Aleksa's Book Review: The CIA - How it Works

An absolute spa treatment for my mind - relaxing, unchallenging and informative. From the story of colonial espionage all the way to the OSS and post 9-11, it's a cruising overview of the history of intelligence services in the US.

The life stories of everybody from the founder of the OSS, to George HW Bush and modern intelligence officers working in the middle east are provided in some detail, and it's very strange to note the focus on ivy league education and athletics.

A notable bias portraying US intelligence services as heroic and unwavering, with double agents being disgusting cowards is present, making me question the writer's intentions. Perhaps the book is propaganda, but it's enjoyable and informative from a novice's point of view.

Some time is then spent on the subject of corporate espionage, as well as the modern technological developments that have changed the face of intelligence work as such - all very welcome and well-presented. In closing, the book does not demand, provides excellent insights and it's quite potable.
7/10