10 Navy Seals Books to Add to Your Reading List

Published: December 2, 2021

These Navy Seals books offer you an insider's look at what it's like to be a part of this elite military team. These books will tell you about important campaigns including the hunt for Bin Laden. 

You'll learn about what it takes to become a Navy Seal, how they train, and other stories from inside the team. 

Navy Seals Books

1. Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win

Extreme Ownership

Written by: Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

Published: October 20th, 2015

Pages: 320

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win is a book written by Jocko Willink, who was the commander of SEAL Team 3's Task Unit Bruiser during the Battle of Ramadi in 2006, where he led his men in fighting back al-Qaeda insurgents. That battle scene descriptions alone are enough of a reason to buy it.

Jocko Willink's book talks about how to lead people not only with words but also with actions. You will learn all about how to look at problems, handle situations, and motivate and lead others just like he did.

2. Fearless: The Heroic Story of One Navy SEAL's Sacrifice in the Hunt for Osama Bin Laden and the Unwavering Devotion of the Woman Who Loved Him

Fearless

Written by: Eric Blehm

Published: May 22nd, 2012

Pages: 256

Eric Blehm's book, Fearless: The Heroic Story of One Navy SEAL's Sacrifice, is an enlightening and inspiring narrative that chronicles the life of Adam Brown. This book reveals how he went from being a troubled child to becoming one of the most elite members of the U.S. military.

It follows his journey through childhood up until his death during Operation Redwing, where he gave his life for those around him despite being mortally wounded himself. After reading this true story, readers will be inspired by how Adam never let anything get in the way of what was important to him; family, faith, duty, and country.

>> More about the Afghanistan War

3. Service: A Navy SEAL at War

Service: A Navy SEAL at War

Written by: Marcus Luttrell and James D. Hornfischer

Published: May 8th, 2012

Pages: 384

Service: A Navy SEAL at War is a book written by Marcus Luttrell about his time as a Navy SEAL and all his missions. The book follows him from boot camp to Operation Red Wing, where he was on a mission with three other men when the Taliban ambushed them. This firsthand account gives an insight into what it's like to be part of special military operations and how difficult and dangerous their job can be.

It also shows us that even though these people are risking their lives every day for our safety, we don't know much about them or what they have been through. At least not until someone writes a book like this one. Lastly, it gives insight into his issues, such as PTSD, after the war ended.

4. Seal Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy Seal Sniper

Seal Team Six

Written by: Howard E. Wasdin and Stephen Templin

Published: May 10th, 2011

Pages: 331

After spending 20 years in the United States Navy as a member of SEAL Team Six, Howard Wasdin has written his memoirs. In Seal Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy Seal Sniper, he reflects on some of his most amazing memories and experiences with the team. A few stories shared include how he had to shoot down two Somali pirates who had hijacked the Maersk Alabama cargo ship off the East Coast of Africa, how they infiltrated Pakistan for Osama bin Laden's compound before our military forces, and more destroyed it.

After reading this book, you will be able to see all that goes on behind the scenes with some of our country's greatest heroes.  This is a story like no other as you read about his physical and mental injuries throughout the battles and the rest of his life.

5. Stealing Fire: How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing the Way We Live and Work

Stealing Fire

Written by: Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal

Published: February 21st, 2017

Pages: 304

Steven Kotler's Stealing Fire is about how Silicon Valley and the Navy SEALs have been working together to create breakthrough technologies. It looks at the past of innovation, what we know now, and where this technology could take us in the future. This journey starts with how an old military strategy for stealing fire from our enemies was applied to I.T. by way of "hacking."

The book then explores other ways that these two worlds can work together and some of their most recent collaborations - such as brain-computer interfaces or using V.R. simulations for training Navy SEALs on dangerous missions. Steven Kotler also discusses his own experience with ayahuasca (a psychedelic brew used by Amazonian shamans) which he argues can help people adapt more quickly.

6. No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden

No Easy Day

Written by: Mark Owen and Kevin Maurer

Published: September 4th, 2012

pages: 316

The first book by Mark Owen is a thrilling read that offers readers an inside perspective on one of the most critical military operations in modern history. The author takes you through his training leading up to this historic event. He talks about what it was like being there and how he felt when they killed Osama Bin Laden.

Owen also shares some personal thoughts about life after 9/11 with interviews from other members of special forces who were involved in the operation and their families. This book will be perfect for anyone wanting to get insight into this mission and learn more about what happened on May 2nd, 2011, at Abbottabad Compound in Pakistan.

7. No Hero: The Evolution of the Navy SEAL

No Hero

Written by: Mark Owen and Kevin Maurer

Published: November 11th, 2014

Pages: 304

This is a follow-up to Owen's above-mentioned No Easy Day. No Hero is an autobiographical account of Mark Owen's life as a Navy SEAL. From his childhood to the present, Owen tells his story in an honest and not sugar-coated way. He talks about how he had difficulty with alcohol abuse and had to quit drinking before he killed himself or someone else while driving drunk. The book also includes some lessons learned from being on missions overseas where many people were lost.

There are stories about training recruits, raising children, dealing with family relationships, and thoughts on what it means to be part of this elite group called SEALs who risk their lives every day for their country.

8. A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea

A Captain’s Duty

Written by: Richard Phillips and Stephan Talty

Published: April 6th, 2010

Pages: 304

There is a new book out by Richard Phillips, the captain of the Maersk Alabama. The story follows his life as a merchant marine to being taken hostage by Somali pirates and eventually being rescued by Navy SEALs.

In this book, he shares what it's like to be captained on one of these ships and often how dangerous it can be for those that work on them. He also shares some insider knowledge about how these pirates operate and what an average day at sea looks like for many captains.

9. The Red Circle: My Life in the Navy Seal Sniper Corps and How I Trained America's Deadliest Marksmen

The Red Circle

Written by: Brandon Webb and John David Mann

Published: April 10th, 2012

Pages: 380

The Red Circle: My Life in the Seal Sniper Corps book by Brandon Webb is a memoir about Brandon's journey through SEAL training and his time as a sniper. The book follows him from boot camp to the front lines of Afghanistan, where he took out targets with lethal precision. This is not your typical war story; it is an intimate account that takes you behind enemy lines and into personal battles that most soldiers will never know. This book has been described as "a unique look at modern warfare."

It exposes readers to what life was like for these men serving their country overseas – what they had to go through every day just to get food or find shelter. It also details how snipers operate - giving insight on everything from equipment used, techniques, and how they train. Not only that, Webb became one of the most respected seals with over 150 kills.

10. Warrior Soul: The Memoir of a Navy Seal

Warrior Soul

Written by: Chuck Pfarrer

Published: December 30th, 2003

Pages: 352

Chuck Pfarrer is a former Navy SEAL and author of the memoir Warrior Soul. He served in Vietnam, Helmand Province Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Red Wings. This book is his account of his service to our country with an honorable discharge in 1993. He shares anecdotes about how he overcame all odds, including being shot five times while deployed in Vietnam, surviving two helicopter crashes during operation Iraqi freedom, and losing nine team members on Operation Red Wings.

We liked it since he was involved in so many different locations and made them come to life.  Read this book for some insight into the life of one man who has sacrificed so much for our country or if you are looking for inspiration to persevere through any obstacle life throws your way!

>> More books about the Iraq War

11. Transformed: A Navy SEAL’s Unlikely Journey from the Throne of Africa, to the Streets of the Bronx, to Defying All Odds

Transformed

Written by: Remi Adeleke

Published: May 14th, 2019

Pages: 368

Transformed: Navy SEAL’s Journey from the Throne of Africa by Remi Adeleke is a memoir about one man's journey to find himself and serve his country. This book will take you on a wild ride through life as an African-American military officer, from being raised in Nigeria by two loving parents to becoming a Navy SEAL and now as an entrepreneur.

The author tells his story with honesty and humor, making it easy for anyone who reads this book to feel like sitting down across from him having coffee. After reading Transformed, I felt inspired and proud of the hard work to make himself what he wanted to be, no matter what obstacles were in his way.

12. Three Wise Men: A Navy SEAL, a Green Beret, and How Their Marine Brother Became a War's Sole Survivor

Three Wise Men

Written by: Beau Wise and Tom Sileo

Published: January 12th, 2021

Pages: 304

Beau Wise's book Three Wise Men: A Navy SEAL, a Green Beret, and a Marine Brother is an intense read that follows the lives of three brothers as they enter into military service. The book provides an inside look at how each branch of the military differs from one another and gives readers insight into what it means to be in Special Operations.

Beau was the only one of the three brothers to survive the wars, and it is an incredibly in-depth and touching memoir of them and him. Beau's personal experiences make for fascinating reading and provide us all with valuable lessons about life, perseverance, and brotherhood .

13. Lions of Kandahar: The Story of a Fight Against All Odds

Lions of Kandahar

Written by: Rusty Bradley and Kevin Maurer

Published: June 28th, 2011

Pages: 280

The book Eyes on Target: Inside Stories Brotherhood U.S. Navy SEALs by Scott McEwen" is a personal account of what it takes to become a Navy Seal, the training that goes into becoming one, and what life is like after being one. The author talks about his experience with the SEALS and other men who are a part of this elite group of individuals.

He also explains how these brave men go through unimaginable situations where they have to make split-second decisions that could cost them their lives. Still, they do so without fear or hesitation - all for their country and those who cannot defend themselves against any threat. An example is a SEAL sniper who held off a group of over 100 terrorists by himself and a few others.

14. Six Days of Impossible: Navy SEAL Hell Week - A Doctor Looks Back

Six Days of Impossible

Written by: Robert Adams

Published: November 13th, 2017

Pages: 222

Dr. Robert Adams, an orthopedic surgeon by trade, went through SEAL training and survived what is known as one of the most physically demanding military training programs in the world - Navy SEAL Hell Week. This week was designed to weed out candidates who are not mentally tough enough to be a Navy SEAL. And Dr. Adams made it through alive and, well, well enough.

This book will share with you some of his thoughts about this experience and how he dealt with it both then and now as he is both an M.D. and has an MBA, so he has a very different view of what Hell Week, and serving as a Navy SEAL, is like compared to many others.

15. The Right Kind of Crazy: Navy SEAL, Covert Operative, and Boy Scout from Hell

The Right Kind of Crazy

Written by: Clint Emerson

Published: November 12th, 2019

Pages: 320

Navy SEAL, Covert Operative, and best-selling author Clint Emerson have written a book about his life. Growing up in rural Montana with no siblings or close friends, he was the only child of two career Navy parents. His father served on submarines during the Vietnam War, while his mother was an intelligence officer for NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

The book is filled with his adventures worldwide, including using subterfuge, spyware, and some, shall we say, less "legal" methods to help the world. Being that he is the only Navy SEAL inducted into the International Spy Museum, you know you are going to find all about, as he puts it, “the special shit” that went on during his time.

16. Brothers Forever: The Enduring Bond between a Marine and a Navy SEAL that Transcended Their Ultimate Sacrifice

Brothers Forever

Written by: Tom Sileo and Tom Manion

Published: May 13th, 2014

Pages: 312

Tom Sileo's book Brothers Forever is a heartfelt look at the unique bond between two “brothers” in the military.  One is Travis Manion, a U.S. Marine, and the other is Brendan Looney, a SEAL. They were roommates while at the Naval Academy but then took different paths.

However, both would end up dying on the field of battle during Afghanistan or Iraq. This book examines their relationship, how their families helped heal from their deaths, and the true meaning of brotherhood even if you aren’t from the same family.

17. The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader

The Trident

Written by: Jason Redman and John Bruning

Published: November 5th, 2013

Pages: 400

We all know that Navy SEALs are one of the most elite fighting forces in all of America. This is a group that can survive any situation, no matter how dire. One man who has seen it all and lived to tell about it is Jason Redman. He has served in many different positions within the Navy SEALs, including leading over 30 missions as team leader on some of the world's most dangerous deployments.  

He ended up having almost 40 surgeries because of his injuries. He became famous for putting up a sign stating, “Do not feel sorry for my wounds” on his hospital door. What makes this book so interesting is that you get insight into what it means to be an elite warrior and what happens when they come home from combat and deal with issues caused by their time spent overseas.

18. Make Your Bed

Make Your Bed

Written by: Admiral William H. McRaven

Published: April 4th, 2017

Pages: 130

One of the most common things we all do every day is make our bed. It's a simple task, but it can have an enormous effect on your life. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life by William McRaven explains how and why making your bed has such an impact.  The book explores what he calls "The Power of Little Things."

What are these little things? When done consistently over time, small changes in habits will lead to significant improvements in areas like productivity, creativity, and happiness. He shared his secrets when he spoke at the University of Texas at Austin to the graduating class. Now the video of the speech has reached millions upon millions of viewers and is definitely worth watching after reading this excellent book.

>> More Self-Help Books

19. Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

Can't Hurt Me

Written by: David Goggins

Published: December 4th, 2018

Pages: 400

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds is a personal memoir written by David Goggins. The book recounts his life growing up, enlisting in the military, training for triathlons, competing as an ultra-marathon runner, serving as a Navy SEAL, and his current work with Special Forces soldiers worldwide to teach them how to overcome adversity.

He speaks of how he had to overcome so much adversity and how he has used these same techniques throughout his entire life to learn how to push himself beyond anything thought possible. He now shares them with you so no one else can ever hurt you.

To give you an idea of his mental and physical strength, he is the world pull-up champion with over 4,000 in less than 17 hours!

20. The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL

The Heart and the Fist

Written by: Eric Greitens

Published: April 11th, 2011

Pages: 320

Eric Greitens is a humanitarian, ex-Navy SEAL, and authentic leader. He has dedicated his life to serving others, but he didn't start that way. He tells how he became who he is in his book The Heart and the Fist. This memoir follows him from childhood until today as he learns about love and compassion for other people by putting himself in danger's path.

His journey takes readers through some of the most dangerous places on earth, where they can see what it means to be both compassionate and strong at the same time. Greitens is a warrior, but also a healer and a paradox, in the best way possible.