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The Hard Way cover art

The Hard Way

By: Mark 'Billy' Billingham
Narrated by: Mark 'Billy' Billingham,Simon Slater
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Summary

Billy Billingham grew up tough - a grim future ahead of him offering little respite from the hostile streets he walked. Leaving school at 11 years of age, the threat of borstal hanging over his head, running with gangs in Birmingham, and almost being killed in a knife fight eventually led to Billy discovering the British armed forces at 16 years of age. It would be the making of him. 

Billingham would graduate from the Royal Marine cadets to enlist with the Parachute Regiment in 1983, where he would serve with distinction as a Patrol Commander and expert sniper. In 1991 he took on an even bigger challenge - taking the SAS course - the fearsome and secretive elite special forces unit with a well-won reputation for excellence in operating in extreme and hazardous conditions. He excelled in this life, rising to the rank of sergeant major for the regiment, and undertaking dozens of classified and extremely dangerous missions. He would ultimately serve 17 years with the SAS, serving in countless war zones, winning a commendation for bravery and being awarded the MBE. After leaving the army he would embrace the life of a bodyguard to Hollywood stars such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sir Michael Caine, Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe before being recruited as one of the lead instructors on SAS - Who Dares Wins for television. 

Billy is a highly decorated veteran, with a reputation for excellence, honesty and integrity not only supporting his comrades Ant Middleton, Jason Fox and Ollie Ollerton but equally intimidating and inspiring the contestants who take on the gruelling challenges each week. The Hard Way details Billy’s story thus far but will also educate and enthral those wishing to seek a challenge and conquer it - the SAS way.

©2019 Mark Billingham (P)2019 Simon & Schuster UK

What listeners say about The Hard Way

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    3 out of 5 stars
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misleading

the story was great but mark billingham only reads the prologue and epilogue which I was very disappointed about as I dont like listening to stories not read by the writer

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56 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

shame Billy never narrated the book

good story however dissapointing to find that Billy doesn't narrate , i find it easier to visualise the story when the written narrates thier own story ,

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25 people found this helpful

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A truly inspirational book!!

A no frills and tell it as it is book. The only way is the hard way!! And the message this book tells you is a no nonsense, honest and tough reality check we all can learn from. Well done Mark, you should be proud!!!
Shaun Hargreaves

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17 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Mark doesn't narrate his story. utter let down.

unlike is counterparts he has decided to outsource his story to a narrator. I now feel no connection to you like the other guys and feel duped into buying this. I want a refund.

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11 people found this helpful

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Superb

Absolutely brilliant book. What a total legend. Listen this book, You won't be dissapointed!

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10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Billy

The only issue I had with the book was the guy reading it doesn't get the anounciation of swear words and the way the sentences string together like a working class lad from Walsall but what an amazing story and life to hear about

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9 people found this helpful

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Billy narrates 10 mins of it that's it.

I was really looking forward to this audio book & was disappointed to find out that Billy only narrates 10 mins of the book. that is where I stopped so I cannot give an opinion of the content from here on. I will say as it's not narrated by Billy from that time I lost connection with the story on that basis.

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9 people found this helpful

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Brilliant stories, humble, great listen.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommend. Great sense of humour but at the same time very gripping.

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7 people found this helpful

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Good one

Wish he had more stories about selection but good compact writing. He certainly had a great career with SAS and exciting life that. Really enjoyed listening to it.

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6 people found this helpful

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An inspiring story.

Although Billy for whatever reason only narrated the forward and epilogue. This book was an inspiring story from start to finish, about a poor young lad from the West Midlands. A right little fighter who everyone thought would fail! But a few souls gave him a life line in the form of guidance and he took it big time. Billy show's you that anyone from any background can succeed if you apply yourself, adapt and overcome. Thanks Billy 10/10

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6 people found this helpful

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  • Matthew L Howcroft
  • 25-09-23

Brilliant!

An amazing insight into his personal journey though the armed and special forces..

I was hooked

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  • Anonymous User
  • 21-04-23

Very enjoyable read, inspiring!

Compelling and encouraging story. I would highly recommend reading it. Exactly what I expected, a biography of an exception, normal, and flawed man striving to be his best self.

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  • SerieLis
  • 20-06-20

Strong Story, lessons learned, now take action

Inspiring, audio bit blank, but behind it all great lessons that can come from experience

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  • Ingemar Roos
  • 28-04-20

Great!

Really liked it. Great story and very inspiring! A real insight to his life and career.

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  • Dave
  • 12-04-20

Superb

One of the most interesting people out there, 100% give it a listen. Great story.

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