33 Men

Inside the Miraculous Survival and Dramatic Rescue of the Chilean Miners

By: Jonathan Franklin

Narrated by: Armando Valdez Kennedy

Having had unparalleled access to the Chilean mine disaster, award-winning journalist Jonathan Franklin takes readers to the heart of a remarkable story of human endurance, survival, and historic heroism.

33 Men is the groundbreaking, authoritative account of the Chilean mine disaster, one of the longest human entrapments in history.

Rushing to the scene when the miners were discovered, Franklin obtained a coveted "Rescue Team" pass and reported directly from the front lines of the rescue operation, beyond police controls, for six weeks.

Based on more than 110 intimate interviews with the miners, their families, and the rescue team, Franklin's narrative captures the remarkable story of these men and women, in details shocking, beautiful, comedic, and heroic. Gripping and raw, with never-before-revealed details, 33 Men is a true story that reads like a thriller.

©2011 Jonathan Franklin (P)2011 Penguin

You know the ending, but getting there is intense

I went to see the rescue capsule at the Smithsonian and had seen some one-year later interviews on TV. I wanted to learn more about the men involved and what they went through. This book tries to make you understand and mostly succeeds. A great account of the entrapment and the rescue. The author does a decent job of mixing the two venues: the tunnel with the 33 miners and the mountaintop with the hundreds of rescuers, government officials, journalists and family members. There was a lot going on in both places. And the TV news didn't come close to telling the whole story. Here are many more details, along with some of the individual human stories. I found it quite enjoyable and exciting and emotional.

Interesting

A documentary filled with information about government, social services, and private enterprise. When these elements collide at the surface of a mine where 33 men are trapped, I found myself appalled, cynical, and discouraged.

I watched the rescue in real time and was filled with anxiety and then joy as all 33 came out alive. I was a little disappointed that those emotions did not return as I listened to the story unfold. I applaud those miners and the rescuers for their undying belief in humanity. I wonder, "Have we learned to nurture each other and to be grateful for the simple pleasure of everyday living? Will we ever learn?"

Amazing story

Would you listen to 33 Men again? Why?

I would definitely listen to the book again..it is a great story of how humans can be at their best when times are at their worst.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It was hard to have a favorite character, because the true characters of the men were never completely fleshed out.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The accents were a bit cheesy, but not unbearable. The drama of the story was well portrayed.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This was a good book to listen to all at once, it moves fast and doesn't drag.

Any additional comments?

I wish there had been more of the story of the various drillers trying to get to the trapped miners. I did appreciate that it was quite clear when they were talking about events inside the mine versus events "up top." I wish there was more about what happened to the miners after the rescue and how the book itself came together.

Details I never knew to think of

I enjoyed the book. It was a very stoic account, discussing in detail the men’s psychological and even sexual issues. It focuses more on what happened in the mine with the men, but does discuss the engineering of the rescue.

Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the narration. hardvto stop listening to this heroic adventure.

Incredible Tory if a survival miracle!!

What a journey to the depths of the earth! An in depth examination and explanation of the incredible story of the 33 Chilean miners. A truly global effort, this story explores the not only the technical aspect of the ordeal but also the political and social aspects as well. I got a kick out of the narrator really distinguishing between the characters by using different voices.

Great Story

Would you listen to 33 Men again? Why?

Yes, because the story is worth listening to.

What did you like best about this story?

Heroic Men

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Made the characters sound different.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The moment they were found.

clear, full of details and gripping

Rich story about how these 33 men got trapped, lived underground and were rescued. Fascinating details about what kind of "help" arrived from up above during the ordeal.

An awe inspiring book!

Beautifully written and a powerful story about the human spirit. You will not be able to put the book down.

Excellent

Listened through in one long night. I honestly couldn't put it down. There are only one or two books out of the hundreds I've read, that I got through in one go. It's simply riveting. I'm writing this review a few years after as I noticed a new book on the 33 and I considered buying it until I briefly revisited this one and realized there isn't much that I need to know that isn't covered here. I highly recommend this true story of human endurance, faith, strength and conviction.