DCNow2014

Excellent book. Disheartening failures.

Revisado: 05-27-21

This is an excellent book on a topic of major importance--the performance and persistent failures of a premier federal law enforcement agency. The author focuses on only the most visible function of the Secret Service--the security of the President of the United States and, by location, the White House. Little attention is paid to other protective details or responsibilities, or to the financial, cyber, and investigation of currency counterfeiting responsibilities of the agency. It's understandable, of course, given the extraordinarily high profile of presidential security, but this is but one part of the agency's responsibility.

Nevertheless, it is a compelling story of the exceptional efforts of an agency pressed to its very limits--physically, financially, and institutionally. It's a story of repeated failures that undermine the commitment and good work of many agents who work tirelessly, travel constantly, are poorly treated, and who too often lack competent leadership and are betrayed by an organizational culture that allows or endorses reckless behavior. This book is an infuriating read in many respects if for no other reason than the constant failures. I feel for the agents trying to do the right thing, only to see senseless failure and incompetence emerge time after time.

The principal narrator, Ms. Maggi-Meg Reed, does a great job. The author, Ms. Carol Leonnig, who introduces and closes out the book, is clearly an accomplished writer and reporter, but needs improvement in her skills as a narrator.

A fascinating story and one can only hope that this thoughtful and detailed review of the performance of the Secret Service will lead to significant reforms. The job is simply too important to ignore and hope that someone, someday provides the necessary leadership, and that Congress and the Administration provide the resources that are so desperately needed.

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Fascinating story, but poor narration

Revisado: 01-21-20

I got this book after reading segments in another setting. Brilliantly written, but the narration is not very compelling. The woman reading it--Hillary Huber--sounds like a robot, giving virtually no inflection. It's almost as if Audible is using a simple text-to-speech application. Unfortunate. I'm still in the early stages on the book and hope I'm able to continue. Odd because Ms. Huber does a good job narrating other books.

Be aware--the sample of this book does NOT include the voice of the actual narrator of the book. The book opens with an Authors' Note, read by Carol Leonnig, and a Prologue, read by Philip Rucker, so customers are not able to hear how the reading of the book actually sounds.

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esto le resultó útil a 266 personas

Brilliant writing of a compelling story

Revisado: 08-08-19

Read this book many years ago and saw the movie, which was quite faithful to the book. Dennis Quaid was wonderful in the movie, but his reading of the book is terribly awkward.

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Starts strong but goes off course

Revisado: 11-11-18

I've always been fascinated by the FBI Behavioral Science Unit and the criminal profilers, including John Douglas. The book starts strong with interesting, albeit horrifying, cases. A little over half-way through the book, however, Douglas goes on and on about the legal system, victims rights, etc. I've been the victim of crime and had a family member murdered (a police officer, no less), but I'm not terribly interested in Douglas ranting about how the legal system favors the accused/convicted over victims.

Beyond the story, I was quite disappointed with the narrator. A bit too folksy for my tastes.

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esto le resultó útil a 15 personas

Brilliant book!

Revisado: 09-18-18

This is such an extraordinary book. Dr. Reilly is thoughtful, caring, empathetic, and an exceptional advocate for patient care and education. I learned more from this book and Dr. Reilly’s compassionate narrative about how to communicate with my healthcare providers than from any other source or experience. Dr. Reilly is abundantly human and caring and Rob Shapiro does a remarkable job turning Dr. Reilly’s words into a compelling narrative. I have recommended this book to friends and family.

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Fascinating!

Revisado: 09-11-18

A fascinating read and an exceptional story. I was surprised that so,Manu people fell for the story and paid the price.

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Brilliant!

Revisado: 04-12-18

What a remarkable book! I love the Hidden Brain podcast and only wish that Shankar himself narrated the book. Steve West does a great job, but I particularly like Shankar's voice and gentle style.

A lovely, insightful, sobering, and extraordinary book worth reading /listening to time after time.

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Thoughtful, well written book

Revisado: 08-02-15

Well researched and compelling writing make this book a terrific read. The cases are heartbreaking and the detectives heroic. The author rightly asks the hard questions associated with victim discounting and deeply entrenched racism. Strongly recommended. Rebecca Lowman does a brilliant job of reading the book.

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