A Captain's Duty

Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea

By: Richard Phillips, Stephan Talty

Narrated by: George K. Wilson

"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

Reading the book from now on! Forget Hollywood!

What made the experience of listening to A Captain's Duty the most enjoyable?

The personal story, without being "sanitized" by Hollywood "political correctness"!

What other book might you compare A Captain's Duty to and why?

Robinson Crusoe! A good personal account telling the authors thoughts and feelings, as well as reasons for certain actions.

Have you listened to any of George K. Wilson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but like it and may look for more!

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

Cry! The return to safety was very personal! Even the participation of President Obama, whom I tend to greatly disrespect, was laudable and inspiring!

Any additional comments?

The movie was so different and "whitewashed" with no referance to truth about the pirates being Muslims. This book seemed to touch on the truth, not make excuses for the pirates reasons for turning to crime(fishing grounds polluted and fished out!).
Overall, this story is the history, method of attaining a career, and personal adventure of a great merchant marine captain! This adventure gave me a virtual ride into a career I had always wondered about! Thank God I don't have to go there, having done so in these words so well presented!

loved it .

loved it. The narrator was excellent. Had difficulty putting it down. I would recommend this audio book

great sorry

emotional story but a good one. the end was a little sappy but still a great book! i liked the book much more than the movie. the story being told by Capitan Phillips added value and sentiment. i also liked that they involved his wife more in the book than they did in the movie.

Truly an Amazing Story

I loved this book! It was so well-written & fascinating! A story of true bravery & humility! I loved it & would honestly recommend to anyone.

A great story

I usually don't review. The story was told well and very realistic. I found myself yelling at "the book" - SHOOT UM! I hated to see it end.