Beyond Survival, Capt. Gerald Coffee USN, retired
Beyond Survival, Capt. Gerald Coffee USN, retired
List: $22.95 | Sale: $16.07
Club: $11.47

Beyond Survival
Building on the Hard Times—a POW’s Inspiring Story

Author: Capt. Gerald Coffee USN, retired, Made for Success

Narrator: Capt. Gerald Coffee USN, retired

Unabridged: 2 hr 25 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/15/2014

Synopsis

When life loses its meaning, when suddenly the world is turned upside down, when there's nothing left that resembles life as we've known it, where do we find the strength and sustenance to go on? For naval aviator Jerry Coffee and others who were held as prisoners of war in North Vietnam, there was only one choice: go within.Beyond Survival is a journey into the invincible human spirit that unites heart and mind in a compelling and unforgettable experience. Drawing from his seven years as a POW, Captain Coffee provides timeless lessons that apply to the physical, emotional, and ethical challenges of everyday life. Proving that leadership and creativity are possible in difficult and uncertain circumstances, Captain Coffee offers a message we can draw on in any trying situation. His story demonstrates that conviction must come from within, and in telling that story, he touches the place inside us where growth begins. Beyond Survival is a positive statement about love and commitment in the midst of war and division. It contrasts the cold reality of war, degradation, and torture with the warmth of human connections, inner serenity, and kinship with all life. It poignantly illustrates that to be stripped of everything that is familiar and by which we identify ourselves leaves us with only what unites us—our human identity. It conveys truths about relationships at every level: with ourselves, with others, with our country, and with our God.Without inflaming the wounds inflicted by America's involvement in Vietnam, Beyond Survival explores an issue at the heart of every free society: the willingness of ordinary individuals to maintain a passion for freedom so compelling that adversity strengthens rather than weakens personal resolve in the worst of circumstances. Through Gerald Coffee's story you will discover the universal principles of survival and triumph that empower anyone to overcome adversity.

About Capt. Gerald Coffee USN, retired

Gerald Coffee, considered one of the nation’s top speakers, addresses scores of audiences each year, including many prestigious business and leadership groups. Born in Modesto, California, he joined the Navy in 1957 after graduating from UCLA with a major in business administration. After returning from Vietnam, he received his master’s degree in political science and then attended the esteemed National Defense University in Washington, DC. Captain Coffee has earned many military awards and decorations, including the Silver Star, as well as numerous civilian awards. Retired from the Navy since 1985, he now lives in Hawaii.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Ron on August 26, 2021

Gerald Coffee was a POW in Hanoi for 7 years. This is his story about surviving during those 7 years. This is the 3rd POW book that I have read and it is interesting that these POWs knew each other in captivity. Lessons in how to survive desperate situations while keeping your integrity. Highly reco......more

Goodreads review by Kenneth J. Olsen on June 16, 2023

Will war ever end? Looming back to my youth, had joined the Air Force Reserve between Korea and Vietnam. Since reserves were never activated for "Nam", did not give it much attention. Age brought about curiosity of wars and began reading books, most recently two on Vietnam. Coffee's book is look at t......more

Goodreads review by Brenda on January 11, 2017

Enlightening Story of Survival Navy Lieutenant Gerald Coffee, whose plane was shot down over North Vietnam, has written this excellent historical and enlightening story of his life during the seven years he spent as a POW. His ability to persevere through those horrendous years and to overcome such a......more

Goodreads review by Geo on June 25, 2019

An astonishing autobiography, of valor, torture and resentment. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. At the end I felt tears came down. A moving book, wonderfully written, although a bit one sided.......more

Goodreads review by Todd on April 09, 2020

Great nonfiction book about a Vietnam prisoner of war. A......more

Quotes

“His story is fascinating and compelling—a real inspiration.” Larry King

“Beyond Survival yanks you right out of your easy chair and into the terrifying world of a North Vietnamese prison. This is more than a POW story; it is a moving and inspirational message of hope. It stirs the inner strengths we all need to survive our own Hanoi Hiltons.” Nelson DeMille, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Beyond Survival walks its reader through one of the most outrageous horror stories of our time. Captain Coffee’s relentless courage and steadfast faith [are] an unforgettable inspiration to all of us.” Harvey Mackay, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Retired US Navy captain Coffee was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam from 1966 to 1973, most of the time in Hanoi and in a cell by himself. How he endured and what he learned from the experience are the subjects of this inspiring book…Each chapter is headed by a paragraph of invincible principles that Coffee discovered for himself during his ordeal.” Publishers Weekly

“[This] gripping, compelling narrative of imprisonment certainly testifies convincingly that with a few simple certitudes one can survive dire circumstances. Coffee’s ordeal makes most of life’s ordinary setbacks seem eminently survivable. A well-written book.” Library Journal

“Powerfully written, beautifully expressed, poignant, deeply moving, and courageous, emotionally so.” Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, USAF, coauthor of Fighter Pilot

Add to Cart
Add to Wish List