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Beyond Survival
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 to 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 of 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 of 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 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.
287 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
25 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 27, 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 recommended.
April 15, 2017
Great book. Very moving in parts as the author talks about his harrowing experiences as a POW. He is frank about some things a few other authors have left out in their stories.
As an aside, it was interesting how the Vietnamese would raise puppies till they were a few months old then a few of them would get together with sticks and chase them down and beat them to death before butchering them and eating them. They thought the adrenaline rush the puppies would have from being beaten to death made the meat taste better. It's always interesting to note how different some cultures are about some things.
As an aside, it was interesting how the Vietnamese would raise puppies till they were a few months old then a few of them would get together with sticks and chase them down and beat them to death before butchering them and eating them. They thought the adrenaline rush the puppies would have from being beaten to death made the meat taste better. It's always interesting to note how different some cultures are about some things.
June 17, 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 the worst side of humanity on one side and unparrelled resilience on the other. He, and his 400+ fellow prisoners demonstrated heroism and patriotism. Was it all in vain?
After WWI, A young Vietnamese man named ( ) attempted a meeting with President Roosevelt in Versailles, France and only left a letter asking him to support independence for Vietnam. After WWII, that same man asked President Truman to support an independent Vietman. That man had changed his name to Ho Chi Mein. Both attempts failed and an uprising against France's colonial rule over Vietnam broke out. The USA took over when France pulled out to stop the spread of communism.
Today, Vietnam is a free country and not a communist puppet. It's economy is healthy and has become tropical vacation hot spot. If Vietnam was given independence after WWI, would a Vietnam war been avoided? Was the horror which Coffee and his fellow prisoners been avoided?
Coffees book
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 the worst side of humanity on one side and unparrelled resilience on the other. He, and his 400+ fellow prisoners demonstrated heroism and patriotism. Was it all in vain?
After WWI, A young Vietnamese man named ( ) attempted a meeting with President Roosevelt in Versailles, France and only left a letter asking him to support independence for Vietnam. After WWII, that same man asked President Truman to support an independent Vietman. That man had changed his name to Ho Chi Mein. Both attempts failed and an uprising against France's colonial rule over Vietnam broke out. The USA took over when France pulled out to stop the spread of communism.
Today, Vietnam is a free country and not a communist puppet. It's economy is healthy and has become tropical vacation hot spot. If Vietnam was given independence after WWI, would a Vietnam war been avoided? Was the horror which Coffee and his fellow prisoners been avoided?
Coffees book
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 adversity is beyond what any person should ever have to endure. I am truly humbled by his sacrifice and love for America. Thank you Lieutenant Coffee for a novel I will never forget. GB & GBA!
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 adversity is beyond what any person should ever have to endure. I am truly humbled by his sacrifice and love for America. Thank you Lieutenant Coffee for a novel I will never forget. GB & GBA!
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.
April 9, 2020
Great nonfiction book about a Vietnam prisoner of war. A
April 9, 2014
One of the longest serving Vietnam POWs wrote one of the most compelling tales of POW survival I have read. It is really quite literary at time and is often refreshing honest. The story of routines and structure and keep sanity and hope are interesting, while the most cruel moment comes not from the torture, but the guards. They are convinced stressed dogs make better eating and cruelly corner and beat to death their canine dinner, puppies that are one of the things to observe through concealed cracks by nearly hopeless men. Surprising, they get to raise a bird "Charlie" and also making a brief appearance is John McCain. The author claims he survived as a "show prisoner" due to his father's Navy position.
It is very interesting to read Coffee's feelings on the growing anti-War movement, Fonda, and Bertrand Russell who he communicates with through a mysterious envoy. Stern stuff from one who felt dignity and betrayal.
It is very interesting to read Coffee's feelings on the growing anti-War movement, Fonda, and Bertrand Russell who he communicates with through a mysterious envoy. Stern stuff from one who felt dignity and betrayal.
October 23, 2014
This a wonderfully inspiring autobiographical account of Flt Lt Gerald Coffee's ability to overcome the odds and endure hardship and mistreatment, following his plane being shot down and being captured by The VC.
Gerald spent seven years as a captive in unimaginable conditions; he was tortured, beaten and spent many weeks at a time in solitary confinement, in a prison in Hanoi.
His indomitable spirit, powers of reasoning, strength of character and sheer tenacity are evident many times over in this very moving and powerful account and I hold Gerald in very high regard. Not only did he survive, he also encouraged fellow Prisoners of War, always believed and harbours no bitterness in his heart.
I highly recommend this book to those who love to read true, well written stories of overcoming against all odds!
Gerald spent seven years as a captive in unimaginable conditions; he was tortured, beaten and spent many weeks at a time in solitary confinement, in a prison in Hanoi.
His indomitable spirit, powers of reasoning, strength of character and sheer tenacity are evident many times over in this very moving and powerful account and I hold Gerald in very high regard. Not only did he survive, he also encouraged fellow Prisoners of War, always believed and harbours no bitterness in his heart.
I highly recommend this book to those who love to read true, well written stories of overcoming against all odds!
January 16, 2013
I rate this as my second favorite book I have ever read... however I didn't actually read the whole thing!! I know that sounds crazy. It is an amazing book but very hard to read because of the real violence he experienced. I have listened to his live presentations (audio recordings) and think he is one of the most inspring people I have ever listened to. Gerald Coffee is my hero and I am so grateful he shared his story of faith and trial.
December 29, 2013
If ever a memoir should have been written, this is the one.
Captain Gerald Coffee's has written an epic, and inspiring story of survival.
There were many parts that had me in tears. Especially toward the end after he was rescued.
Thank you Captain for sharing your story. I can only imagine how hard it was to write it all out. I will be recommending this to everyone who needs some inspiration.
Captain Gerald Coffee's has written an epic, and inspiring story of survival.
There were many parts that had me in tears. Especially toward the end after he was rescued.
Thank you Captain for sharing your story. I can only imagine how hard it was to write it all out. I will be recommending this to everyone who needs some inspiration.
September 10, 2012
A true tale of hardship and what it takes to overcome. Mr. Coffee did an excellent job of sharing his introspective views which he learned while a POW in the Hanoi Hilton. It never ceases to amaze me when reading POW autobiographies and biographies that it always revolves around faith, structure, and routine.
February 21, 2014
Powerful narrative of Captain Gerald Coffee's seven year ordeal as a POW in Hanoi, Vietnam. Proof positive of the invincible human spirit. Having visited Vietnam last summer and in particular Hai Lo Prison--I could see, smell, and hear his day-to-day observations. However, I am unable to fathom the cruelty, torture, indignity, and deprivation he endured. Fills one with gratitude.
July 23, 2008
In persons, Coffee is a great speaker and presenter. His story is extremely inspiring. The book translates vividly for the reader what a 7 year experience as a POW in Vietnam can be like. It made me appreciate my freedon and relative life of luxury even more.
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February 8, 2014Inspirational
This is a sorry of a true American and his great love of country and God. He sets the standard of what it means to be an American.His story will educate and inspire everyone to be a better American.God bless.
This is a sorry of a true American and his great love of country and God. He sets the standard of what it means to be an American.His story will educate and inspire everyone to be a better American.God bless.
August 16, 2013
Not an easy book to read. Gerald's experiences are unbelievably difficult to fathom how he handled them and what he has done are nothing short of amazing. Inspirational reading at its finest
April 7, 2014
Incredible story. I am amazed at those who were able to survive such terrible circumstances. I can't imagine being able to keep going day after day, year after year - such faith and determination.
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March 11, 2016paperback 4x6
June 27, 2015
Well written but I got lost in the detail after awhile.
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February 8, 2019Steady action. keeps your interest.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews