Suffer in Silence By David Reid



Editorial Reviews
Midwest Book Review, February 1, 2005
Suffer in Silence is thoughtful, fearsomely honest, and expertly crafted -- a genuine triumph.

Chris Mauro, editor, SURFER Magazine
The ocean doesn't discriminate. Eventually, it pushes everyone to the limit. Reid's riveting account of SEAL training is exhibit "A".--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Georgetown Law Weekly, March 22, 2005
...a rarely seen insider's persective of BUD/S... [Reid has a] gift for relating anecdotal humor and pathos.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description
It's the pivotal test faced by every Navy SEAL: 120 sleepless hours of relentless physical punishment, interrupted only by hypothermia-inducing surf torture. Ensign Grey thought he knew what to expect, but when Seaman Murray attempts to blackmail an instructor who is determined to see him fail, Hell Week takes on a new meaning. With deteriorating health and a dangerous enemy in hot pursuit, the two unlikely friends struggle to survive. What happens in the darkness at the edge of the Pacific will change their lives forever.

About the Author
The author completed all of First Phase, including Hell Week, while serving as an officer and boat crew leader at Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S). He began writing Suffer in Silence shortly after leaving the Silver Strand, resulting in an unprecedented, raw look at the agonizing journey that every sailor must complete before he can call himself a SEAL.

I would really like to read this book and intend on doing so soon. I've heard its very down to earth and personal.

It was a fun book to read, and well written. I really enjoyed it.

All in all, not a bad story. But unfortunately, similar to many of the other books I've read about BUD/S, First Phase in-depth descriptions stopped at the end of Hell Week. Just once, I'd like to hear what happens after Hell Week. What is the first day back to training like? What is the training like afterwards? Are the evolutions the same as before? Do the instructors treat you the same? Or are you given a little bit more leeway? Are they more helpful than before, or do they still treat the candidates the same? What do students fear after BUD/S?

You see where I'm going with this? I'd like to see beyond Hell Week.

James, I hear that after Hell Week it's mainly ocean surveys and classroom evolutions. They let your body recover before 2nd Phase, and they don't tend to question students' motivation. (I'm not 100% positive though.)