Hell Week and Beyond: The Making of a Navy SEAL

by Scott McEwen

Hell Week in Navy SEAL training is the ultimate test--and it lives up to its name.
Surviving Hell Week will take the reader to the sands of Coronado Beach in San Diego, where Navy SEALS are put through the most grueling training known to mankind. Of the 18 months required to become a SEAL, one week will cause over half of the trainees to quit "ring the bell." Only the toughest make it through, and in this book McEwen will interview those who do and those who don't. Grit, commitment, heart, and soul are needed to become a Navy SEAL because these are the elite forces who go into the toughest battles for America. Many of the most well known SEAL warriors will be interviewed for this book and provide the stories of what got them through and the humor of those that made it.


Those that make it almost always have one thing in common: humor. Find out why!

Part Top Gun, part Bull Durham, the book will deliver the goods for those in the know and general readers who admire the elite forces for all they do.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

Published May 18, 2021

About the author

Scott McEwen is a trial attorney in San Diego, California. He grew up in the mountains of Eastern Oregon where he became an Eagle Scout; hiking, fishing, and hunting at every opportunity presented. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Oregon and thereafter studied and worked extensively in London, England. Scott works with and provides support for several military charitable organizations, including the Seal Team Foundation.

Scott's interest in military history, intense patriotism, and experience with long-range hunting rifles, compelled him to accurately record the battlefield experiences of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in United States military history.

Japanese: スコット マキューエン

Reviews

[Thomas Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read this book you will understand my headline comment. In my opinion this is a 3 1/2 star book and a good read for anyone thinking about attempting to become a seal or at least what one goes through in trying to become a seal and what they face going through "Hell Week" . This has to be one of the hardest test for a human body. The author through his contacts with Seals, Seal Instructors and those who have dropped out. And writing a story from the view point of view from a individual first going to the recruiting office and eventually going through Hell week and everything they face. This would seem to one of the better resources for someone to read if they are considering an attempt to join this band of brothers. There are three things I that in my opinion could have been left out of the book. 1) Any of the political rants . 2) The long introduction by the author. 3) The sophomoric description of the high school kid and the girlfriend. Over all a good read about some of what it takes to be military elite.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am probably not who you’d picture reading this book, but it was quite good! I am female and not in any way associated with the military, but the description of the Navy SEAL training was intense, fascinating, and inspiring. There are lessons to be learned for anyone in this book! I am surprised there are people who can still make it through this training/torture as our society seems to be getting more sensitive as time goes on.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have books arranged by interest in my “to be read” pile. When I received this book it went straight on top of my pile. Years ago when I had just finished basic training in Orlando, Florida I befriended a Navy Seal. I need to tell you that I was in awe of him. He wasn’t just tough as a nail, he was the hammer driving the nail. So “Surviving Hell Week & Beyond” was special for me.
The author, Scott McEwen, interviews those that survived Hell Week as well as those that didn’t. These interviews are full of emotion and pulled at my heart. I thought I knew quite a bit about the training but I realize now it was even more brutal. The sheer determination and drive of the Seals is amazing and after reading this book I have even more admiration for my long lost friend. This book really gives us, the readers, an inside glimpse of what it takes to become a Navy Seal and to be a Navy Seal.
I highly recommend “Surviving Hell Week & Beyond”, it is a great read. I commend the author for writing this book, the Navy Seals deserve it!
I received this book in a gracious giveaway on Goodreads by Center Street. I am so happy to now own a copy!

[Paul Pessolano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read several books on becoming a Navy Seal and still amazed that anyone would go through this punishment. Most of these books concentrated on the rigors of Hell Week. This book is different in that it takes the exercise and attempts to like. It to one’s everyday life. This would have been wonderful if it works, it doesn’t. What makes it worse is that the author makes his assumptions after each chapter and then repeats it at the end of the book. The book still has merit in that it should discourage anyone with Seal aspirations to seriously think if they want to go through this knowing it is just the beginning of the evercises, which the author fails to mention.

[Kaylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not what I expected at all. Maybe that’s my fault, although I think it’s more so false advertising. I went into this expecting a true, non fiction book on the subject of BUD/S training for SEALs. What I got was a fiction story with sexism, political rants, and “self help” lessons. Seemed juvenile and naive. I appreciated the quotes from former Navy SEALs, but other than that, there was not much as far as real life experience. I suppose this would be best for those who are thinking about going to BUD/S.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing! Navy Seals are bad ass and I love reading about them. This was written in the second person perspective so really gave a nice view of Hell Week specifically and the lessons us civilians can can away for it for use in our life.

However, this book got political when it didn’t need to. Learned some new things so over all an enjoyable read.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

#HellWeekAndBeyond by #ScottMcEwen is absolutely a detail, well-written book on how to survive being a Navy Seal! Wow! The obstacles, challenges and determination these young men and women have to go through to be the elitist of the elites! A must read and to all my co-workers, friends and all the men and women in uniforms who served this wonderful country, thank you! 5⭐️

[Gopal Sadagopal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book but intended more for someone who wants to really understand what it will take to become a seal. The author emphasizes the key learnings that are generally well known - 'Never quit', 'be there for the team', etc.

[Terrence · Rating 1 out of 5]

For someone who says he has a lot of SEAL friends, the author doesn’t know a sailor from a soldier. He mentions a Navy recruiter is a sergeant even though there are no sergeants in the Navy. Why read someone who can’t get simple basics right.

[Greg Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not having served in the military myself but the father of a son who is military bound, I found the stories of those who undergo BUDS training quite fascinating. I have tremendous respect for those who make it through this program to serve our country

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed insight into something that most Americans will never experience or truly comprehend. Adds a greater appreciation to the men that survive the test of Hell Week in the name of being the best they can for their nation.

[Bryn Hope Scherbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! Honestly made me cry

[Joshua · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are much better books on SEAL training and Hell Week.
This is just young adult fiction for teen boys and weekend wannabes.
Overly political, sexist and juvenile.
Very disappointing.

[Jason Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could have done w/o the snide political remarks, but overall a pretty interesting look at Hell Week.

[Muhammad Sutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a decent book. However, it is not the type of book I would read for a second time.

[Frankie H. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

stunning

To think someone could survive this is awesome. Take’s a special person to have the willpower and ability to complete this!

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masochist is the key

Reading the contents of this book I believe that anyone that volunteers with knowledge of what they must endure during “ HELL WEEK “ is masochistic.

[Bill · Rating 1 out of 5]

blah

Interesting read if you can get past the 1st grade level right wing indoctrination. Read other works and ignore the politics.

[Jason Robinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle. Shallow. Repetitive. Nothing new here…

[Lb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn’t get past the beginning pages because it was written in the second person.

[Deepika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty intense!

[Ca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a great glimpse into what it takes to be a Navy Seal. Can feel the things these guys are going through as you read it. My favorite thing about it though is, at the end of each chapter he has a lesson, and each one pushes you to keep going, even past your own limits. Never settle, and never quit!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - not my normal read but it was fast-paced and shocking to discover what the SEALS go through during Hell Week. My only gripe is that I could have done without the author’s personal comments on his recent divorce and his political views. They were unnecessary to the story which was otherwise told in a very effective “this is happening to you” narrative style.

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to the author and the publisher for my copy.

[Morgan Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking to understand the depths of the torture that SEALs endure during Hell Week. Read this book. It is simply that. I read as much as I can about the SEALs so I picked this up at an AirBnB in Hilton Head and was interested enough to finish it.
Be aware that the author is very clearly conservative/Republican and occasionally interjects his opinions and viewpoints on the government into his descriptions of Hell Week. Take with that what you want. I lean liberal and read those parts with a bit of an eye roll as it seemed wholly unnecessary to the goal of the book.

[Scott Levy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Serious military readers beware-this is fiction. The story is told in the second person and is a ficticious amalgamation of accounts and interviews the author has collected. Fine, whatever. But nowhere on the jacket or otherwise does the author advertise this fact. I thought this was going to be a good read about Bud/s and what it takes. Instead I got the authors opinion of what it would be like to go there. Also as an added bonus there self help snippets at the end of every chapter to help the reader survive their own personal “hell week”. The story was actually readable but it is just that, a story. Minus one million stars for lack of truth in advertising.