Sub Tales: Stories That Seldom Surface

by Charles Hood, Frank Hood

This is our top-selling book over the last three years and a good choice to dive into our multi-book series about the grand history of the US Submarine Force. Sub Tales (subtitled, Stories that Seldom Surface) has most recently been fully updated in October 2023. Every chapter has been edited with an emphasis on greater clarity and enhanced historical accuracy. More background information on the subject at hand is included, and new cross-references have been added to the other books in the series. Packed with more than three dozen gripping stories from the annals of US submarine history, Sub Tales attempts to convey some of the drama, adventure, and humor that has typified service aboard the submarines of the US Navy over the past 100+ years. Included in this edition is a new completely new story about polar bear sightings by submarines, and a new description of an unlikely rescue at sea by the Seadragon! The 40 stories are accompanied by more than 200 photos as well as a bonus section that includes seven “submarine lists” certain to entertain the reader. As a compendium, the book may be read in any order. Stories vary in length from short to medium to long. You decide the reading order.The topics range from presidential visits to inadvertent whale strikes to dramatic brushes with death. Also featured are detailed stories of uncommon bravery and sacrifice. You will learn a lot about the mettle of the men who “rode the boats” in the defense of the United States. Written for both submarine veterans and civilian enthusiasts, the language is clear and correct. You will have a hard time putting the book down once you begin it!We are pleased to have benefited from the considerable skills of two associate editors. Mike Chapman and Keith Weitemeyer are two literate students of submarine history, and their editorial perspectives are found throughout the book to tighten up narratives, keep language choices in certain passages on point, and draw larger conclusions from many of the stories included herein. The authors also relied greatly on the expertise of several additional submarine veterans who reviewed passages about propulsion, electrical systems, weapons systems, and more.Chosen by BookAuthority as one of the ten best submarine books in the world for five years running (2019-2023), Sub Tales has consistently earned solid reader ratings and sold thousands of copies. Together with its three sequels (More Sub Tales, Sub Tales 3, and Sub Tales 4, the four-book "Sub Tales" series represents a distinctive collection of some of the finest stories of intrigue and courage of the US Submarine Force. Along with the other four true-life books of the US Submarine Force written by the authors--Poopie Suits & Cowboy Boots and The Silent Service Remembers (Vols. 1, 2, and 3), you are guaranteed to be entertained and informed for hours by the many deeds of the Silent Service.The authors are proud to add that they donated the profits from all book sales for the first $50,000 earned to the Charitable Fund of the US Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI). This philanthropic goal was reached in May 2021. Thank you for your interest in our books!

Genres: Nonfiction

608 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2019

About the author

Charles Hood is the medical director of the radiology department at Laurens County Hospital in Upstate South Carolina. A graduate of the University of South Carolina and Wake Forest University, he has 30 years of physician experience in the specialty of Diagnostic Radiology. For his contribution to submarine history and philanthropy, Charles was awarded the Robert Link National Commander’s Award in 2020. He lives with his wife Anita on Lake Murray near Columbia, South Carolina. Charles enjoys writing, family history, hiking near his hometown of Pickens, reading (especially American history), and guitar.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A varied collection of stories and trivia well worth the read for those interested in submarines. Unlike the numerous other books you'll find that detail sub exploits and missions, this one focuses more on the off-beat or unusual story.

[Dana McNeely · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and entertaining collection of stories at sea

I’ve heard you can’t tell a book by its cover, and that may or may not be true. However, I am a sucker for a great title. “Sub Tales: Stories That Seldom Surface” made me laugh, and I was hooked.

I enjoyed the humor in many of the stories, my heart hurt from the pathos in others. There’s a good bit of adventure and drama throughout. And though I’ve never stepped foot in a submarine, this book taught me more about them than I thought possible.

Using interviews and written resources, Charles and Frank Hood inform readers about the history and world of submarines. This is not dull or dry, as you might imagine, but kindly informative. Sort of like your Uncle Jack telling you stories about his time under the waves and answering all your questions as he goes along.

The narrator, Joseph Courtemanche, is perfect for this book. His deep, clear voice is always distinct and easy to listen to. He intuitively slows when reading a complex description, allowing the reader to absorb the information.

If you enjoy military history or first-person accounts, you’ll love Sub Tales. However, if you’re like me, a woman of more than a certain age, no knowledge of subs, but possessing a curious mind, you’ll probably love it, too. Check out the preview and see if you agree.

[Kent A. Bahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoyed this book! it put me in the boat with these excellent sailors. Actually I wish I could have served on any of those great boats! I tried joining navy in 67 with hope to go to submarine training but failed entrance due to my eyesight. Still a great disappoint to me!!! Did serve in Vietnam in US Army. But would almost give my left arm (I'm right handed) to go out on a cruise. And yes I'll work proudly in galley so as not to waste oxygen! Anyway, this is a super book for buffs like me who whole life is wishing to be on a boat, so instead enjoy so much reading experiences of those who did the work and got to!!! PS...Edward L Beach is a hero of mine!!! I have all his books.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the submarine service I have ever read. I liked it as each chapter is a different story. I learned an incredible amount of little known history and tradition about the silent service. The authors have written two more books filled with vignettes that I plan to read this year. Easy to read, filled with facts and stories, and at the end, will reinforce your gratitude to the men who do this for a career.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique perspective of those who have served on submarines.



Excellent book, well written, engrossing, and the personal accounts really takes you into the experience of those who lived the life.




What also makes this book so fascinating in the way it reveals both the durability and the frailty of the boat and the crew.

[Harold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where is the Barbel, Blueback and the Bonefish. That three ship class of DBF's were critical poking

I lime the context and the stories. I served on the Bonefish SS-582. I will look for more of your work.

[Kathy Fritschi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silent,warm & hidden

How to remain sane in an insane environment to keep our world safe.I liked the stories and the inane pranks that helped submariners stay sane.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good steady read.

Interesting and easy to read. The individual stories are not very long, which makes the book easy to put down and start up again.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterful account of multiple true stories from the Sub Force.

This is a great collection, each story is well written, captivating and full of so much vivid moments.

[Reader]

Interesting stories but poor editing was distracting - too much repetitive information.