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Highest Duty cover art

Highest Duty

By: Chesley B. Sullenberger, Jeffrey Zaslow
Narrated by: Michael McConnohie, Chesley B. Sullenberger
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Editor reviews

This inspiring book tells the story of U.S. Airways pilot Captain "Sully" Sullenberger. Listeners hear not just of his emergency landing on the Hudson but of the life events that prepared him for that moment. As the author himself says, "My entire life led me safely to that river." Michael McConnohie's steady, matter-of-fact narration is very much in keeping with Sully's own character. McConnohie captures the author's refreshingly modest tone as he conveys his life story. Anecdotes about how he learned to fly as a teen, his years in the Air Force, his life as husband and father all build to create a sense of the qualities - hard work, perseverance, passion - that equipped Sully for his calmly heroic act.

Summary

In this inspirational autobiography, Captain "Sully" Sullenberger, the airline pilot whose emergency landing on the Hudson River earned the world's admiration, tells his life story and talks about the essential qualities that he believes have been so vital to his success.

In January 2009 the world witnessed one of the most remarkable emergency landings in history when Captain Sullenberger brought a crippled US Airways flight onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of all of the passengers and crew aboard. The successful outcome was the result of effective teamwork, Sully's dedication to airline safety, his belief that a pilot's judgment must go hand-in-hand with - and can never be replaced by - technology, and 40 years of careful practice and training.

From his earliest memories of learning to fly as a teenager in a crop duster's single-engine plane in the skies above rural Texas to his years in the United States Air Force at the controls of a powerful F-4 Phantom, Sully describes the experiences that have helped make him a better leader, particularly the importance of taking responsibility for everyone in his care. And he talks about what he believes is at the heart of America's "can do" spirit: the very human drive to prepare for the unexpected and to meet it with optimism and courage.

His wife, Lorrie, has been a pillar of support through all the highs and lows that life has offered, from the challenges of commercial flying to the birth of their two daughters, from financial struggles to the event of January 15, 2009. Though the world may remember Sully as the hero of Flight 1549, the legacy he desires even more is that of a loving husband and father.

Highest Duty is the intimate story of a man who has grown up to embrace what we think of as quintessential American values: leadership, responsibility, commitment to hard work, and service to others. And it is a narrative that reminds us that cultivating seemingly ordinary virtues can prepare us to....

Please note: This title has also been released as Sully: My Search for What Really Matters.

©2009 Chesley Sullenberger III (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

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Brilliant listen for any aviation enthusiast

brilliant insight into what happened in the flight and what happened in his life

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Excellent book

I can't really recommend this book highly enough. Sully inspires me to aim be kinder, and more professional in my work and home life, and to continue to learn and develop as a private aviator.
Maybe he's not a hero, but he's certainly an inspiration to me.

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Amazing true story!

An incredible life story from a truly incredible man! If you loved the film, you’re going to love this book.

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À good and humble story containing life’s essential values

An incredible book. I never expected to love it so much. It is written with sincerity and authenticity. It will stay with me for a long time. Regardless of the miracle which occurred landing the flight safely in the Hudson, Captain Sully’s humanity stands out. We are simply listening to a great and good man.

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Truly wonderful!

As an aspiring pilot, listening to this was truly inspiring. What an amazing story about something so unpredictable. Thank you!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Refreshing, and Inspiring

Truly inspiring story, reminding all of us that we need to do our best day in and day out and be ready for when we are called upon to stand up to life's challenges. it is a story of a normal guy facing some of life's challenges who did a tremendous thing. You will have even more respect to Capt. Sully after you read this book.

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Brilliant story and outcome

I thoroughly loved the story and insight in to flight 1549. deffinatley worth the time.

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A must-read (listen)

I’m a pilot cadet, working on my commercial license. I feel this book is a must for every future pilot & aviation lover. It really puts into perspective our training & way-of-thinking. Thank you for the great lesson, Sully.

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Cactus 1549

I really wanted to enjoy this book and I didn’t enjoy it at all. Small parts to the flight 1549 but too long and too drawn out. Very disappointed genuinely gutted

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