sad that the book ended. I’ve seen him on MSNBC as an analyst. A man of such integrity and courage!

A John Wayne-like Character

William McRaven is my hero now! To listen to the story of McRaven’s service to our nation in his own voice was such an awe inspiring experience. Knowing that men and women like him are protecting our country made me feel very grateful! This man has a lot of valuable knowledge on how to live a life of integrity. I encourage everyone but especially young people to listen to what he has to say.

McRaven is an Amazing man (and author)!

I cannot endorse this book enough! McRaven and the men that came before him are the reason why we are the greatest country on earth. It is amazing to get a glimpse of his life!