A Higher Loyalty

Packs a punch to the conscience...

I half expected this to be a superficial largely self-serving account of Mr Comey’s time as FBI director but found it to be a remarkable document on ethical leadership in public service.

There are in-depth accounts of events long past, most startlingly about the torture-memo time in the Bush era.

It’s a deeply personal and, to my mind, very up-front account about a life lived according to a strong ethical stance and wanting to be of service. He acknowledges personal and professional flaws not in a mea-culpa style but to reflect on how errors and flaws relate to good and bad leadership.

It is a searing and incredibly sharply drawn indictment of a president untethered from any ethical considerations, or sense of duty, and the danger this poses. Incredible achievement.

I’m getting the Kindle version as well as a hard copy, just to be able to underline important passages.

Weirdly, despite the alarming details of the current US administration, it somewhat restored my faith that maybe not everyone in power has ditched motions of truth and justice.

Everyone (including non-Americans like me) should read this before casting their next vote. Everyone aspiring to political office would do well to consider the arguments for truth set out here - your style and focus may be different but the larger ideals are hard to argue with.

Utterly compelling and incredibly well-written and delivered!

19 of 19 people found this review helpful

There is a Sheriff in Town

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I grew up on American cowboy movies, where a "man" did what he had to do, and the good guys always won in the end. Up to when Donald Trump became President of the USA, that was the majority view in the world of what the people of America value and stood for. But, the "bad guys" have taken over, America has lost its place as a moral leader.

Good to see that there are still people who are prepared to put everything on the line and stand up for what they believe in.

Listen to the message in this book Americans, drain the swamp before it is too late.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Trump exposed by a triumphant truth<br />

My first emotion on finishing this book was this: "When the 46th POTUS chooses incumbents, I hope Comey will accept his rightful place as leader of the FBI. "

Like others, I was not too sure why Comey had announced that Hillary Clinton's emails were going to be investigated at a critical moment. If you read this book you will understand that he had no better option and, more importantly, that the decision was not prompted by any political expediency.
Comey emerges from this book as a hero. He does not pretend to be perfect and like a true leader accepts his flaws...in fact he gets quite raw about them. It is also at times very funny and I laughed out loud at his descriptions of Trump literally stalking him.
Comey has a dry, intelligent humour. That he is a loving husband and father emerges from an unconscious sub-text. That makes it so human.

TV commentators and other media have, of necessity, cherry- picked content. Don't think you have an understanding of Comey's position by relying on these snippets. You need to read the whole book. And it is worth it. A damning indictment of Trump without using words as bullets. Now that takes a special kind of man: an honorable FBI man.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Read / Listen before you judge Jim Comey

What did you love best about A Higher Loyalty?

Before you feel the need to criticize this book, I urge you to read it first. All of it, not just the excerpts. The media sensationalizes what it covers in light of current events.
First of all, there are eleven chapters before it evens get to Trump. Most of it is an autobiography revealing his reflections on leadership and values.
Whetever you think of Comey right now, read it before you make your judgments about the man.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Some of the best parts are about the Bush -- not the Trump -- administration. The insight into what goes on at the highest levels of the US government is fascinating.

What does James Comey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hearing his voice speak in his own words assured me that the man is sincere and meant to do the right thing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. Once started, it was difficult to put down.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Every story has three sides ...

In this well-written, edited and creditably narrated account, Comey gives Trump wary (and weary) readers insight into his motivations and machinations contributing to the most traumatising political era the world has experienced since Nazi Germany. Most compelling, however, is Comey's commentary on the values, traits and competencies of ethical leadership and how, as perfectly illustrated in his own controversial actions as FBI Director - actions which I think I now better understand but still deeply regret, these ideals can and do exist in flawed individuals who must make tough choices in impossible circumstances. He also reminds us of the absolute peril of partisan tribalism and willingness to abandon integrity in pursuit of narrow self-interest and greed. Happy the book ends on a hopeful note. 5 Stars.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Ethical Leadership

Inspiring book, good life lessons to learn, and most importantly being "honest," which seems to be diminishing in today's society.
Everyone should read this book, especially if you're in a leadership role.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Not what I expected

A well told narative highlighting what is wrong with American politics.
Definitely worth the read/listen.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A great read!

Surprisingly good book. And very well narrated. Money well spent!
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Get it, but get it now - in a year or two this may be old news

As I had expected, the majority of this book is about ethical leadership in general, and not only about Comey’s relationship with Trump. While he seems to contradict himself at times (he argues against excessive surveillance in one instance, for example, while also claiming that Apple and Google are wrong in not allowing the FBI frequent access to their users’ data), the main message is about what constitutes good leadership qualities - and when it comes to that message, he is pretty straight-forward.

Although I was initially skeptical about his decision to publicly announce the re-opening of the Clinton case, he actually makes a compelling argument for why he chose to do as he did. The decision does not, as many pundits claim, appear to be an example of poor judgement. Many people might have acted differently in his shoes, but his decision to announce the renewed investigation makes sense to me now. And I supported Hillary.

It ought to be noted that this is the kind of book you’d want to read (or listen to) now, as parts of the material may be seen as “outdated” in a year or two.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A thriller and treatise in ethical leadership

An amazing book that will stand for years after Trump is long gone. Comey’s leadership was incredible.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful