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The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Terrorist, a Train, and Three American Heroes
On August 21, 2015, Ayoub al-Khazzani boarded the 15:17 train in Brussels, bound for Paris. Khazzani's mission was he had an AK-47, a pistol, a box-cutter, and enough ammunition to obliterate every passenger on the crowded train. Slipping into the bathroom in secret, he armed his weapons and prepared to launch his attack. But when he emerged, he encountered something he hadn't three Americans who refused to give in to fear. Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, and Spencer Stone were childhood friends, taking a vacation together. They had some relevant Stone was a martial arts enthusiast and Airman First Class in the US Air Force; Skarlatos was an active duty member of the Oregon National Guard; and not one of the three was afraid of a fight. But their decision-to charge the gunman, then overpower him even as he turned first his gun, then his knife on Stone-would never have happened if they hadn't had a lifetime of trust, support, and loyalty between them. This audiobook is the gripping, true story of a terrorist attack that would have killed more than 500 people if not for their actions, but it is also the story of three American boys and their friendship.Using each hero's point of view in sequence, The 15:17 to Paris skillfully builds the drama of the attack, while weaving in the stories of the protagonists' lives, the friendship and loyalty that would come to define them, and the events that led them, inexorably, to that fateful day. The 15:17 to Paris is an amazing true story of unparalleled, unexpected courage, and people coming together against fear rather than splitting apart. It is a story of near tragedy averted by three young men who found the heroic unity and strength inside themselves that we all aspire to.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
December 28, 2018
This story could have been written on less than 10 pages.
October 8, 2016
This is a tough one to rate, because if I were to give it a low rating it feels like I'm giving these heroes a low rating. That's not it at all. The writing style of Jeffrey Stern is very frustrating. At least I anticipate that he wrote this with the assistance of the three young men. The narration was so disjointed, it was kind of frustrating. I don't even know what else to say. Full review to come. Maybe.
++++++++++++++
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++++++++++++++
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August 15, 2018
I really enjoy reading true stories, stories of bravery, stories of peoples lives, stories we can all relate to. So this was no different. Having heard about this situation I was interested to read the story though the eyes of those who were there, who were involved.
The layout was good as it was divided into sections so that each of the three men, Spencer, Alex and Anthony, told their stories. This included some of their growing up years, working and holiday and how they came to be on that train. It also included details about the terrorist and some of his life story.
It was an interesting read and found all the boys had really different ways of looking at life and what happened. It is worth a read, is quite easy to read and fills in a few gaps which made this story real.
The layout was good as it was divided into sections so that each of the three men, Spencer, Alex and Anthony, told their stories. This included some of their growing up years, working and holiday and how they came to be on that train. It also included details about the terrorist and some of his life story.
It was an interesting read and found all the boys had really different ways of looking at life and what happened. It is worth a read, is quite easy to read and fills in a few gaps which made this story real.
July 16, 2021
Interesting audiobook. I kind of remember the story in the headlines. Three normal American guys traveling in Europe and end up in a terrorist attack and defeat the terrorist, saving a bunch of folks.
I thought early in the book, 3 young guys? how you gonna make a book out of their 3 short lives?, then thought it was a little too detailed thinking the author must be taking liberties knowing all this stuff…. No way they could know all this…. Lol… until I realized the three heroes ARE the authors.
That changed my perspective and interest and I really enjoyed the book.
I thought early in the book, 3 young guys? how you gonna make a book out of their 3 short lives?, then thought it was a little too detailed thinking the author must be taking liberties knowing all this stuff…. No way they could know all this…. Lol… until I realized the three heroes ARE the authors.
That changed my perspective and interest and I really enjoyed the book.
October 5, 2016
The book was interesting to read the story rather than see a 2 minute news clip. It was clear where things had been reported incorrectly in the beginning. I will say the book sounded like Jeffrey Stern rather than the three heroes.
In the end, I would say I find the story of the 3 young Americans enthralling, but I found the book itself to be a little clunky.
In the end, I would say I find the story of the 3 young Americans enthralling, but I found the book itself to be a little clunky.
February 15, 2018
It's such a shame that this very interesting story is so badly written, or it would have made an excellent book. Sadly, the story is mangled by unnecessary oscillating between different time periods, which makes for a confused story and much repetition. The author focuses on completely irrelevant details, such as a whole section on someone buying milk in bulk and freezing it (as if it were a completely unusual thing to do). Similarly the fixation with "extraordinary coincidences" and the painful explanation of this is just ridiculous. Many other laborious details. The story, though interesting, could have been told in 10 pages. 3 guys find themselves on a train with a terrorist while on a backpacking trip round Europe. Luckily they have all the right skills and are in the right place at the right time to save the passengers from the terrorist and survive despite some bad injuries. That's it. Don't bother reading the book unless you're an American who has no concept of Europe and requires slow and laborious explanation of simple everyday things, places and events.
March 29, 2018
The 15:17 to Paris is a non-fiction book by Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone and Jeffrey E. Stern. On Friday, August 21st, 2015, in Brussels, an ISIS terrorist boarded the 15:17 to Paris, armed with an AK-47, a pistol, a box-cutter and a large amount of ammunition. There were 554 passengers on the train, but before he managed to enact his plan, three men charged and overpowered him. There were injuries, but no lives were lost.
As well as describing the events on the high-speed THALYS train that Friday afternoon, this book describes Ayoub El-Khazzani’s movements before and during this heinous intended act, as known from various sources. Also described are the youth, adolescence and early adulthood of the three brave American men, Anthony, Spencer and Alek, who took him on. Revealed are how they came to possess the skills that helped them disarm El-Khazzani, their mindset and the events that led them to be on that train.
The aftermath: a call from President Obama; the ceremony with the French President awarding them the Knight of the Legion of Honor; the emotional turmoil about further terrorist acts that occurred in Paris; the celebrity, interviews and media attention; the 9/11 parade in Sacramento; meeting President Obama; all are recounted. Sadler’s narrative conveys just how surreal it all seemed, and how long what they had done actually took to sink in. A riveting read.
As well as describing the events on the high-speed THALYS train that Friday afternoon, this book describes Ayoub El-Khazzani’s movements before and during this heinous intended act, as known from various sources. Also described are the youth, adolescence and early adulthood of the three brave American men, Anthony, Spencer and Alek, who took him on. Revealed are how they came to possess the skills that helped them disarm El-Khazzani, their mindset and the events that led them to be on that train.
The aftermath: a call from President Obama; the ceremony with the French President awarding them the Knight of the Legion of Honor; the emotional turmoil about further terrorist acts that occurred in Paris; the celebrity, interviews and media attention; the 9/11 parade in Sacramento; meeting President Obama; all are recounted. Sadler’s narrative conveys just how surreal it all seemed, and how long what they had done actually took to sink in. A riveting read.
June 7, 2018
This wasn't for me.
I picked it up because it looked interesting and pretty action packed. But the storytelling was off. we hear bits about the authors lives which was great to get a background into why they were friends and still were some years on and the struggles they'd faced. but at the end of every other chapter the story of the battle on the train is told and its just all over the place, we dont know who mark is until the despite being mentioned in start pages. i don't really get it. we already know what happens its not as if the details need to be obscured of what happens on the train is really necessary. its not it just makes things confusing. The sort of battle the bad guy and then become superheros and thats about it, theres not much substance to the story for me, or in the way its told it is not for me.
and one of the guys despite the other two thanking each other, in his thanks sections praises god, his family the airforce and then paris consulate but neglects to thank the two other guys who made the story and the event even happen. what
I picked it up because it looked interesting and pretty action packed. But the storytelling was off. we hear bits about the authors lives which was great to get a background into why they were friends and still were some years on and the struggles they'd faced. but at the end of every other chapter the story of the battle on the train is told and its just all over the place, we dont know who mark is until the despite being mentioned in start pages. i don't really get it. we already know what happens its not as if the details need to be obscured of what happens on the train is really necessary. its not it just makes things confusing. The sort of battle the bad guy and then become superheros and thats about it, theres not much substance to the story for me, or in the way its told it is not for me.
and one of the guys despite the other two thanking each other, in his thanks sections praises god, his family the airforce and then paris consulate but neglects to thank the two other guys who made the story and the event even happen. what
July 11, 2017
I was so excited to read more about the heroic actions of 3 friends who stopped a terrorist attack on a Paris train, but this book was a big letdown. I should have heeded the other Goodreads reviews because it was very poorly written and very choppy. I also found a few obvious spelling errors that didn't get caught before publication. The book is divided into 3 sections - one for each man, telling his side of the story. I thought it was going to be more of the guys telling their version of the event because the book reiterates that each person experienced the event differently. Honestly, I think you could understand what happened better from watching the guys doing TV interviews, the book barely touches on the actual terrorist event and how they stopped it. I was hoping for more especially the guys together going over what happened and how they each reacted. Overall, it was disappointing.
August 15, 2020
"The 15:17 to Paris" - written by Jeffrey E Stern and published in 2016 by PublicAffairs, Hachette Book Group. "So the plan was they were going to skip the 15:17 to Paris." But the three longtime friends on a vacation trip across Europe did NOT skip that train out of Amsterdam. This book is written by reporter Stern with collaboration from the three young men who took down the terrorist intent on killing all aboard the train. It spends a lot (too much for me) of time telling the life stories of the heroes interspersed with fragments of the actual event. I'm still fuzzy on those details and would have appreciated a more coherent description. But Anthony (Medal of Valor), Spencer (Airman's Medal and Purple Heart) and Alek (Soldier's Medal) surely deserved those accolades and I'm glad I read the book.
April 21, 2020
I have no complaints about the story, the heroism, and the interesting people at the heart of this tale. I have many complaints about the clunky, awkward, disjointed manner in which this book is written. Why couldn't this have been a straightforward, chronological re-telling? Instead it is constructed with all sorts of digressions, flashbacks and time-jumps...and it transforms what should have been a smooth and easy read into a chore. It's been a while since I've seen style negatively impact substance this egregiously.
January 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to see the movie. The backstory on the guys helps show you what kind of people these guys are, just normal kids who did an extraordinary thing under extraordinary circumstances.
August 23, 2021
Usually people read a book and then see that book get adapted into a movie. Recently I have been doing the opposite. This is the third book I've read in just as many months that was adapted into a movie that I really enjoy. "The 15:17 to Paris" is a unique film that is directed by the legend Clint Eastwood. What separates this film from others that are "based on a true story" is that it actually employed the three heroes from real life to play themselves in the movie adaptation. No, these guys are not real actors, but having them in the film lends real credibility that the film will be closer to the real life events than most films. Here is the inspiration for that film. Having worked backward, I expected the book to be competent and compelling since the film radiates authenticity.
Sadly, that isn't the case here. This is the case where the publisher tried to rush out a book in order to capitalize on a hot current event topic. As people stated about the film, the events of the terror attack last long enough to fill a magazine article rather than a whole book. The writing does feel like a cheap magazine article too. On a positive note, the book is at its' best when it focuses on the events surrounding the terror attack. Whether it is some intriguing background of the terrorist, the harrowing event on the train, or the fallout after the attack, the best bits of this book predictably surround the story that inspired its' inception. While the film does contain essentially all of the same parts about the boy's upbringing or European trip, the material here feels inessential or dull. That probably has a lot to do with the writing which leaves a lot to be desired. Besides the style there are a ton of typos. That's a huge pet peeve of mine; it's a clear sign that the book was rushed to publication in order to capitalize on a news item. There are several errors with commas, missing quotation marks, and periods. It got to a certain point where I was questioning whether anyone bothered to proofread this two times over. If a publisher doesn't bother taking pride in their own work then why should I care about it either?
I'm not sure if the three heroes did write most of their sections or not. Who knows. I'm sure if they did write their sections then they gave their best effort. The writing here is never compelling which is why it is only worthy of two stars. I would give ten stars if I was rating the three heroes' actions on that chaotic day or their awesome dedications at the end of the book.
Sadly, that isn't the case here. This is the case where the publisher tried to rush out a book in order to capitalize on a hot current event topic. As people stated about the film, the events of the terror attack last long enough to fill a magazine article rather than a whole book. The writing does feel like a cheap magazine article too. On a positive note, the book is at its' best when it focuses on the events surrounding the terror attack. Whether it is some intriguing background of the terrorist, the harrowing event on the train, or the fallout after the attack, the best bits of this book predictably surround the story that inspired its' inception. While the film does contain essentially all of the same parts about the boy's upbringing or European trip, the material here feels inessential or dull. That probably has a lot to do with the writing which leaves a lot to be desired. Besides the style there are a ton of typos. That's a huge pet peeve of mine; it's a clear sign that the book was rushed to publication in order to capitalize on a news item. There are several errors with commas, missing quotation marks, and periods. It got to a certain point where I was questioning whether anyone bothered to proofread this two times over. If a publisher doesn't bother taking pride in their own work then why should I care about it either?
I'm not sure if the three heroes did write most of their sections or not. Who knows. I'm sure if they did write their sections then they gave their best effort. The writing here is never compelling which is why it is only worthy of two stars. I would give ten stars if I was rating the three heroes' actions on that chaotic day or their awesome dedications at the end of the book.
September 22, 2016
This was very interesting - to hear the details and the background of the three men who stopped a terrorist on a train bound for Paris. In the acknowledgments each man thanked God, but Spencer Stone's acknowledgment said it best, "I would first like to give all the credit to God. Without His wisdom, love, and strength I would not be where I am today." The book told about the incredible circumstances that put those three men on that train, in that train car, and that time. The book puts God's sovereignty (or being in control) as just one of the possibilities: "A feeling that their parents' prayers had tugged them right to just the right place at the right time and then protected them once they were there, so that an alert man would see the terrorist first and take the only bullet; prayers that had poisoned the primer on that next round so that the gun didn't go off and charging the weapon wouldn't help. So that none of the boys were killed, but also that one of them had to kill.
The odds of that happening were so astoundingly low, so overwhelmingly against them that it must have taken the full of force of prayer, of God, of whatever it was that allowed you to confront a universe canted against you and prevail."(p.171)
I believe it was God who orchestrated their lives "for such a time as this." And God never runs out of power, and never stops being in control. Their parents "prayers" didn't give them the strength - it was God who did it all.
I thought I might put this in the high school library but I am not going to because these three men use bad language a lot, partied until they were drunk, and were not role models for teenagers, until that moment when they were face-to-face with a terrorist.
The odds of that happening were so astoundingly low, so overwhelmingly against them that it must have taken the full of force of prayer, of God, of whatever it was that allowed you to confront a universe canted against you and prevail."(p.171)
I believe it was God who orchestrated their lives "for such a time as this." And God never runs out of power, and never stops being in control. Their parents "prayers" didn't give them the strength - it was God who did it all.
I thought I might put this in the high school library but I am not going to because these three men use bad language a lot, partied until they were drunk, and were not role models for teenagers, until that moment when they were face-to-face with a terrorist.
September 7, 2016
This is one of those good-story-not-so-well-written books. But the story is great. Three boys who were friends in middle school meet up for a tour of Europe. Their train from Amsterdam to Paris harbors a terrorist whom the boys manage to subdue and save the passengers from a horrible death. Three new American heroes are born.
The boys' story (and they really are just boys, barely twenty years old) is told in separate chapters for each one, interspersed with descriptions of the action on the train. I a,so appreciated knowing the terrorist's back story. Several points stand out to me. First, we can't choose our heroes. Their main focus in traveling around Europe seemed to be to barhop, get as drunk as they could, and pick up girls. Not quite the all-American boys I'd like to think they were, but there you have it. They acted courageously and selflessly when the occasion arose so who am I to question their lifestyle choices? Second, these boys became overnight media sensations and were thrust into the spotlight with no guidance or help in making sense of what had happened. Because of a few minutes' instinctive action, their lives have been changed forever. Finally, and perhaps surprisingly, perhaps not, their reaction to subsequent successful terrorist acts left them feeling guilty and responsible, that they had been able to stop one terrorist but couldn't stop them all. This is the world we live in, where ordinary people may find themselves in extraordinary, unpredictable situations.
The boys' story (and they really are just boys, barely twenty years old) is told in separate chapters for each one, interspersed with descriptions of the action on the train. I a,so appreciated knowing the terrorist's back story. Several points stand out to me. First, we can't choose our heroes. Their main focus in traveling around Europe seemed to be to barhop, get as drunk as they could, and pick up girls. Not quite the all-American boys I'd like to think they were, but there you have it. They acted courageously and selflessly when the occasion arose so who am I to question their lifestyle choices? Second, these boys became overnight media sensations and were thrust into the spotlight with no guidance or help in making sense of what had happened. Because of a few minutes' instinctive action, their lives have been changed forever. Finally, and perhaps surprisingly, perhaps not, their reaction to subsequent successful terrorist acts left them feeling guilty and responsible, that they had been able to stop one terrorist but couldn't stop them all. This is the world we live in, where ordinary people may find themselves in extraordinary, unpredictable situations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
Fame comes generously to Heroes during peacetime. I certainly don't mean to diminish the incredible heroic acts accomplished by these guys, particularly Spencer. Sprinting unarmed directly at a heavily armed terrorist in his line of fire requires balls of steel most of us will never have. But there are a countless number comparable heroic acts achieved by our soldiers amidst battle or during an ambush, or after an IED that go without such fanfare.
I've never read a book more oddly compiled as this one. Maybe because the book was written by multiple authors, namely, the three friends who helped take down and subdue the terrorist. All three of these guys took part in writing this book so the narrative is rehashed three different times. The first half of the book is a biography of sorts of the three of them as well as a travelogue of their trip through Europe which I found interesting. The latter half of the book is the reminiscing and celebrating that followed. The actual train attack, which of course lasted a grand total of several minutes is mentioned sporadically throughout, like the slow-motion climax of a suspense novel.
All the reminiscing and the media and celebrity Hoo-Ha during the second half of the book is where I completely lost interest an wished for things to quickly wrap up.
I'm still confused as to what role Anthony had to play in taking down the terrorist, aside from being on scene during the whole event. The story makes it pretty clear that Spencer takes down and subdues the terrorist while Alec beats him into unconsciousness.
I've never read a book more oddly compiled as this one. Maybe because the book was written by multiple authors, namely, the three friends who helped take down and subdue the terrorist. All three of these guys took part in writing this book so the narrative is rehashed three different times. The first half of the book is a biography of sorts of the three of them as well as a travelogue of their trip through Europe which I found interesting. The latter half of the book is the reminiscing and celebrating that followed. The actual train attack, which of course lasted a grand total of several minutes is mentioned sporadically throughout, like the slow-motion climax of a suspense novel.
All the reminiscing and the media and celebrity Hoo-Ha during the second half of the book is where I completely lost interest an wished for things to quickly wrap up.
I'm still confused as to what role Anthony had to play in taking down the terrorist, aside from being on scene during the whole event. The story makes it pretty clear that Spencer takes down and subdues the terrorist while Alec beats him into unconsciousness.
January 27, 2017
‘Because of their courage, because of their quick thinking, because of their teamwork…a lot of people were saved and a real calamity was averted. They represent the very best of America, American character and you know, it’s these kinds of young people who make me extraordinarily optimistic and hopeful about our future.’
Barack Obama, President of the United States
‘In the name of France, I would like to thank you. The whole world admires your bravery. It should be an example to all of us and inspire us. You put your lives at risk in order to defend freedom. You gave us a lesson in courage, in will, and thus in hope. Faced with the evil called terrorism there is a good, that is humanity. You are the incarnation of that.’
François Hollande, President of France
‘The book is written with humanity and honesty. It is a story not about Hollywood action heroes, but about three ordinary young men who rose to an extraordinary challenge and saved their own lives and those of the passengers on the 15.17 to Paris.’
Law Institute Journal
Barack Obama, President of the United States
‘In the name of France, I would like to thank you. The whole world admires your bravery. It should be an example to all of us and inspire us. You put your lives at risk in order to defend freedom. You gave us a lesson in courage, in will, and thus in hope. Faced with the evil called terrorism there is a good, that is humanity. You are the incarnation of that.’
François Hollande, President of France
‘The book is written with humanity and honesty. It is a story not about Hollywood action heroes, but about three ordinary young men who rose to an extraordinary challenge and saved their own lives and those of the passengers on the 15.17 to Paris.’
Law Institute Journal
June 25, 2018
I think for this book it is extremely important to distinguish between the true life event and the writing. The story (5 stars) of these three men is an unbelievable story of a multitude of circumstances that all had to fall in to place at just the right time. If one of these circumstances would have not occurred, we wouldn't have had this story. So the story in itself is amazing. What heroes.
Now the actually story telling and writing (3 stars) left something to be desired. It wasn't that is necessarily poor. So much of the story was redundant. It felt like the publisher wanted to tell their story but it wasn't going to be a long enough book so they had to drag it out. The same details were told multiple times. Now, the actual three men wrote the book and I understand they are not authors. So I will grant them some leniency but their editor could have helped with this.
I listened to this on audio and it was a good performance for a narrator.
Now the actually story telling and writing (3 stars) left something to be desired. It wasn't that is necessarily poor. So much of the story was redundant. It felt like the publisher wanted to tell their story but it wasn't going to be a long enough book so they had to drag it out. The same details were told multiple times. Now, the actual three men wrote the book and I understand they are not authors. So I will grant them some leniency but their editor could have helped with this.
I listened to this on audio and it was a good performance for a narrator.
April 23, 2018
I thought this was a good way to tell this tale. With the past and present intermixed. I liked seeing the boys as kids, then how they grew up and even how the trip came about. So many things had to happen just right to put these men on the train to do what they did. I liked that they realized that in the aftermath and I hope they are able to keep their friendship going for the rest of their lives.
February 9, 2018
A fascinating account of three friends who tackled a terrorist on a train in August 2015.
From their background in military training to the choices they make when visiting various cities whilst backpacking through Europe, this book was such a riveting read.
From their background in military training to the choices they make when visiting various cities whilst backpacking through Europe, this book was such a riveting read.
September 21, 2022
3.5 stars
December 11, 2023
4.5
This is the upset book of the year. I snagged it from the Salvation Army for $.49 (or was is $.99?) expecting it to be a solid three stars. Interesting, a good old fashioned American story. What I didn’t expect was how easily this memoir styled story read, weaving together friendships that long preexisted that day. God is so cool.
This is the upset book of the year. I snagged it from the Salvation Army for $.49 (or was is $.99?) expecting it to be a solid three stars. Interesting, a good old fashioned American story. What I didn’t expect was how easily this memoir styled story read, weaving together friendships that long preexisted that day. God is so cool.
October 24, 2020
The true life story of three misfits who foiled a terrorist attack and became American heroes.
Great stuff.
Great stuff.
June 11, 2019
On a long stretch of railroad track, a train filled with hundreds of passengers is bound for Paris. Unbeknownst to those onboard, there are four life-changing strangers seated amongst them: three American tourists: Anthony, Spencer and Alek touring Europe for the first time and a lone ISIS-inspired gunman named Ayoub El-Khazzani armed with an AK-47 rifle hell bent on slaughtering hundreds of innocent passengers. It is up to the courage and split-second actions of a U.S. Air Force Medic, Air National Guard Soldier and martial arts guru to turn the tide and avert disaster. That’s the premise behind the book and movie “The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Train, a Terrorist and Three American Heroes.”
After seeing the Clint Eastwood film, I wanted to check out the audiobook. The book mirrors its theatrical portrayal perfectly, however, the only bonus is the insane media attention that besieged the heroic trio after the incident, meeting heads of state in France and scores more upon their return to the USA. In seconds, an extremely proud and grateful France and enthusiastic America discovers a new breed of heroes: ordinary men who were chosen by fate to perform an extraordinary feat of valor miles from home and help. The events of August 21st 2015 would pale in comparison to the horrific terror attacks in Paris a year later, leaving Anthony to wonder if more could have been done to stop an even bloodier attack. From being honored by President Obama, to appearing on Dancing with the Stars, The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel; the lives of three ordinary best friends would never be the same.
The audiobook is slow moving in some areas but the story picks up momentum with the attack and the sudden rush of fame that accompanies an incredible act of valor. If you haven’t seen the movie, the book makes for an insightful prequel. 3 out of 5 Stars for the audiobook but I’m giving the terrific trio of Anthony, Spencer and Alek a ten for going above and beyond the call of duty.
After seeing the Clint Eastwood film, I wanted to check out the audiobook. The book mirrors its theatrical portrayal perfectly, however, the only bonus is the insane media attention that besieged the heroic trio after the incident, meeting heads of state in France and scores more upon their return to the USA. In seconds, an extremely proud and grateful France and enthusiastic America discovers a new breed of heroes: ordinary men who were chosen by fate to perform an extraordinary feat of valor miles from home and help. The events of August 21st 2015 would pale in comparison to the horrific terror attacks in Paris a year later, leaving Anthony to wonder if more could have been done to stop an even bloodier attack. From being honored by President Obama, to appearing on Dancing with the Stars, The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel; the lives of three ordinary best friends would never be the same.
The audiobook is slow moving in some areas but the story picks up momentum with the attack and the sudden rush of fame that accompanies an incredible act of valor. If you haven’t seen the movie, the book makes for an insightful prequel. 3 out of 5 Stars for the audiobook but I’m giving the terrific trio of Anthony, Spencer and Alek a ten for going above and beyond the call of duty.
February 22, 2017
Brilliant! This book tells the complete story of these three men, how they grew up, how they met, and how their life experiences shaped them into the heroes they became. Yes, this does go over some events multiple times, but that is because the author is telling the same story from three different points of view. Well, four if you count the media and general public. The pace is just right to capture the feelings, the emotions, and the thoughts of these young men without rushing or dragging along. By the end we will have felt like we were on that train that fateful day, and we will have learned what it's like to have fame thrust upon you in a matter of minutes. They way these three handled the spotlight was to me fascinating. This requires another read, especially if there is a movie in the works, which I certainly hope there is.
March 8, 2018
3.0-3.5 rating. A good book that offers some details about the three Americans that stopped a terrorist attack on a train outside Paris in 2015. I wanted to read it before I see the movie. It is broken down into three main sections, each of the three guys telling part of the ordeal. It goes back to their childhood days and how they all became friends. It also provides a glimpse into what is it like to become instant heros, the craziness that follows and the strain it can cause. In addition it gives a little history of the terrorist himself.
August 24, 2018
I really enjoyed The 15:17 to Paris. Exciting and lucky and great bravery shown from 3 young men. But as we learn about their backgrounds it points to a destiny with this terrorist. Great story liked all the interesting silly stuff they all did growing up some highly relatable some not so much. Funny and interesting story. The situation was tense as hell. Good story.
January 14, 2018
Just way too much of the Western God for my liking. In fact, it seemed to answer questions for me about how a good God inspires people to act and how a bad God inspires people to act. Always violently in both cases. I appreciate that individuals acted bravely to save the passengers on the train, but realistically to we need to beaten over the head with a Rosary?
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September 23, 2018DNF at 20%
Inspiring story, but too much language. One of the rare instances I can say the movie was better.
Inspiring story, but too much language. One of the rare instances I can say the movie was better.
October 31, 2019
This is a 3.5 star review for me. I'm rounding up because of the true heroes these boys are. Without a second thought or even a hesitation, they jumped into action and took down a terrorist. As the French President said, they stopped what could have been Paris's 9/11. The writing itself was more of a 3 star. And I really hate that, because their story is incredible, remarkable and inspirational. I think unfortunately they had the wrong author write their story.
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