Title: No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden
Author: Mark Owen
First published September 4, 2012
316 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525953722 (ISBN10: 0525953728)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
Join operator Mark Owen of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group, also known as SEAL Team Six, on some of the most daring missions in recent history. No mission is too difficult, no task too dangerous for this elite team.
From the streets of Iraq to the Indian Ocean and the mountains of Afghanistan, Owen takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of special operations. In No Easy Day, Owen recounts the events leading up to the biggest mission of his life – the killing of Osama Bin Laden.
With precise detail, he walks readers through the heart-pounding moments of the assault, from the helicopter crash to the radio call confirming Bin Laden’s death. Owen also shares his personal journey, from his upbringing in Alaska to his grueling training to become a SEAL.
With riveting accounts of previously unreported missions, Owen provides a rare glimpse into the life and work of a SEAL. No Easy Day is a gripping account of the men who risk everything to keep America safe, and a tribute to their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to their mission.
Editoral Review
No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden by Mark Owen is a riveting memoir that provides a unique insider’s perspective on one of the most important military operations of our time. Owen, a former member of the United States Navy SEALs who participated in the mission to kill Osama Bin Laden, details the planning, execution, and aftermath of the raid.
The book is written in a straightforward and candid style, which aligns with the author’s personal ethos of “never quit” and “never give up.” Throughout the book, Owen shares personal stories of his military career and his experiences in training, which provide context for the grueling conditions and intense pressure that he and his fellow SEALs faced during the Bin Laden mission. The book provides an unprecedented level of insight into the military’s planning and execution of the raid, including details of the techniques, tactics, and equipment used by the SEALs. The author describes in vivid detail the intense firefight that took place when the SEALs breached the compound where Bin Laden was hiding, and provides a blow-by-blow account of the encounter that ultimately resulted in the Al Qaeda leader’s death.
No Easy Day also addresses the controversy surrounding the mission, including criticisms of the legality and morality of targeted killings. The book provides a thoughtful analysis of these issues, and Owen’s personal perspective as someone who served in the military and was involved in the mission adds an important dimension to the discourse.
Overall, No Easy Day is a powerful and illuminating memoir that offers valuable insights into the world of military special operations. The book is expertly crafted, with a clear and engaging writing style, and the author’s personal experiences and insights lend a unique perspective to the story.
While there are certainly some limitations to the book – for example, the author’s focus on his own experiences means that we get a somewhat limited picture of the overall mission – these flaws are largely overshadowed by the book’s strengths. For readers who are interested in military history, politics, or the strategic and tactical aspects of special operations, No Easy Day is a must-read.
The book offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the world of the Navy SEALs and provides important context for understanding the ongoing war against terrorism. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in these issues, or who simply wants to be inspired by the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our nation’s military personnel.
Rating: 4.5/5
