Next he was way too easy on himself and the CIA for what was the greatest intelligence failure in USA history, our phony war with Iraq. He hugged Lou Panetta twice in one night? His wife's dress to a gala? Who the f4ck cares? I don’t care about his drive to work or anything about his kids nothing personal, dude, it’s just not interesting or pertinent. This memoir was way too slow and way too personal. It won't be the first book I return to for reference, but it informed my opinions on the NSA and on Enhanced Interrogation Techniques. The best book which provides THAT type of information is Lawrence Wright's AMAZING The Looming Tower. What's missing, however, and was somewhat disappointing given the book's subtitle, was a more distanced and comprehensive analysis of the histories and ideologies of al Qaeda and ISIS.
Both are MORE interesting than usual because of the close personal detail Morell provides. For instance, two of the most compelling parts of the book are Morell's recollections of 9/11 while aboard Air Force One with the President and his discussion of Enhanced Interrogation Techniques. I found this approach both additive and reductive. In other words, this is part autobiography, part terrorism history and context. What sets this book apart, for better and worse, is that its focus and perspective is upon the intersection of Morrell's time with the CIA with the events he witnessed while there. I'd place Morell's right about in the middle of he pack in terms of its informative quality. I’m sure Morell is a skilled writer on his own but I have a feeling his co-author, Bill Harlow, provided some excellent input because the book reads like an all too real thriller. It helped me gain a handle on whom and what we are dealing with.
One of the most instructive chapters was toward the end where Morell provides a mock (but true) terrorist assessment similar to what he and his cohorts give to the President. Obviously this is not a book that will help its readers sleep well at night other than to know there are some very capable people standing between America and some #(!* scary folks. The writing is amazing very clear and engaging and most important Morell always brings the individuals’ personality and character to the forefront which makes their motivations clear and no matter how unsympathetic human. I worried it would be too overtly political, too technical or just plain boring. Reads like a Chilling and all too Real ThrillerĪfter seeing former CIA Deputy Director and Author Michael Morell speak on a news show I sought out his book though with some reservations.
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