Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton

An Extraordinary Story of Courage and Survival in Vietnam

By: Amy Shively Hawk, Senator John McCain - foreword

Narrated by: Traber Burns, Caroline Shaffer, Michael Braun

Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's Summary

In 1967, US Air Force fighter pilot James Shively was shot down over North Vietnam. After ejecting from his F-105 Thunderchief aircraft, he landed in a rice paddy and was captured by the North Vietnamese Army. For the next six years, Shively endured brutal treatment at the hands of the enemy in Hanoi prison camps. Back home, his beloved girlfriend Nancy eventually moved on and married another man. Bound in iron stocks at the Hanoi Hilton, unable to get home to his loved ones, Shively contemplated suicide. Yet somehow he found hope - and he became determined to help his fellow POWs survive.

In a newspaper interview several years after his release, Shively said, "I had the opportunity to be captured, the opportunity to be interrogated, the opportunity to be tortured and the experience of answering questions under torture. It was an extremely humiliating experience. I felt sorry for myself. But I learned the hard way life isn't fair. Life is only what you make of it."

Written by Shively's stepdaughter Amy Hawk - whose mother Nancy ultimately reunited with and married Shively in a triumphant love story - and based on extensive audio recordings and Shively's own journals, Six Years at the Hanoi Hilton is a haunting, riveting portrayal of life as an American prisoner of war trapped on the other side of the world.

©2017 Amy Shively Hawk (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

My buddy

I am Gordon Jenkins, mentioned in the book as Jim’s roommate at takhli. Would lovhear from Amy. My number is 760 567-2030

Wish I had met him

This nation raises leaders of this caliber and this book makes us aware that they are out there. I was in the USAF and came across a former POW, I asked him " what did they do to you? " he simply replied, "what didn't they do to me?" I can't forget his reply. Your book fills in the " what". Excellent reading.

Wow!

Such an incredible story of an American Hero. I was glued to the book 100% of the time. I'm already searching for similar accounts from other POWs in Vietnam hoping to learn more. Extremely gripping and I'm in awe of the strength and life Jim Shively had. Highly Recommend!!!

Great book about a great man

I like books that manage to cut the fat, but can still reach you on a deep level. This book was well-written and well-narrated. This man's life could be made into a movie, and few would believe it to be true. Incredible story.

Powerful tribute to a brave American hero.

This was one of those books that grips you and pulls you along throughout the entire unbelievable story. The stories of his torture and suffering should make us all appreciate and treasure our freedom - freedom we take for granted every day and freedoms that were bought through the suffering and sacrifice of heroes like Jim Shively. Thank you for sharing the amazing story of your brave father. We honor his service and sacrifice. I only wish I could have met this brave man, shaken his hand, and said, "THANK YOU."

What an epic saga!

This story so desperately needs to be made into a feature film. What a tale of determination and Patriotism that can only be American!

Great story and fantastically written

I’m glad to have found this story. Jim is an American hero, and we need to keep more people in the world like him

Live, laugh, & love (no matter what)

This was an amazing story on what we (human beings) are capable of despite life's transgressions. The last hour in a half kept tears in my eyes as a reflected my service. Although nothing like Jim's but I can relate and understand. What an amazing person.

Jim Shively is A true Hero along with all POW's.

I rarely write reviews, but the legacy of Jim Shively deserves many reads. His service and devotion to his country was greatly appreciated by this marine Corp kid, navy wife, and Air force mom. We can never write enough about our countries heros. I live now as a missionary in South East Asia and look forward to visiting the Hanoi Hilton. I'll remember Jim Shively there and the men who gave their lives for the United States in Vietnam. I'll remember his courage and perseverance even in the worse possible time. He was a national treasure that is still touching lives even after his death.

Good listen

It’s hard to say this is a great story because of the torture these men endured but it should be a required listen/read. What are great man. I was moved at the end hearing how special a guy he was, positive, successful, kind and dedicated to his family, but you could feel that as the story progressed. Sad to say this generation of Men who believe in GOD, Country and Service is one of the last.

What A Fantastic Listen.

I listen to audio books when driving lorry. This book was incredible. Very moving. Very well researched. What a Guy ! ( understatement). A legend and a hero. One of the most inspirational stories I’ve ever heard. Fantastic.

Brilliant..

Amazing story, really enjoyed this production it was nicely balanced showing the incredible hardships we can endure for the slim chance of survival.

Interesting but lacking in story

Is a great eulogy to what seems a great man. Was i retesting to hear about but there was a bit of a lack of story line- was more informative. Glad it was included in audible and I didn’t pay. Still not bad.

Excellent read

Awesome book loved it. What an incredible man Jim was. Inspiring , emotional quality listen

Count your blessings and pay attention

An amazing story of an amazing man in a pointless war. It carries some salutory lessons on how to live your life on the face of adversity and beyond.

All children should be told this story for the sake of avoiding more pointless wars and human suffering.

Jim was a king of a man.

Amazing

A very good account of the harsh internment of an American POW in North Vietnam. Recommended.