The Hero Factory: The Untold Story of Helicopter Rescue Swimmer School

I think perhaps, what I enjoyed most about this book are all of the little nuggets of life wisdom peppered consistently throughout. I love the fact that literally ANYONE can pick up this book and gain several extremely powerful, practical, tools to utilize in their every day life. This book is NOT just for aspiring Rescue Swimmers, this book is for EVERYONE.Reading this book was a pleasure, to me it was more like watching a movie because of how well it flowed, Stephen Gonzalez is a talented writer who has a knack for breaking complicated "scenes" down into concise, easily imagined "chunks." I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges at the end of each chapter and the lessons or concepts being reinforced through those challenges.Stephen has certainly done his Rescue Swimmer brothers and sisters a service by writing this book, many of their stories will never be public knowledge. In a culture that glorifies professional athletes and movie stars as demi-gods and goddesses, this book highlights some of the quiet professionals that make up the ranks of the Coast Guard's Helicopter Rescue Swimmer program. Gonzalez vividly shares a glimpse into the constant training, and challenges faced by people who aren't being payed millions of dollars to simply play a game, people who do not have an "off season". Well done, excellent read!

The Hero Factory has taken up residence on my bedside table. I have been using it as my morning motivation since it arrived a few weeks ago - I read a few pages each morning, to start my day. To say that this book inspires you to want to be your best self is no overstatement. Gonzalez has poetically described the grueling training, the courageous characters, and the dedication of those that teach and train as the Coast Guard's Aviation Survival Technicians - he shares openly the stories of a training program many of us will never experience firsthand, and generously invites us benefit from lessons learned. The book plunges you into Gonzalez's world, and inspires you to apply the same determination and never-quit attitude to your own training, your own life. And he does it with the captivating writing style of a well-written novel.I recommend this book to anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at the training and experiences of the AST's, and also to anyone who wants to be inspired to attack their dreams and goals with the unwavering vigor that Gonzalez and his peers model.

Excellent read. Captures the rigors of "A" School from a perspective that's never been heard before and you won't want to put it down. Stephen is one of the most driven individuals I know... capped off by years of experience and research in his field. When you have that kind of a combination, nothing short of awesome is produced and that's what this story is.

Great book for anyone looking to improve their physical fitness and lifestyle, not only those who are looking to become an AST. Will read this again. Too many good quotes and passages that will help me on my journey. Gives some great insight on what an instructor can hope a candidate can live up to in AST school.

The Hero Factory did not disappoint! I enjoyed reading every minute of it! There is a something for everyone! Whether you are looking to become a rescue swimmer or just looking for some motivation like me, this book is for you!

Its about RS school. "So Others May live"

For anyone seeking motivation to harness strength and overcome obstacles in life. I wish I would've read this book a long time ago.

This book has been incredibly encouraging as I prepare for AST A school, and a great read overall. Well written and well thought out.