Sub Tales

Stories That Seldom Surface

By: Charles Hood, Frank Hood

Narrated by: Joseph Robert Courtemanche

Now in its second edition, Sub Tales: Stories That Seldom Surface has undergone a major refit (to borrow a submarine term!). Every chapter has been rewritten from the first edition with greater clarity and enhanced historical accuracy. More background information on the subject at hand is included, and cross-references have been added to the other books in the series. Any previous concerns about technical or semantic errors should be laid to rest with the publication of this volume, last updated in July 2022.

Packed with 40 gripping stories from the annals of US submarine history, Sub Tales attempts to convey some of the drama, adventure, and humor that has typified service aboard the submarines of the US Navy over the past 100+ years. Included in this edition is a completely new story about polar bear sightings by submarines and a new description of an unlikely rescue at sea by the Seadragon! The 40 stories are accompanied by a bonus section that includes seven “submarine lists” that will be certain to entertain the listener. As a compendium, the book may be listened to in any order. Stories vary in length from short to medium to long. You decide the listening order.

The text has been expanded by 20 percent. The topics range from presidential visits to inadvertent whale strikes to dramatic brushes with death. Also featured are detailed stories of uncommon bravery and sacrifice. You will learn a lot about the mettle of the men who “rode the boats” in the defense of the United States. Written for both submarine veterans and civilian enthusiasts, the language is clear and correct. You will have a hard time putting the book down once you begin it!

For this edition, we are pleased to announce the addition of two associate editors. Mike Chapman and Keith Weitemeyer are two of the most literate students of submarine history, and their editorial perspectives are found throughout the book to tighten up narratives, keep language choices in certain passages on point, and draw larger conclusions from many of the stories included herein. The rewrite also benefited greatly from the expertise of several additional submarine veterans who reviewed passages about propulsion, electrical systems, weapons systems, and more.

Chosen by BookAuthority as one of the 10 best submarine books in the world for both 2019 and 2020, Sub Tales has consistently earned solid reader ratings and has sold thousands of copies. With the many new enhancements and improvements in this second edition, we trust that Sub Tales will take its rightful place in the submarine literature. Together with its two sequels, More Sub Tales and Sub Tales 3, the three-book series represents a distinctive collection of some of the finest stories of intrigue and courage of the US Submarine Force. Along with the other three true-life books of the US Submarine Force written by the authors--Poopie Suits & Cowboy Boots and The Silent Service Remembers (Vols. 1 and 2)--you are guaranteed to be entertained and informed for hours by the many deeds of the Silent Service.

©2019 Charles Hood, Frank Hood (P)2024 Charles Hood, Frank Hood

An Interesting Story.

Full of details and facts about what it was like being a submariner, and lots of interesting experiences that happened in them. I really enjoyed this audio book.

An exciting and entertaining collection of stories

I’ve heard you can’t tell a book by its cover, and that may or may not be true. However, I am a sucker for a great title. “Sub Tales: Stories That Seldom Surface” made me laugh, and I was hooked.

I enjoyed the humor in many of the stories, my heart hurt from the pathos in others. There’s a good bit of adventure and drama throughout. And though I’ve never stepped foot in a submarine, this book taught me more about them than I thought possible.

Using interviews and written resources, Charles and Frank Hood inform readers about the history and world of submarines. This is not dull or dry, as you might imagine, but kindly informative. Sort of like your Uncle Jack telling you stories about his time under the waves and answering all your questions as he goes along.

The narrator, Joseph Courtemanche, is perfect for this book. His deep, clear voice is always distinct and easy to listen to. He intuitively slows when reading a complex description, allowing the reader to absorb the information.

If you enjoy military history or first-person accounts, you’ll love Sub Tales. However, if you’re like me, a woman of more than a certain age, no knowledge of subs, but possessing a curious mind, you’ll probably love it, too. Check out the preview and see if you agree.

Informative for a retired Tin can Sailor

Was a good and informative listen about the tube sailors. As a 22 year Tin Can Sailor I could relate to a lot of it and smiled more than once during the tails. I to as a SNIPE would do it again in a heart beat…Thank you

Great Book

Really enjoyed this catalog of stories that capture the rich traditions of the US Sub force. Thanks to the authors for their work and so many veterans for sharing their experiences.