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Six Minutes To Freedom
Dear President Bush,
My name is Kimberly Anne Muse. I am writing this letter not for me but for my father, Kurt Frederick Muse. As you should know by now, he is a political prisoner in Panama. . ..
Born in the United States and raised in Panama, Kurt Muse grew up with a deep love for his adopted country. But the crushing regime of General Manuel Noriega in the late 1980s threatened his, and a nation's, freedom. A nightmare of murder and unexplained disappearances compelled Kurt and a few trusted friends to begin a clandestine radio campaign, urging the people of Panama to rise up for their basic human rights.
Six Minutes to Freedom is the remarkable tale of Kurt Muse's arrest and harrowing months of imprisonment; his eyewitness accounts of torture; and the plight of his family as they fled for their lives. It is also the heart-pounding account of the only American civilian ever rescued by the elite Delta Force. Timelier than ever, this is a thrilling and highly personal narrative about one man's courage and dedication to his beliefs.
A Featured Alternate of the Military Book Club
My name is Kimberly Anne Muse. I am writing this letter not for me but for my father, Kurt Frederick Muse. As you should know by now, he is a political prisoner in Panama. . ..
Born in the United States and raised in Panama, Kurt Muse grew up with a deep love for his adopted country. But the crushing regime of General Manuel Noriega in the late 1980s threatened his, and a nation's, freedom. A nightmare of murder and unexplained disappearances compelled Kurt and a few trusted friends to begin a clandestine radio campaign, urging the people of Panama to rise up for their basic human rights.
Six Minutes to Freedom is the remarkable tale of Kurt Muse's arrest and harrowing months of imprisonment; his eyewitness accounts of torture; and the plight of his family as they fled for their lives. It is also the heart-pounding account of the only American civilian ever rescued by the elite Delta Force. Timelier than ever, this is a thrilling and highly personal narrative about one man's courage and dedication to his beliefs.
A Featured Alternate of the Military Book Club
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2006
174 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 15, 2021
My head is still spinning a bit from this incredible story, so I’ll just share two of the back-cover reviews that put it into words better than I can: “Everything a great thriller should be...but it’s all true.” - Tess Gerritsen; “A dramatic portrayal of idealism, courage, integrity, and fortitude.” - John Douglass & Mark Olshaker
February 8, 2008
Story of survival during Noriega's rule in Panama. Kurt Muse is an American Citizen who was held as a political prisoner. Phenomonal story and easy to read in a couple of days.
November 1, 2023
A definite must read
I have to admit that I haven't ever been interested in reading non-fiction books, mainly because there is so much suffering, tragedy, selfishness, and cruelty in the world that's it's unfortunately a part of every day life. I am not one that sticks my head in the sand regarding the suffering of others. I have survived several life altering tragedies since I was 11 years old and wouldn't wish that for anyone. I am very proud of all of our Military men and women, many who will never receive the recognition they deserve.
Stories like this one literally break my heart with the tragedies and injustice that cause innocent people suffer. However, it was also a terrific reminder of how much can change with the determination of a few. It's certainly an inspiring story that I enjoyed, and believe everyone should read.
I would definitely recommend this book and exceptional authors.
I have to admit that I haven't ever been interested in reading non-fiction books, mainly because there is so much suffering, tragedy, selfishness, and cruelty in the world that's it's unfortunately a part of every day life. I am not one that sticks my head in the sand regarding the suffering of others. I have survived several life altering tragedies since I was 11 years old and wouldn't wish that for anyone. I am very proud of all of our Military men and women, many who will never receive the recognition they deserve.
Stories like this one literally break my heart with the tragedies and injustice that cause innocent people suffer. However, it was also a terrific reminder of how much can change with the determination of a few. It's certainly an inspiring story that I enjoyed, and believe everyone should read.
I would definitely recommend this book and exceptional authors.
January 17, 2025
It's hard to be objective about this book because I'm too close to the action. I was visiting my family in the Pamana Canal Zone for Christmas when Just Cause went down and our entire community went on lockdown while a war went on around us. Commercial flights in and out of the country were shut down but I managed to make my way to Howard Air Force Base and hitch out on a C5 military cargo plane with some other visiting Americans. I didn't know anything about Kurt Muse at the time but we were all very aware of the US forces trying to smoke out Noriega from his hiding place. Things definitely improved for Panama after that. I don't know if I approve of a lot of things Muse did but he was a brave and ethical man for sure and deserves to have a book written about his experiences as a political hostage in a Panamanian prison and the daring rescue mission to free him.
February 20, 2018
Freedom
I learned a lot about Panama under Noriega’s dictatorship by reading this book. The story was fabulous and the heroics of the men trying to oust Noriega were incredible. His reign has gone down in history as one of the most brutal and corrupt dictatorships. Many innocent Panamanians were brutally tortured and killed for different beliefs. While Noriega lived well through his illegal drug smuggling most Panamanians were poor. This is a true story how one heroic man lived through this.
I learned a lot about Panama under Noriega’s dictatorship by reading this book. The story was fabulous and the heroics of the men trying to oust Noriega were incredible. His reign has gone down in history as one of the most brutal and corrupt dictatorships. Many innocent Panamanians were brutally tortured and killed for different beliefs. While Noriega lived well through his illegal drug smuggling most Panamanians were poor. This is a true story how one heroic man lived through this.
October 16, 2018
Kurt Muse
This is the story of Kurt Muse, who while living in Panama tried to list Noriega and was imprisoned. This was a scary and harrowing read. It also was enlightening. I remembered Operation Just Cause but did not realize all the backstory which Kurt's story provided when I read this book. I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot by reading. It was well edited and decided to get it from overdrive because of Kurt's co-author John Gilstrap, whose books I have not read before but recognized the name as a good author. Highly recommend this book.
This is the story of Kurt Muse, who while living in Panama tried to list Noriega and was imprisoned. This was a scary and harrowing read. It also was enlightening. I remembered Operation Just Cause but did not realize all the backstory which Kurt's story provided when I read this book. I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot by reading. It was well edited and decided to get it from overdrive because of Kurt's co-author John Gilstrap, whose books I have not read before but recognized the name as a good author. Highly recommend this book.
December 5, 2018
A great story about a group of patriots fighting tyranny under Noriega's regime and the eventual rescue of Kurt Muse by our own great Delta Forces.
The book had great background information leading to the rescue and all was very visual. The writing of the rescue was also excellent.
First hand accounts of little bits of history are all important for future students and scholars to study.
It is also important that we add them to our libraries so they can be found.
A definite need to read for those interested in this period of time in Central America.
The book had great background information leading to the rescue and all was very visual. The writing of the rescue was also excellent.
First hand accounts of little bits of history are all important for future students and scholars to study.
It is also important that we add them to our libraries so they can be found.
A definite need to read for those interested in this period of time in Central America.
December 22, 2024
John Gilstrap masterfully brings this true story to life, making it leap off the pages like a gripping work of fiction. This is due in no small part to the incredible nature of the story itself.
Six Minutes to Freedom offers something increasingly rare in today’s era of self-proclaimed expertise: context. The United States has undeniably earned its reputation as a frequent meddler in global politics, which at times had a destabilization effect in Central and South America. However, as much as we may wish it to be, the world is not always black and white, with clear-cut good guys and bad guys.
Kurt Muse stands out as a figure who inspired those around him to envision a better Panama and a better world. This is evident throughout the book, as Gilstrap effectively captures the voices of those whose lives Muse touched most profoundly.
If you're seeking a book solely about Operation Acid Gambit, this might not fully meet your expectations. While the operation and its execution are covered, they serve as brief highlights rather than the book’s central focus. Instead, Gilstrap chooses to spotlight Kurt Muse and his colleagues' unwavering commitment to a free, fair, and prosperous Panama.
Six Minutes to Freedom offers something increasingly rare in today’s era of self-proclaimed expertise: context. The United States has undeniably earned its reputation as a frequent meddler in global politics, which at times had a destabilization effect in Central and South America. However, as much as we may wish it to be, the world is not always black and white, with clear-cut good guys and bad guys.
Kurt Muse stands out as a figure who inspired those around him to envision a better Panama and a better world. This is evident throughout the book, as Gilstrap effectively captures the voices of those whose lives Muse touched most profoundly.
If you're seeking a book solely about Operation Acid Gambit, this might not fully meet your expectations. While the operation and its execution are covered, they serve as brief highlights rather than the book’s central focus. Instead, Gilstrap chooses to spotlight Kurt Muse and his colleagues' unwavering commitment to a free, fair, and prosperous Panama.
June 12, 2018
3.5 stars Book Club selection for June. Historical fiction - circa 1989 - Panama & an American man who was raised in Panama by his parents & decides to get involved in overthrowing the then dictator Manuel Noriega. However, he gets caught & is thrown in prison. The fallout is huge to his family, friends & business associates - all must leave Panama or face torture, prison or death. The "meat" of this story is his eventual rescue by the elite Delta Force.
I will add more after we review the book. Why 3.5 stars? Kurt Muse was a survivor & a patriot, but to call him a hero...........I'm not so sure.
I will add more after we review the book. Why 3.5 stars? Kurt Muse was a survivor & a patriot, but to call him a hero...........I'm not so sure.
June 6, 2021
We get the merest glimpse of the Panamanian regime under Manuel Noriega in an ok prison rescue yarn. It’s wanting in scenario and political intrigue and should be better for readers less interested in the complexities of the world and simply want one man’s prison experiences.
How did Panama become an ugly dictatorship?
If the rescue plan included the kidnapping of Noriega, why not tell how that part came out?
A point deducted for the “at the end of the day[s]" and “who did they think they were?” kind of cliche writing.
How did Panama become an ugly dictatorship?
If the rescue plan included the kidnapping of Noriega, why not tell how that part came out?
A point deducted for the “at the end of the day[s]" and “who did they think they were?” kind of cliche writing.
June 18, 2020
Excellent True Life Adventure
This reads more like historical fiction but in this case there is a real life hero who helped change the course of history for the better. We need more real heroes like Kurt is today's world more than ever.
A true must read!
This reads more like historical fiction but in this case there is a real life hero who helped change the course of history for the better. We need more real heroes like Kurt is today's world more than ever.
A true must read!
November 6, 2024
una historia real y fascinante
Leer este libro te revoca a la época previa a la invasión de Panamá . Una época que está muy poco documentada y con este libro, además de la acción y suspenso que te atrapa desde el prólogo, documenta una época de mucho dolor y sacrificio en Panamá
Leer este libro te revoca a la época previa a la invasión de Panamá . Una época que está muy poco documentada y con este libro, además de la acción y suspenso que te atrapa desde el prólogo, documenta una época de mucho dolor y sacrificio en Panamá
July 23, 2025
excellent! I read this because it was mentioned in another book. Very interesting, engaging page turner. truly makes you think how lucky some people have it when their nation will deploy a team to rescue a citizen in trouble.
May 30, 2020
Hands down the best book I have EVER read. Doing work in Panama the past few years, this gave me a great viewpoint of a pivotal moment in the US-Panamanian relations. Wow. Wow. Wow.
July 29, 2020
Wow
What a well written book. I had not heard this story before so I found it very intriguing. What all the players in this story went through was very scary but well executed.
What a well written book. I had not heard this story before so I found it very intriguing. What all the players in this story went through was very scary but well executed.
August 27, 2021
Thrilling read. Gilstrap at his best telling the real story of 1989 Panama, the rise of dictator Noriega, the imprisonment of and rescue of Kurt Muse.
April 16, 2022
A very entertaining and illumiating description of an American being arrested and jailed in Noriega's Panama. Easy to read although it bogs down slightly in spots with religious propaganda.
May 25, 2023
Great read. I couldn’t put it down.
Read
December 12, 2023Worth reading to get to final chapters. Riveting account of the protagonist's escape
January 22, 2024
Excellent read.
May 5, 2024
Scary, suspenseful and heart breaking at times especially knowing it was a true story.
August 18, 2025
A nonfiction that reads like a fiction. It kept me engaged. I enjoyed remember bits and pieces from when I was young.
November 28, 2022
I moved to Panama in August. I joined a book club and this was the book for the month. I really enjoyed it.
December 30, 2024
Was going to give this 3 stars because it jumped around timelines so much, but the last several chapters made it a 4 star book.
Read
October 16, 2014What an informative and moving story. Back when the Noriega political mess happened, I read the news and thought I knew the whole story about Panama. My eyes were opened with this remarkable story of a man and his family and friends that were wrapped up in it.
The heroics of Delta Team continue to fill me with appreciation for those brave men that go into the worst of situations and risk their lives to save others.
This is not fiction. This is about the life of man that suffered greatly to inspire his countrymen to fight for the freedom that Americans someitmes don't appreciate.
The heroics of Delta Team continue to fill me with appreciation for those brave men that go into the worst of situations and risk their lives to save others.
This is not fiction. This is about the life of man that suffered greatly to inspire his countrymen to fight for the freedom that Americans someitmes don't appreciate.
November 7, 2014
Really good non-fiction which reads like a an edge-of-your-seat thriller novel. It's an amazing story about the political corruption by Noriega in late-80's Panama and how the co-author (Kurt Muse) ended up a political prisoner in the infamous Modelo prison. The book culminates in a daring rescue mission by the US Delta Force, in the process making Muse the only American civilian ever rescued by the team. The real pictures and authors' notes add to the intrigue. It was a great read and certainly made me proud of the men and women who serve in our military.
July 8, 2021
This is not the sort of book I should like. I read it only because I was looking for an 'action' book for my P-for-Panama world reading challenge. It quickly turned into a can't-put-downer. I was completely drawn into this real-life adventure and learnt a lot about the Noriega years along the way. Entertainment plus Education - the two things I look for in a book of any genre - and 'Six Minutes to Freedom' ticked both boxes with 5 stars. Loved it!
August 26, 2016
This was wonderfully written. It is written in the 3rd person which shouldn't be because no one was really recording these incidences, but it really worked so I wouldn't change a thing. I remember the Noriega events - I was a teenager - which certainly added some enjoyment for me. I have already decided who should read it next and have passed it on.
October 12, 2015
Without Question, FIVE STARS
It is a true story. I remember a TV news item, this guy was coming home from a Panama prison. He was rescued. I should have remembered that, but after reading this book, I will remember he was rescued and I will be ever thankful for the soldiers, their superior officers and our government who brought him home. I will remember this book.
K Agle
It is a true story. I remember a TV news item, this guy was coming home from a Panama prison. He was rescued. I should have remembered that, but after reading this book, I will remember he was rescued and I will be ever thankful for the soldiers, their superior officers and our government who brought him home. I will remember this book.
K Agle
April 17, 2008
True story of rescue of an American ex-pat in Panama during Noriega's reign of power. Written in the style of a fictional thriller. A quick read- partly because it is hard to put down. Gives an idea of how the Army's elite Delta Force conducts a mission.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews