katyprimo's review against another edition
3.0
This guy is a real piece of work. I can see right through his grandstanding and his attitude towards many of the people he writes about dealing with throughout the book. But all that said, it's a very interesting read and is particularly relevant right now. I picked it up out of the blue before Gina Haspel's nomination came before the Senate, but it was particularly relevant to be reading it while her confirmation hearings have been in the news. I recommend the read, but get it from the library so he doesn't get the royalty, because he really doesn't come across as a good human to me, mostly because it's pretty clear he doesn't think there was anything wrong with torturing human beings in the early 2000s.
whizalen's review against another edition
2.0
Really boring. I was interested to read this, but it reads more as an events and person list with very little dive into the details and 'secrets' of the inner workings. Also, if water boarding isn't torture, put yourself on the rack and take a dip. Report back.
Ugh.
Ugh.
matthew_p's review against another edition
5.0
The Agency's failings are spectacular and, by nature, public, but I've always been a fan. Sure, it started as a love of James Bomd movies, but quickly matured into an understanding of what it means to devote so much to your job and country -- and never be able to acknowledge to anyone outside the office.
That said, I found Rizzo credible, candid, and absolutely fascinating. and I'd recommend everyone at least read the epilogue re: drone strikes. They bother so much more than enhanced interrogation ever did --and it did plenty.
That said, I found Rizzo credible, candid, and absolutely fascinating. and I'd recommend everyone at least read the epilogue re: drone strikes. They bother so much more than enhanced interrogation ever did --and it did plenty.
bookwormmichelle's review
4.0
Really interesting memoir of a CIA attorney. I wondered whether something written by an attorney could be that exciting :-) but found this a fascinating read. I'm not sure I agree with the author on a few things like enhanced interrogation techniques, but he did seem to be a man of integrity and one dedicated to his fellow CIA employees.
jamiereadthis's review
1.0
I haven’t wanted to burn a book in… ever. But I tell you what, if one was inclined to burn books, you could do a service to humanity and start with this one. Except that it may need to exist as proof of how psychopathic and monstrous the US “intelligence community” is. The banality of evil is horrendous, masked behind all the acronyms and platitudes and decades of indoctrinated normalcy.
It made me sick to my stomach, and that’s a tough thing to do.
It made me sick to my stomach, and that’s a tough thing to do.
ruthbrarian's review
1.0
Really is impressive how he managed to get all the way to the "these people were just following orders" defense. An illuminating read into the thinking behind things, but a person who takes his moral cues from the goals of the people for whom he works...