Helpful Score: 2
Tons of historical facts, mixed with some incredibly realistic creative writing. Littell's format is gripping for any reader, and for spy novel junkies, this is completely gripping. Nothing is off-limits, and there is certainly no punches pulled when it comes to telling this story. Hardcore tradecraft, ruthless espionage, and double agents abound. Top-shelf spy novel, screw 007.
Ultimate tale of CIA. Great hindsight looking back from 911 and all the failures of the intelligence community.
It's good, but it's a slog. Long. I'm enjoying it but its like paddling a canoe upstream...you never seem to get anywhere. Works well as bed time reading, but the weight of it has become an issue when I'm trying to stay awake. At some point, it falls out of my hands, hits me in the lap and wakes me up again. So much for getting a good sleep!
