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Never Quit: How I Became a Special Ops Pararescue Jumper
Never Quit is the true story of how Jimmy Settle, an Alaskan shoe store clerk, became a Special Forces Operator and war hero. After being shot in the head during a dangerous high mountain operation in the rugged Watapur Valley in Afghanistan, Jimmy returns to battle with his teammates for a heroic rescue, the bullet fragments stitched over and still in his skull.
In a cross between a suicide rescue mission and an against-all-odds mountain battle, his team of PJs risk their lives again in an epic firefight. When his helicopter is hit and begins leaking fuel, Jimmy finds himself in the worst possible position as a rescue specialist―forced to leave members from his own team behind. Jimmy will have to risk everything to get back into the battle and bring back his brothers.
From death-defying Alaskan wilderness training, wild rescues, and vicious battles against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, Never Quit is an explosive special operations memoir unlike any that has come before, and the true story of a man from humble beginnings who became an American hero.
In a cross between a suicide rescue mission and an against-all-odds mountain battle, his team of PJs risk their lives again in an epic firefight. When his helicopter is hit and begins leaking fuel, Jimmy finds himself in the worst possible position as a rescue specialist―forced to leave members from his own team behind. Jimmy will have to risk everything to get back into the battle and bring back his brothers.
From death-defying Alaskan wilderness training, wild rescues, and vicious battles against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, Never Quit is an explosive special operations memoir unlike any that has come before, and the true story of a man from humble beginnings who became an American hero.
293 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2018
292 people are currently reading
1792 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
February 19, 2021
Never Quit, the title of this book describes the story of PJ Jimmy Settle perfectly. Through many setbacks in his life, he never quit to try to make himself the best and to become a PJ in the US Armed Forces. He chronicles his youth, his college days at the Naval Academy where he almost lost his life while running because of a heart condition where he got discharged on medical ground and then his recovery and ultimately becoming a PJ. He describes the training methods done to become part of this legendary unit and his subsequent career with them until being wounded in Afghanistan and again being declared medically unfit to continue serving. Thanks for an inspiring book Mr. Settle and for showing that you can always achieve your goals just by never quitting.
July 31, 2021
My brother, and hopeful future PJ, recommended this book to me.
I have the utmost respect for our military and especially the grind of our special ops guys. The bulk of this book told Jimmy's journey working through the pipeline to become a PJ and ended with his stint in Afghanistan.
Whenever I feel myself turning into a baby about something in my own life, be it work or whatever, all I have to do is find a book written by, or about, special ops, and I'm back to telling myself to snap out of it. Good book. The Audible narrator was excellent as well.
I'd rate this book an R for swearing, violence and gore, and other adult themes.
I have the utmost respect for our military and especially the grind of our special ops guys. The bulk of this book told Jimmy's journey working through the pipeline to become a PJ and ended with his stint in Afghanistan.
Whenever I feel myself turning into a baby about something in my own life, be it work or whatever, all I have to do is find a book written by, or about, special ops, and I'm back to telling myself to snap out of it. Good book. The Audible narrator was excellent as well.
I'd rate this book an R for swearing, violence and gore, and other adult themes.
August 8, 2018
This is a book about the process of becoming a Pararescueman (PJ). The theme of the book is “never quit.” Jimmy Settle had several setbacks, but he persevered in a tenacious pursuit of his dream of becoming a PJ. This book is not about Settle’s war experiences or Settle’s life as a PJ. For some reviewers, the full title was misleading. They expected more or, at least, they expected something different. The scope of this book is limited, so just adjust your expectations. This is no literary masterpiece, but the topic is interesting and Settle is like-able. I have no problem giving it four stars.
December 30, 2018
No doubt that the author, Jimmy Settle, is a hero. He did much and then he did even more. "Never Quit" is an apt name for this book and for Jimmy. We need more Jimmys in the world. I give him 5 stars, but not this book.
The writing wasn't the best. There was quite a lot of repetition. In one sentence something would be stated. Then in the very next sentence the exact thing would be stated but with different words. Also, there was significant emphasis put on little things that didn't add to this wonderful story. Unfortunately, this had a negative impact for me. So 3 stars.
The writing wasn't the best. There was quite a lot of repetition. In one sentence something would be stated. Then in the very next sentence the exact thing would be stated but with different words. Also, there was significant emphasis put on little things that didn't add to this wonderful story. Unfortunately, this had a negative impact for me. So 3 stars.
March 23, 2018
I wanted to love this book...
I really wanted to love this book. And the message is undeniably inspiring. But the book is almost 80% about the author going through PJ training. There is so much more that could be said about the Afghanistan deployment and other missions, but it’s actually a very small part of this book. If you want a very detailed look at what a person goes through to become a PJ, you will love this book. If you are looking for stories about PJs doing their jobs, this is not the book for you.
I really wanted to love this book. And the message is undeniably inspiring. But the book is almost 80% about the author going through PJ training. There is so much more that could be said about the Afghanistan deployment and other missions, but it’s actually a very small part of this book. If you want a very detailed look at what a person goes through to become a PJ, you will love this book. If you are looking for stories about PJs doing their jobs, this is not the book for you.
September 23, 2018
Beneath the tranquil beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, there lies a dark side to Mother Nature’s vast expanse. Enter the realm of the Air National Guard’s elite 212th Air Rescue Squadron. Home to the venerable Pararescue Jumpers, the PJs. An elite Tier-1 A-Team of over five thousand rescues in Alaska alone with more than two thousand lives saved over the years. The PJs are Alaska’s Superheroes whenever anybody’s in trouble, anywhere, anytime. Jacks of all trades in civilian and combat search and rescue, the PJs are to Search and Rescue what the Navy Seals are to the War on Terror. Long shrouded in mystique for decades from their humble origins in Vietnam, to the harrowing exploits of their sister PJs in the North Atlantic during The Perfect Storm; little is known about the reclusive world of the ultimate rescue squad… until now.
To fully understand and appreciate the life of a PJ, one would actually have to live and breathe it in every sense of the word. Meet Jimmy Settle, a former Alaskan PJ and War on Terror veteran, his memoir “Never Quit” explores the training, heart, valor and the sacrifice of a real-life Superman. Born in Alaska and inspired by the real-life rescue of his mother and grandmother who got in trouble during a river rafting accident, it was none other than the PJs who saw them safely back to dry land. After countless stories of what happened that day, the seed was planted into a young and ambitious Jimmy Settle who would go on to make it his life’s goal to become a PJ.
Here, Airman Settle embarks on the longest and toughest journey of his life. Upon completing Basic Training, he enlists into the Pararescue Pipeline for a two-year long odyssey to join the ranks of the elite and don the coveted Maroon Beret. Enduring horrendous physical exertion in the pool, to taking a myriad of advanced Paramedic courses all crammed into six months, and finally traveling to Kirkland Air Force Base for the crucible of training culminating with learning the ropes in desert survival and small unit tactics. With Settle’s Maroon Beret finally placed on his head, the real test of courage is yet to begin.
Returning to his home unit at the 212th, Settle receives more advanced training and becomes part of a brotherhood of exceptionally hard men who are there for everyone’s worst day. When 911 puts you on hold, that’s when the PJs spring into action. Ready and willing to make impossible rescues possible and in the worst of times, ready to lay down their lives so others may live. I was lucky to find this book on Audible. After listening to it, I was very impressed with Mr. Settle’s literary talent and the Narrator’s passionate delivery. Having seen numerous documentaries on the valor of the PJs and read inspiring books such as: “None Braver” and “Guardian Angel,” Jimmy Settle’s “Never Quit” is an excellent addition to any young adult’s or aspiring PJ’s library.
To fully understand and appreciate the life of a PJ, one would actually have to live and breathe it in every sense of the word. Meet Jimmy Settle, a former Alaskan PJ and War on Terror veteran, his memoir “Never Quit” explores the training, heart, valor and the sacrifice of a real-life Superman. Born in Alaska and inspired by the real-life rescue of his mother and grandmother who got in trouble during a river rafting accident, it was none other than the PJs who saw them safely back to dry land. After countless stories of what happened that day, the seed was planted into a young and ambitious Jimmy Settle who would go on to make it his life’s goal to become a PJ.
Here, Airman Settle embarks on the longest and toughest journey of his life. Upon completing Basic Training, he enlists into the Pararescue Pipeline for a two-year long odyssey to join the ranks of the elite and don the coveted Maroon Beret. Enduring horrendous physical exertion in the pool, to taking a myriad of advanced Paramedic courses all crammed into six months, and finally traveling to Kirkland Air Force Base for the crucible of training culminating with learning the ropes in desert survival and small unit tactics. With Settle’s Maroon Beret finally placed on his head, the real test of courage is yet to begin.
Returning to his home unit at the 212th, Settle receives more advanced training and becomes part of a brotherhood of exceptionally hard men who are there for everyone’s worst day. When 911 puts you on hold, that’s when the PJs spring into action. Ready and willing to make impossible rescues possible and in the worst of times, ready to lay down their lives so others may live. I was lucky to find this book on Audible. After listening to it, I was very impressed with Mr. Settle’s literary talent and the Narrator’s passionate delivery. Having seen numerous documentaries on the valor of the PJs and read inspiring books such as: “None Braver” and “Guardian Angel,” Jimmy Settle’s “Never Quit” is an excellent addition to any young adult’s or aspiring PJ’s library.
February 28, 2018
Never quit, by Jimmy settle is a book about following a dream. I really loved it because it went into depth how easy it can be to change your life with just a slite change of thought, also what the plebs/trainees had to do for training, such as the obstacle courses, the partner activities, next what the pranks that the Plebs played on each other, and lastly the brotherhood that is created from all the training. At the beginning of the book it talks about settles past, he was a very active kid who was always outside sun up to sun down. His mom made him get into track and field at a very young age when he went through grades still running track he became a very in shape kid. He went on to be a varsity runner for the academy. When settle started to run for the academy he started to have heart problems, he started to get very slow while running. In time Jimmy went to the doctor to see if anything was wrong. He found out that the tubes that supply blood to his body were getting clogged up and that they needed to undergo emetetly surgery. he got better but dropped out of the academy. He became a really out of shape man who was working at a running store. One day one of his old running buddies came and talked to him about what he was doing... A PJ officer. Part of the search and rescue team. once settle herd about this it was his lifetime goal to achieve this. The next thing that really made me love this book was the training. Settle went into the pipeline (The buds (navy seal training)for PJ officers). When in the pipeline you go through multiple stages, Air Force Basic Military Training, Air Force Pararescue / Combat Rescue Officer Development Course, Air Force Pararescue / Combat Rescue Officer Indoctrination Course, Air Force Combat Diver Course, Air Force Underwater Egress Training, Air Force Basic Survival School, Army Airborne School, Army Military Freefall Parachutist School, Air Force Pararescue EMT-Paramedic Course, and lastly, Air Force Pararescue Recovery Specialist Course. This all adds up to be, 83 weeks of training, or 19 months in this brutal training. From all this training the plebs would come out of this the best of friends because they have just endured some of the most physical and mental challenges there is.
February 23, 2024
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it started with the beginning of his career and what inspired him to become a PJ and followed through his journey. It also had great stories from his life and lessons he learned from training to become a PJ. I would recommend reading this book if you want to learn more about the process of becoming a pararescue jumper or are interested in this at all. Before selecting this book I think you need to know that the book mainly focuses on the main characters journey before he becomes a PJ. Although it talks about some of the missions he went on after, a lot of the book was about the trainings he had to go through.
December 5, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. Having served in the Air Force too I’ve never experienced camaraderie outside the military and this just made me want to do more for those that serve. This book goes to show that if you really want something bad enough you can have it. I’ve read this book 4 times and it is always my go too when I need to overcome something challenging in life.
March 9, 2025
Listened on Audible. Good narrator, though I don’t always agree with his pronunciation of Alaskan locations, personally…
My biggest takeaway is that I should hone the skill of visualization. He leans on it several times through this book and his life to help him succeed.
Great stories about his journey to be a PJ and about life in Alaska. An inspiring memoir, for sure!
My biggest takeaway is that I should hone the skill of visualization. He leans on it several times through this book and his life to help him succeed.
Great stories about his journey to be a PJ and about life in Alaska. An inspiring memoir, for sure!
November 28, 2023
Despite the similarities between the many memoirs of training and combat from America's elite service members, I will never tire of reading about all they endured and sacrificed to valiantly serve their country.
October 3, 2019
I think it was good book about our country for overseas and help other people if they want to try to become a jumper. I think it shape other people's minds.
December 25, 2019
Fascinating book. Unfortunately, the author is much better at saving lives and doing bad-@$$ stuff than writing books!
January 27, 2022
Excellent insight into the pararescue pipeline, while the larger story of the author's convoluted, difficult path is extremely inspiring.
December 3, 2018
The book that I have read is Never Quit by Jimmy Settle and Don Rearden. Jimmy is an accomplished pararescue jumper. This book's genre is a biography and was written by Jimmy himself. In the book, Jimmy talks about his older grandparents and how they died in a boat accident. His mother was the only one left in the family when the incident occurred. Jimmy was later on born. His mother made him sign up for Track & Field so that Jimmy would calm down. Jimmy was always an energetic person who just wanted to make friends. When he won his first ever state marathon, Jimmy made friends at school quite quickly. Some of the girls even started to pay attention to him. After Jimmy graduated from College, he went to the Naval academy to become a pararescue jumper. While he was at the academy he got a letter stating that he needed to see a doctor. That doctor was going to perform an operation. The reason for this was because Jimmy had found out that he had an extra electrical node which can be very bad to the heart and the brain. Later on, after the operation, Jimmy went back to the Academy where they taught everyone military training. Jimmy then goes on to earn his rank in the Navy’s Pararescue job. Later on, Jimmy’s first mission is fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan where he took a major bullet to the head that put him into the coma for days. Once Jimmy woke up, he got promoted up the ranks for his bravery and achievements. Jimmy retires after a few years and is now living with his family and kids.
Never Quit is a book about perseverance, courage, bravery, and also never quitting. Jimmy shows us how he battled through the toughest situations. I feel that this book is for those who do feel like giving up. Never Quit is a very good biography about Jimmy Settle and what he has accomplished so far. This book is a must read. In the book Jimmy took a bullet to the head, but after he still went back to battle. Not only is this book about someone’s life, but it is also about the actual experiences people get when they live in those situations. My reasoning for rating this book ⅘ stars is because the book is kind of slow, meaning that it kind of stays in the middle and then the fast-paced plot comes and then it resumes the same speed. But, I would believe that it is a great book and that if you like reading non-fiction, this is the book you would want to read.
Never Quit is a book about perseverance, courage, bravery, and also never quitting. Jimmy shows us how he battled through the toughest situations. I feel that this book is for those who do feel like giving up. Never Quit is a very good biography about Jimmy Settle and what he has accomplished so far. This book is a must read. In the book Jimmy took a bullet to the head, but after he still went back to battle. Not only is this book about someone’s life, but it is also about the actual experiences people get when they live in those situations. My reasoning for rating this book ⅘ stars is because the book is kind of slow, meaning that it kind of stays in the middle and then the fast-paced plot comes and then it resumes the same speed. But, I would believe that it is a great book and that if you like reading non-fiction, this is the book you would want to read.
June 22, 2020
I got this book at my school’s Scholastic Book Fair for my 10 year old son. I thought it sounded like something he would enjoy reading and of course to motivate him to continue to be a hard worker and have that never quit mentality. He often likes for me to read aloud the first chapter of a new book, so after doing that, I told him I would love to continue to read it when he finishes. Well, as it turns out, he quits reading “Never Quit” stating that he didn’t like it. So while in quarantine, I tell him I am going to read it out loud to him. I love the author’s journey to be a PJ and there is no doubt he’s got quite a story to tell, but the book just dragged on and was very repetitive. I quickly saw why my son started to get bored with it. There were also a handful of typos and the frequent use of “hell” and “sexy” was just awkward. I appreciate Jimmy and his service, but the book just wasn’t well written.
May 18, 2020
Honestly, I did not actually finish this book. There are VERY FEW books I will not be able to read to the last page. I believe in following through with what you start when it comes to books and movies because you never know when it's going to take a turn for the better. One of my best friends' husband is a PJ and I have read one other book by the author (Don Rearden). He is a local Alaskan author who was writing with a local Alaska PJ. I told my friend he could read the book when I was done, and we talked about how it was reading. When I sheepishly said it was hard to get through because the writing was a little poor, Jason smiled and said that I was not the only one who felt this way. Many PJs Jason worked with had read the book but most of them told him the same things I said. Not a terrible book, just not the best written work.
November 13, 2020
Saw this for the first time on the recommended display in the Anchorage Public Library. Family members recommended it both for Settles story and for Rearden's wit and charm. Disclaimer: the oldest served with the 212 2005 - 2008; the daughter married into the 212. Read a lot of these stories since I first read Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. Still read a lot of them. This is as good as any. The niece married a Marine Recon guy who had survived an IED. We're at the wedding reception sitting around the table and a couple of Marines came over because they'd heard there were PJs at the table. They just wanted to say 'thanks.' It seems there were times when no one would come for them, except the PJs.
November 21, 2020
Why did this book have to end!!! I became completely entranced from start to finish. Having serviced in Security Forces and attached to a Special Operations Squadron, this book took me back. Much respect goes to our Air Force Pararescue Jumpers (PJ). The training these men endure is physically, emotionally and intellectually challenging. The work they do beyond training is very important, and I truly feel they don’t get enough credit. ⭐️ x 10
January 1, 2018
This is another good account of the type action these people do to rescue people and keep our country free. Thanks to all who help and defend.
More Americans need to read and absorb these accounts and honor both the men and women who sacrifice their time, and all too often their lives to keep us free.
More Americans need to read and absorb these accounts and honor both the men and women who sacrifice their time, and all too often their lives to keep us free.
February 15, 2018
Great story about the Paramedic Jumpers - what it takes to qualify and the danger they face when finally on the job. This story is told from one man's viewpoint, but reveals the loyalty this group must have to survive at times of trouble. Best book I have read in a while!
March 22, 2017
The only book I have been able to find that talks about USAF PJs. Nowhere near as well written as, for example, Dick Couch's series.
June 14, 2017
Tried to read. Wasn't very good.
February 17, 2019
This would be a great book for reluctant teenage readers who are interested in military. The message was great, but the writing is choppy and sporadic.
June 26, 2019
It was OK for its genre, but it was very poorly ended. Abrupt.
Currently reading
March 3, 2020Author: Who is the author? What else has s/he written? Has this author won any awards? What is the author’s typical style?
Jimmy Seattle and he has not written anything else and the book hasn’t won any awards
Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, romance, poetry, youth fiction, etc.? Who is the intended audience for this work? What is the purpose of the work?
The book is a nonfiction work to inform about how a pararescue jumper
Title: Where does the title fit in? How is it applied in the work? Does it adequately encapsulate the message of the text? Is it interesting? Uninteresting?
It fits because he has to never quit throughout the book and keep pushing
Preface/Introduction/Table of Contents: Does the author provide any revealing information about the text in the preface/introduction? Does a “guest author” provide the introduction? What judgments or preconceptions do the author and/or “guest author” provide? How is the book arranged: sections, chapters?
Yes it does it tells about what is going to be said in the book
Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: Book jackets are like mini-reviews. Does the book jacket provide any interesting details or spark your interest in some way? Are there pictures, maps, or graphs? Do the binding, page cut, or typescript contribute or take away from the work?
It shows a picture of him in the helicopter before he has to do a rescue
Characters: Are there characters in the work? Who are the principle characters? How do they affect the story? Do you empathize with them?
Yes, the characters in the book stand out and massively affect the story and affects how he acts.
Themes/Motifs/Style: What themes or motifs stand out? How do they contribute to the work? Are they effective or not? How would you describe this author’s particular style? Is it accessible to all readers or just some?
The theme of this story is just to sorta never give up no matter how much you want Too it’s mind over matter
Argument: How is the work’s argument set up? What support does the author give for her/findings? Does the work fulfill its purpose/support its argument?
It definitely fulfills it’s purpose which is to help inform about the whole process of becoming a rescue
Key Ideas: What is the main idea of the work? What makes it good, different, or groundbreaking?
The main idea is to tell about his experiences of when he was training to be in one of the most elite group
Quotes: What quotes stand out? How can you demonstrate the author’s talent or the feel of the book through a quote?
On of the quotes that stands put Is when he was just shot and was bleeding and didn’t even know he for shot and had to ask the pilot what had just happened and said oh really that’s cool.
Jimmy Seattle and he has not written anything else and the book hasn’t won any awards
Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, romance, poetry, youth fiction, etc.? Who is the intended audience for this work? What is the purpose of the work?
The book is a nonfiction work to inform about how a pararescue jumper
Title: Where does the title fit in? How is it applied in the work? Does it adequately encapsulate the message of the text? Is it interesting? Uninteresting?
It fits because he has to never quit throughout the book and keep pushing
Preface/Introduction/Table of Contents: Does the author provide any revealing information about the text in the preface/introduction? Does a “guest author” provide the introduction? What judgments or preconceptions do the author and/or “guest author” provide? How is the book arranged: sections, chapters?
Yes it does it tells about what is going to be said in the book
Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: Book jackets are like mini-reviews. Does the book jacket provide any interesting details or spark your interest in some way? Are there pictures, maps, or graphs? Do the binding, page cut, or typescript contribute or take away from the work?
It shows a picture of him in the helicopter before he has to do a rescue
Characters: Are there characters in the work? Who are the principle characters? How do they affect the story? Do you empathize with them?
Yes, the characters in the book stand out and massively affect the story and affects how he acts.
Themes/Motifs/Style: What themes or motifs stand out? How do they contribute to the work? Are they effective or not? How would you describe this author’s particular style? Is it accessible to all readers or just some?
The theme of this story is just to sorta never give up no matter how much you want Too it’s mind over matter
Argument: How is the work’s argument set up? What support does the author give for her/findings? Does the work fulfill its purpose/support its argument?
It definitely fulfills it’s purpose which is to help inform about the whole process of becoming a rescue
Key Ideas: What is the main idea of the work? What makes it good, different, or groundbreaking?
The main idea is to tell about his experiences of when he was training to be in one of the most elite group
Quotes: What quotes stand out? How can you demonstrate the author’s talent or the feel of the book through a quote?
On of the quotes that stands put Is when he was just shot and was bleeding and didn’t even know he for shot and had to ask the pilot what had just happened and said oh really that’s cool.
November 28, 2021
Riveting And Awe Inspiring Story That is The Epitome Of What It Means To Be Resilient And To Persevere.
Jimmy Settle is one inspirational and thoroughly unique individual. I cannot even begin to tell you how impactful Jimmy’s journey from his childhood, through to his arduous training experience in the pararescue program was to me as the reader. If you were to look up the word “resilient” in the dictionary, I’m certain Jimmy Settle’s picture would be rightfully placed next to the word.
There is so much to be gained by reading this story. Though it is safe to say that most people will never achieve the “super hero” status Jimmy ultimately gained, everyone of us can become better individuals by adapting the techniques he used to survive and thrive during adversity. I was particularly fascinated with the “mental imagery” he learned from his track coach in high school which involves visualizing going through a challenge with strength, direction and purpose. Another valuable life lesson was “You can learn from failure and succeed or you can learn how to fail and never succeed.” Beautifully stated!
Jimmy struggled through many obstacles which included health issues, injuries, and failed attempts in his quest to become a PJ. I remember reading and audibly sighing and thinking, “not again!” But through all the adversity, and there were many, he NEVER QUIT.
We are graced with the privilege of riding along with him on the detailed journey through PJ training, and witness the deployment to Afghanistan and the human toll in the aftermath of a heinous brutal battle. Very graphic account!!!
We become aware of how humble a PJ is despite all that they risk “That Others May Live.” They provide top-notch medical care in truly adverse conditions. However, never call a PJ a hero. That title is reserved for those that gave their life in battle. That thought is eye opening especially in our civilian society where I felt for some time that “hero” is overused.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this story for everyone. Whether you are a man or woman this story is a must read. I am a woman that enjoys quality military romantic suspense novels. This story helped me gain valuable insight into the world of the military and specifically the pararescuemen. I am intrigued with what type of individual seeks out this kind of difficult and challenging life. This story helped me to understand why a little more clearly.
The Audible companion to this book is superbly narrated too! Great read that is life altering for all readers.
Jimmy Settle is one inspirational and thoroughly unique individual. I cannot even begin to tell you how impactful Jimmy’s journey from his childhood, through to his arduous training experience in the pararescue program was to me as the reader. If you were to look up the word “resilient” in the dictionary, I’m certain Jimmy Settle’s picture would be rightfully placed next to the word.
There is so much to be gained by reading this story. Though it is safe to say that most people will never achieve the “super hero” status Jimmy ultimately gained, everyone of us can become better individuals by adapting the techniques he used to survive and thrive during adversity. I was particularly fascinated with the “mental imagery” he learned from his track coach in high school which involves visualizing going through a challenge with strength, direction and purpose. Another valuable life lesson was “You can learn from failure and succeed or you can learn how to fail and never succeed.” Beautifully stated!
Jimmy struggled through many obstacles which included health issues, injuries, and failed attempts in his quest to become a PJ. I remember reading and audibly sighing and thinking, “not again!” But through all the adversity, and there were many, he NEVER QUIT.
We are graced with the privilege of riding along with him on the detailed journey through PJ training, and witness the deployment to Afghanistan and the human toll in the aftermath of a heinous brutal battle. Very graphic account!!!
We become aware of how humble a PJ is despite all that they risk “That Others May Live.” They provide top-notch medical care in truly adverse conditions. However, never call a PJ a hero. That title is reserved for those that gave their life in battle. That thought is eye opening especially in our civilian society where I felt for some time that “hero” is overused.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this story for everyone. Whether you are a man or woman this story is a must read. I am a woman that enjoys quality military romantic suspense novels. This story helped me gain valuable insight into the world of the military and specifically the pararescuemen. I am intrigued with what type of individual seeks out this kind of difficult and challenging life. This story helped me to understand why a little more clearly.
The Audible companion to this book is superbly narrated too! Great read that is life altering for all readers.
April 1, 2024
This book was 4.5 stars that definitely deserves to be rounded up to a 5.
An absolute thriller!!!! What really wowed me about this book was the writing style! It wasn’t the kind of book that tried to be suspenseful just to be suspenseful. The content of the book truly put you on the edge of your seat and I was always being caught off guard by what took place.
My favorite part of this book was the beginning. It was one of the most exciting intros to a book that I have ever read! I did not expect it to be so well written, but I was pleasantly surprised. His background and life story set a strong tone for the book.
Never quit is a mentality that everyone needs to learn. This book reopened my eyes to what it takes to be great and what it means to be a provider. Jimmy Settle’s use of the PJ mantra “That Others May Live” was a great reminder of the sacrifices that are made in order for the world to run properly. It inspired me to always do the most I can in my life. If I do or don’t make an excuse, the world will still go on. My actions will have consequences on other people. Decisions that give momentary comforts end up hurting you in the long run. I’ve read a number of books like this before, but I’m so glad I chose to have this one be a refresher for me.
Why 4.5 stars instead of a pure 5.0? As previously mentioned, the intro of the book made it start out at a 5+. I was still constantly entertained throughout the book, but there were points that could’ve been better. The emphasis on training was great, but I really loved when he talked about his real battles at the end of the book. It would’ve been great if Settle could’ve shifted some of his writing to his real life job as a PJ instead of simply the training to become one. That being said, I still loved the way he wrote about his training and maybe a longer book would’ve been the only solution to my small issue with it? Another really small thing to note… Settle’s comments throughout the book about girls was strange to me. I get that it was about book for dudes and everything, but I think that his affinity with girls during the book was unnecessary. That might’ve been the difference between a 4.5 and an outright 5.0 since it pulled down ooomph of the book for me.
All in all, I am so happy I read this book this year. It will empower me to do more and to continue to be a better person. Books like these teach you how to do everything in your life better, which is one of the most important things to me.
An absolute thriller!!!! What really wowed me about this book was the writing style! It wasn’t the kind of book that tried to be suspenseful just to be suspenseful. The content of the book truly put you on the edge of your seat and I was always being caught off guard by what took place.
My favorite part of this book was the beginning. It was one of the most exciting intros to a book that I have ever read! I did not expect it to be so well written, but I was pleasantly surprised. His background and life story set a strong tone for the book.
Never quit is a mentality that everyone needs to learn. This book reopened my eyes to what it takes to be great and what it means to be a provider. Jimmy Settle’s use of the PJ mantra “That Others May Live” was a great reminder of the sacrifices that are made in order for the world to run properly. It inspired me to always do the most I can in my life. If I do or don’t make an excuse, the world will still go on. My actions will have consequences on other people. Decisions that give momentary comforts end up hurting you in the long run. I’ve read a number of books like this before, but I’m so glad I chose to have this one be a refresher for me.
Why 4.5 stars instead of a pure 5.0? As previously mentioned, the intro of the book made it start out at a 5+. I was still constantly entertained throughout the book, but there were points that could’ve been better. The emphasis on training was great, but I really loved when he talked about his real battles at the end of the book. It would’ve been great if Settle could’ve shifted some of his writing to his real life job as a PJ instead of simply the training to become one. That being said, I still loved the way he wrote about his training and maybe a longer book would’ve been the only solution to my small issue with it? Another really small thing to note… Settle’s comments throughout the book about girls was strange to me. I get that it was about book for dudes and everything, but I think that his affinity with girls during the book was unnecessary. That might’ve been the difference between a 4.5 and an outright 5.0 since it pulled down ooomph of the book for me.
All in all, I am so happy I read this book this year. It will empower me to do more and to continue to be a better person. Books like these teach you how to do everything in your life better, which is one of the most important things to me.
October 12, 2021
The reason that I rated my choice book 4 stars out of five stars was because the story its self was really good. The reason I have to give it less stars is because when he is talking and describing his training for becoming a PJ is a very long part of the book and it is not the most entertaining part for me.
The parts that i liked in the book were when he was in high school and was running in Alaska. I also liked when he went off to the naval academy were when he was running track he collapses and almost died because of a heart condition he has. This was on of the many setbacks that he has in this book. When he was in Afghanistan he got a bullet fragment in his headed and he just got stiches over it with the bullet fragment still in his head to go back to Afghanistan.
My favorite quote from the story is when Jimmy thinks "My mind couldn't quite piece together what the silence meant. Major Adrain didn't quite . I knew that". The reason that this is my favorite quote is because it shows that Major Adrain worked hard and never gave up. This shows hard work and motivation. I think this shows that everyone and work hard and never quite if they have someone like major Adrain.
The book starts when he is in high school running track for his high school in the Alaskan wilderness. Then he goes to the naval academy where he almost dies when running from a heart condition he has. After that he goes to work in a shoe store when he meet a man in a his shoe store who is part of the pjs. Jimmy goes with him to the training area in Alaska to meet others. Jimmy then joins the pj and goes thought a ton of training 83 weeks of training so he can go to Afghanistan. When Jimmy and his crazy amazing unit of PJ get to Afghanistan. When he gets to Afghanistan he is wounded and get a bullet fragment in his skull. all he does about that is get stiches so he can return to action. He then gets injered again ad this time is it un fit to serve because of his injurie.
The theme of this book is the title. Jimmy never gives up even after so many setbacks. He get rejected injered kicked out out of shape and had to deal with death but after all that he still lived his dream of being a PJ. Jimmy had to work so hard he never quit when he was training even though he could have very easily.
The parts that i liked in the book were when he was in high school and was running in Alaska. I also liked when he went off to the naval academy were when he was running track he collapses and almost died because of a heart condition he has. This was on of the many setbacks that he has in this book. When he was in Afghanistan he got a bullet fragment in his headed and he just got stiches over it with the bullet fragment still in his head to go back to Afghanistan.
My favorite quote from the story is when Jimmy thinks "My mind couldn't quite piece together what the silence meant. Major Adrain didn't quite . I knew that". The reason that this is my favorite quote is because it shows that Major Adrain worked hard and never gave up. This shows hard work and motivation. I think this shows that everyone and work hard and never quite if they have someone like major Adrain.
The book starts when he is in high school running track for his high school in the Alaskan wilderness. Then he goes to the naval academy where he almost dies when running from a heart condition he has. After that he goes to work in a shoe store when he meet a man in a his shoe store who is part of the pjs. Jimmy goes with him to the training area in Alaska to meet others. Jimmy then joins the pj and goes thought a ton of training 83 weeks of training so he can go to Afghanistan. When Jimmy and his crazy amazing unit of PJ get to Afghanistan. When he gets to Afghanistan he is wounded and get a bullet fragment in his skull. all he does about that is get stiches so he can return to action. He then gets injered again ad this time is it un fit to serve because of his injurie.
The theme of this book is the title. Jimmy never gives up even after so many setbacks. He get rejected injered kicked out out of shape and had to deal with death but after all that he still lived his dream of being a PJ. Jimmy had to work so hard he never quit when he was training even though he could have very easily.
December 8, 2023
This book is the embodiment of the idea of self-determination and perseverance. Jimmy Settle was an energetic child who’s story begins in the suburbs of Anchorage, Alaska. Born to a single mother who had a very rough childhood due to a tragic boating accident that killed most of her family, his mother made sure to drill into Jimmy’s mind the importance of hard work, focus, and education from a young age. Looking to give him a positive release for all of his energy, she planted a love for running in his heart. As he grows, so does his love for running and he eventually begins to build his life around it, running competitively in high school. He grows to become one of the best runners in the state of Alaska and earns a scholarship to run for the Navy. Unfortunately, shortly into his college career, a career altering heart condition causes him to collapse at a meet, ending his professional career. Now looking for a new sense of purpose after the thing he has been doing all his life comes to an end, he learns from a friend at work about a thrilling job, becoming a Pararescuemen. After hearing of this job, Settle takes a chance and never looks back and ends up becoming a legend and a war hero in his field.
Reading this book provided me with a different perspective on life in general. Although I generally try to remain positive, it can be challenging most days to remain focused on goals. This book shows how much your mindset can change your life as long as you stay focused and gives off “If I can do it, you can too” vibes, for a lack of a better word. The best way I could describe the feeling I felt when reading this book was inspired, as Settle refused to let his past determine his future. When you read this book I too hope you will be inspired to change your life, even if the feeling is temporary.
In conclusion, this book is somewhat of an inspirational masterpiece as Settle’s humble beginnings and major setbacks give the reader hope that you truly can do anything you set your mind to do as long as you remain hopeful and focused, no matter how unrealistic it may seem.
Reading this book provided me with a different perspective on life in general. Although I generally try to remain positive, it can be challenging most days to remain focused on goals. This book shows how much your mindset can change your life as long as you stay focused and gives off “If I can do it, you can too” vibes, for a lack of a better word. The best way I could describe the feeling I felt when reading this book was inspired, as Settle refused to let his past determine his future. When you read this book I too hope you will be inspired to change your life, even if the feeling is temporary.
In conclusion, this book is somewhat of an inspirational masterpiece as Settle’s humble beginnings and major setbacks give the reader hope that you truly can do anything you set your mind to do as long as you remain hopeful and focused, no matter how unrealistic it may seem.
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