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Touching the Dragon: And Other Techniques for Surviving Life's Wars
“Jimmy Hatch is a personal hero of mine.”
—Anderson Cooper
“Irresistible. . . . A wounded SEAL’s shame becomes a salvation.”
—J. Ford Huffman, Military Times
James Hatch is a former special ops Navy SEAL senior chief, master naval parachutist, and expert military dog trainer and handler. On his fateful final mission in Afghanistan, his SEAL team was sent to recover Bowe Bergdahl—the soldier who deserted his post and fell into the hands of Al-Qaida and the Taliban. The mission went south, and Hatch was left with a shattered femur from an AK-47 round and the SEAL dog who fought alongside him was dead. As a result of his horrific leg wound, his twenty-four-year military career came to an end—and with it the only life he’d ever known.
In Touching the Dragon , we witness his long road to recovery. Getting well physically required eighteen surgeries, twelve months of recovery, and learning to walk again. But getting well mentally would prove to be much tougher, as he fought through the depths of despair, alcoholism, and the pull to end his own life. What emerges is a different kind of hero’s journey, one in which Hatch shows the courage it takes to confess, confront, and overcome his own brokenness. Through the love of family, friends, and his military dogs, Hatch learned remarkable tools and found his purpose, and now he wants to share this wisdom with the rest of us because we all have wounds.
—Anderson Cooper
“Irresistible. . . . A wounded SEAL’s shame becomes a salvation.”
—J. Ford Huffman, Military Times
James Hatch is a former special ops Navy SEAL senior chief, master naval parachutist, and expert military dog trainer and handler. On his fateful final mission in Afghanistan, his SEAL team was sent to recover Bowe Bergdahl—the soldier who deserted his post and fell into the hands of Al-Qaida and the Taliban. The mission went south, and Hatch was left with a shattered femur from an AK-47 round and the SEAL dog who fought alongside him was dead. As a result of his horrific leg wound, his twenty-four-year military career came to an end—and with it the only life he’d ever known.
In Touching the Dragon , we witness his long road to recovery. Getting well physically required eighteen surgeries, twelve months of recovery, and learning to walk again. But getting well mentally would prove to be much tougher, as he fought through the depths of despair, alcoholism, and the pull to end his own life. What emerges is a different kind of hero’s journey, one in which Hatch shows the courage it takes to confess, confront, and overcome his own brokenness. Through the love of family, friends, and his military dogs, Hatch learned remarkable tools and found his purpose, and now he wants to share this wisdom with the rest of us because we all have wounds.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2018
73 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 16, 2018
For anyone who wants to know what life is like not just on the battlefield but when you return home, Hatch writes with an honesty and openness about the “second war” that service members face when they come home. We honor the dead this weekend but we must honor those who have sacrificed and still walk among us in silent pain.
October 27, 2018
Everything you ever wanted to know about the personal effects of war on man and beast, and then some.
June 17, 2018
This is a very moving story of one man's descent into the maelstrom of mental illness, alcoholism and drug addiction and the compassion and dedication of friends and strangers that rescued him.
June 9, 2018
I absolutely loved this book for so many reasons. I appreciated getting a glimpse into the life of being a Navy SEAL. I’ve always wondered what motivates folks to do what they do—especially this type of work where you put your life on the line on a pretty regular basis.
I also appreciated the insight into what soldiers go through when they are injured. It was incredibly brave for Jimmy to share how he struggled with PTSD and guilt. It is only through sharing experiences that others will learn they are not alone. So happy he is using his many talents to continue to help other humans and dogs. No man is an island, and this book really drove that point home.
I also appreciated the insight into what soldiers go through when they are injured. It was incredibly brave for Jimmy to share how he struggled with PTSD and guilt. It is only through sharing experiences that others will learn they are not alone. So happy he is using his many talents to continue to help other humans and dogs. No man is an island, and this book really drove that point home.
June 2, 2018
There are some books that are gripping page-turners that won’t allow you to lay them down. There are some books full of self-help advice that makes you step back and reassess how the hell you’re conducting your day-to-day life. There are some books that give you precious insider’s insight into foreign affairs being conducted half a world away. There are some books that sound the depths of the human soul and give us a reading on the hopes and dragons that sleep there. There are some books that make you laugh out loud and shake your head. There are some books that embarrass you because they make you weep in your middle seat on an airplane. There are some books that change who you want to be.
There are precious few books that do all of these. This is one of them.
This is not a review, it’s a request. I’m requesting that you read this book. Not for you, but for me, for all of us. If enough people read this book there might be just a little bit less condemnation of others without knowing their stories. There might just be a few more human chains of love pulling others to safety.
There are precious few books that do all of these. This is one of them.
This is not a review, it’s a request. I’m requesting that you read this book. Not for you, but for me, for all of us. If enough people read this book there might be just a little bit less condemnation of others without knowing their stories. There might just be a few more human chains of love pulling others to safety.
July 8, 2018
Wasn't what I was expecting. I was thinking it would be more like "No easy day". After realizing what it was, I enjoyed it but it wasn't extremely compelling. Glad I read it, but certainly do not need to read it again. This is a true story of the struggle a soldiers faces after battle. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in his shoes.
Audible
Audible
May 28, 2018
I loved this book!
I loved this book for many reasons. It made me laugh; it made me reflect; it made me happy; it made me sad; it made me angry. I felt very connected to Jimmy. If you’ve ever struggled with demons in your life, read this book!
I loved this book for many reasons. It made me laugh; it made me reflect; it made me happy; it made me sad; it made me angry. I felt very connected to Jimmy. If you’ve ever struggled with demons in your life, read this book!
December 28, 2018
out f'n standing!!!
June 23, 2019
Powerful
July 2, 2018
Are you a fan of Navy Seal literature? Need I say anymore?
August 19, 2018
Great book. I thought the parts with Rep. Giffords in it were interesting.
July 28, 2025
Touching the Dragon by James Hatch is an exceptional memoir that blends vivid storytelling, raw honesty, and deep compassion. Jimmy takes you from the intensity of combat missions as a Navy SEAL to the even more harrowing battle with personal trauma and recovery. The writing is superb—tight, emotional, and impactful—and the storytelling is so engaging that you feel like you're right there beside him through every high and low.
What really stands out is how much of Jimmy’s personality shines through. His humor, humility, and fierce compassion are woven throughout the book. You don’t just read about a brave and tough operator—you come to know a deeply human guy who continued to serve long after his military career ended, saving the lives of both people and dogs through his work with Spike’s K9 Fund. His grit and character don’t stop at the battlefield; they transcend into every aspect of his civilian life.
On a personal note, when I first started CrossFit, I was severely overweight. During a 400-meter warm-up run, I gave up halfway through and started walking while the rest of the group pulled ahead. Not long after, I heard a metal clanking sound behind me and Jimmy shouting, “If my crippled ass catches you, I’m gonna beat your ass!” It was hilarious—and exactly what I needed to push through and finish the run. That’s Jimmy in a nutshell: brutally honest, incredibly funny, and fiercely motivating in a way only someone who’s lived through hell and come out stronger can be.
Touching the Dragon isn’t just a war story—it’s a deeply human story about pain, vulnerability, and redemption. Jimmy’s willingness to be vulnerable and share his struggles with PTSD and suicidal thoughts is not just brave—it’s transformative. This book is a gift, and I recommend it to anyone who appreciates a powerful story about resilience, purpose, and the long road back from darkness.
What really stands out is how much of Jimmy’s personality shines through. His humor, humility, and fierce compassion are woven throughout the book. You don’t just read about a brave and tough operator—you come to know a deeply human guy who continued to serve long after his military career ended, saving the lives of both people and dogs through his work with Spike’s K9 Fund. His grit and character don’t stop at the battlefield; they transcend into every aspect of his civilian life.
On a personal note, when I first started CrossFit, I was severely overweight. During a 400-meter warm-up run, I gave up halfway through and started walking while the rest of the group pulled ahead. Not long after, I heard a metal clanking sound behind me and Jimmy shouting, “If my crippled ass catches you, I’m gonna beat your ass!” It was hilarious—and exactly what I needed to push through and finish the run. That’s Jimmy in a nutshell: brutally honest, incredibly funny, and fiercely motivating in a way only someone who’s lived through hell and come out stronger can be.
Touching the Dragon isn’t just a war story—it’s a deeply human story about pain, vulnerability, and redemption. Jimmy’s willingness to be vulnerable and share his struggles with PTSD and suicidal thoughts is not just brave—it’s transformative. This book is a gift, and I recommend it to anyone who appreciates a powerful story about resilience, purpose, and the long road back from darkness.
June 29, 2021
"People will rightly assume and that I saw amazing things as a warfighter. But I saw equally amazing things as a recovering person.
In gun fights, what made us potent was not the gear, guns, and macho nonsense that movies and video games sensationalize. It was drive, professionalism, and love for each other- the same traits I saw in the segment of society that saved my life and repaired my spirit after I was shot. The difference is, the heroes of my second war will never get medals for the work they did."
In gun fights, what made us potent was not the gear, guns, and macho nonsense that movies and video games sensationalize. It was drive, professionalism, and love for each other- the same traits I saw in the segment of society that saved my life and repaired my spirit after I was shot. The difference is, the heroes of my second war will never get medals for the work they did."
June 26, 2021
Let me say what this book is not. It is not the chronicles of the heroic exploits of a superman Navy Seal who rides off into the sunset. There’s nothing whitewashed about it. It is an open, thoughtful telling (and it’s very well told) of the building up, breaking down, and rebuilding of a man who went through hell and back, as many in our military have. It’s about the fierce love that got him through — his wife, his brothers in arms, and the dogs. The dogs! The heroes that I’d never even heard about. This book made me laugh, cry, gasp, and think whole a lot about so many things — the complexities of war, PTSD, policy, what these special ops guys go through, friendship, love, and of course the dogs. An amazing, important story.
June 12, 2021
Really puzzled by anything less than a 5 star review here. I’ve read almost every SEAL book out there and this either tops the list or is #2 next to Fearless. Incredible story from the warriors that do the US’ dirty work: defending freedom around the world. Read it. Understand the hidden scars of wars. Be like the fly fisherman.
March 7, 2025
I read this book for research, but I sincerely enjoyed it. There were moments I was laughing and others where I was crying. The focus on mental health and the struggle to battle many “wars” was described in a way that was relatable for being so unlike any of my own experiences.
There is something to learn on every page.
4 ⭐️
There is something to learn on every page.
4 ⭐️
September 15, 2019
Excellent read
Recommended for anyone to read. Even if you’re not going through one of life’s ambushes doesn’t mean someone you know and care about isn’t. This booked helped solidify my ideals and opened my eyes up to a lot more.
Recommended for anyone to read. Even if you’re not going through one of life’s ambushes doesn’t mean someone you know and care about isn’t. This booked helped solidify my ideals and opened my eyes up to a lot more.
April 2, 2024
An incredibly touching book about the impacts of war on the individual mind and body. Jimmy is an excellent story teller and the flow of this book makes it a very easy read. It feels as if he is sitting in the room with you and just having a casual conversation.
October 17, 2018
I like the first part of the book best - his descriptions of going into battle and what that was like. The story of his recovery and aftermath wasn't written as well in my opinion.
March 27, 2020
WOW
What an excellent, inspiring, honest look at the human spirit.
It’s also a Great Story!
I feel it was a privilege to be let into Jimmy’s world.
Thanks for sharing, James!
What an excellent, inspiring, honest look at the human spirit.
It’s also a Great Story!
I feel it was a privilege to be let into Jimmy’s world.
Thanks for sharing, James!
December 13, 2022
Decent at best, very repetitive and slow at some parts, some pretty cool and interesting stories at other but those are very short lived
October 20, 2025
🎧 my appreciation for those who serve, my knowledge on wartime logistics, and my awe for trained dogs all grew from this piece. 👏
July 17, 2020
Amazing story of an incredible man and his journey through his life's challenges. Highly recommend for anyone seeking greater insight into the complexity of emotions that face those who protect our shores overseas. Always thankful for individuals like James Hatch protecting America abroad and improving it at home.
June 28, 2020
Incredible story, even more incredible journey.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews