The Craft We Chose: My Life in the CIA - Hardcover

Holm, Richard L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0981477372 ISBN 13: 9780981477374

Publisher: D Street Books, 2011

Synopsis

Many books, fiction and nonfiction alike, purport to probe the inner workings of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Many attempt to create spine-tingling suspense or allege that America’s civilian spy operation has run amok and been infested with rogues and criminals. Not that The Craft We Chose lacks suspense, harrowing encounters, or its own share of villains, but this book is different; it is a straightforward, honest, surprisingly captivating memoir by one of the CIA’s most well-known and honored career officers. For more than three decades, Richard L. Holm worked in the agency’s Directorate of Operations now the National Clandestine Service the component directly responsible for collecting human intelligence. His assignments took him to seven countries on three continents, and his travels added many more destinations. At almost every turn Holm encountered his share of dangerous characters and situations, including one that nearly ended his life before he turned 30. The Craft We Chose is more than a chronicle of those episodes. It also reveals Holm’s private life, his roots and family, his courtship and marriage, and his four daughters, whom he affectionately calls his platoon.

About this title

About the Author:

Richard L. Holm is a former paramilitary adviser, operations officer, senior manager, and station chief for the Central Intelligence Agency. He is the recipient of a special achievement award for his service in Southeast Asia, the Donovan Award for his work at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, and the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the highest award the agency can bestow. He lives in Northern Virginia.

Review:

The Craft We Chose [is] an absorbing trip through the mind of a gifted operative who for 35 years did his difficult and sometimes dangerous job to heroic effect ... One might say America was lucky to have him. And vice versa. -- --Charles McCarry, The Wall Street Journal

His remarkable story magnifies the importance of human intelligence in warfare, and is demonstrable of the valor of our clandestine services. A terrific book -- required reading! -- --Frank Gaffney, Secure Freedom Radio

Even if scholars and media types earnestly attempt the task of reporting the years Holm covers and try to get things right, they will necessarily lack the insider vantage of Holm's lifetime on the streets and behind closed doors. His work is something worth being grateful for -- both the book itself and the actual decades of service detailed in its pages. -- --Ronnie Rittenberry, Security Products magazine

About this edition

• Publisher: D Street Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0981477372
• ISBN 13: 9780981477374
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 584