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A Captain's Duty

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A Captain's Duty

By: Richard Phillips, Stephan Talty, Various
Narrated by: George Wilson
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About this listen

8th April 2009 was just an ordinary day for Richard Phillips, captain of the Maersk Alabama as it headed towards the port of Mombasa. Ordinary that is until, armed Somali pirates attacked and boarded the freighter.

Captain Phillips offered himself as a hostage in exchange for the safety of his crew, and so began a tense five-day stand-off, which ended in a daring high-seas rescue by U.S. Navy SEALs.

©2010 Tantor Media Inc (P)2010 Tantor Media Inc Suspense Thriller & Suspense

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Critic reviews

"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." (Barack Obama)
All stars
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No sex drugs or rock n roll, can't be any good, your wrong. This book, well narrated in my opinion was both interesting and addictive. A story well worth a listen and very pleasing.

Easy listening

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

Heroic, Nail-biting, Emotional.

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

This is a true story and is one of a kind

What about George Wilson’s performance did you like?

George Wilson sounds alot like Tom Hanks

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This book is full of emotional moments

Any additional comments?

I watched the Tom Hanks film first and was very interested to find out that there was lots more to the Captain's tale that was untold.

A Real Life Hero

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True stories really are the best. Took. Little while to get going but the second half of the book was amazing. Really felt like I was there with Captain Phillips.

True stories are the best.

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Brilliant book. For those who saw the film, the film jumped half way into the book. The first half is about Captain Phillips journey to becoming the captain and leader he wanted to be. Phillips is an interesting man with an admirable thought process. I loved hearing how he reasoned past events of his life and current events during the hijacking.
It's well narrated. George Wilson sounds just like Tom Hanks which I found quite funny. I wonder if that's a coincidence. He made the story interesting and I have misophonia so the pace and particular sounds is usually a deal barker for me. Wilson has a very smooth voice, good at expressing emotions making the story very personal.
I always find it easier to listen to books that a told from one perspective. Long descriptions which usually works well on paper doesn't translate well into audiobooks, in my opinion, so it was a relief to find a book that was told as a story from a personal perspective.

Couldn't stop listening

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Very interesting insight into how captain Philips professional approach to his role impacts on the hijack with lots of the emotions and thoughts he went through although he doesn't let his guard down much. the narrator sounds like you would want the captain to sound like but the story jumps to the event and home which can be distracting and there are some lose end's left unaddressed.

a captain with a strong sense of duty

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

Engaging, exciting, real

Who was your favorite character and why?

Captain Philips, because through the book we learn more about the man, his values and morals than we did from the film

Which character – as performed by George Wilson – was your favourite?

I watched the film before reading the book, therefore my favourite character was captain Philips as the narrator managed to make himself sound like Tom Hanks, and therefore the story became more believable as I could see the scenes from the film unfolding in my head

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The description of the support of the local community for mrs Philips that I don't think came across in the film

Any additional comments?

A fantastic book, very well read, and fills out all the details missed by Hollywood

A fantastic book

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A storey that holds your attention to the end
a brilliant book of true story

Great story well told

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well narrated with detail beyond the film about how Mr. Phillips became a Merchant Captain

Good easy listen

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Would you listen to A Captain's Duty again? Why?

No...but would see film

What does George Wilson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Character. He actually sounds like Tom Hanks who plays the role in the film

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Just when you though it was safe to go back ON the water...!"

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable. Held my attention pretty well

Above average listen..

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

having endured some of life's tests, none as extreme as capt phillips, i deeply appreciate his ability and sharing of the humor it takes to survive or not survive with the dignity of never losing who you are. bravery can touch any life at any level but the willingness to give your own life to save others just made the depth of my admiration for the capt reach even deeper into my heart....thanks for sharing your story and your family and your life!!

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

captivating from beginning to end in a very human way

Which scene did you most enjoy?

all

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

i almost did.....3 sittings due to busy schedule

fantastic....thought provoking

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