Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The book was written with the cooperation of Adam’s family, who wanted his complete story told, including his addiction. How effectively do you think the author balanced the heroic aspects of Adam’s life with his personal failures?

2. Thinking about other works of military nonfiction you might have read, such as Blehm’s own The Only Thing Worth Dying For, what makes Adam Brown’s story stand out in this genre?

3. What was your overall reaction to the book? Did any particular part of Adam’s journey from addiction to elite warrior resonate with you more than others? Why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Adam’s parents made the “agonizing” decision to have him arrested, an act of “tough love” that became the turning point in his recovery. When have you had to make a difficult decision regarding help for someone you loved? How did this turn out for you, and for them?

2. The book emphasizes the role of Christian faith in Adam’s recovery and life. In what ways has faith—religious or otherwise—helped you through difficult times in your life?

3. Blehm draws on the biblical parable of the prodigal son, a parable which Adam consciously draws on. What literary or historical figure do you see as a kindred spirit or role model? How have they brought you comfort or guidance?

4. Adam is repeatedly offered a medical discharge but refuses, most significantly just before the fatal deployment, which he has intended to be his last before retirement. Think of a time when your decision-making has had an unintended adverse effect. What did you learn from this?

5. The book frames Adam’s high school years as happy, and the ending of this life phase as instrumental in his loss of direction and substance use as a young adult. How did your school years have a formative effect on you, either as a young adult or later in life? 

6. Blehm explores the nature of friendship and camaraderie as a means to overcome challenges. Which friends have helped you through difficult times, and what made them so special to you?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Fearless was published shortly after the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, which brought SEAL Team Six into the public spotlight. In what ways do you think the timing of its release shaped the public’s reception of Adam’s story?

2. Adam’s journal entry from Iraq directly addresses the Abu Ghraib scandal by contrasting it with his view of his team’s professionalism. What does the book say about the ethics of special operations forces during the War on Terror?

3. The narrative concludes with the devastating helicopter crash in 2011 that killed many of the SEALs interviewed for the book. What does this ending reveal about the sustained human cost of modern warfare on these elite, tight-knit communities?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. In what ways does Blehm’s use of religious faith, prayer, and intervention draw on the established literary traditions of magic realism?

2. How does the narrative explore fathers and fatherhood? How does this support the main themes?

3. How does Blehm’s presentation of Adam and Kelley’s relationship use the romance trope of the fated lovers? How does this differ from other presentations of marriages in military memoirs?

4. The author, Eric Blehm, explains in the prologue that he was asked by the family and teammates to tell Adam’s full story. How does his role as a “trusted conduit” influence the tone and perspective of the biography?

5. Adam Brown’s journey of overcoming addiction and physical injury is central to the book. How does his path to redemption compare to other stories of resilience you’ve encountered in nonfiction, such as Louis Zamperini’s in Unbroken?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Write an obituary for Adam Brown. What things will you emphasize from his life and why?

2. Imagine that Adam listens to a special playlist of music while on deployment. What music would he choose, and why would this have significance for him?

3. Adam had plans to attend Harvard Business School after his Navy career. What kind of life do you imagine he would have built for himself and his family if he had survived his final tour?