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Company Man
336 pages, 2014
In 1975, John Rizzo was a freshly minted lawyer working a dead-end job at the Treasury Department when he sent his résumé to the Central Intelligence Agency. He had no idea that more than thirty years later, after serving under eleven CIA directors and seven presidents, he would become an infamous public figure—a symbol and a victim of the toxic winds swirling in post-9/11 Washington.
From serving as the point person answering for the Iran-contra scandal to approving the rules that govern waterboarding and other “enhanced interrogation techniques,” Rizzo would be involved with some of the most controversial moments in CIA history.
In 'Company Man', John Rizzo gives us a unique look into the inner workings of the CIA. He shares his experiences and insights from his 34-year career, revealing the complexities and challenges of the agency's operations. It's a fascinating exploration that will make you see the CIA in a new light.
Rizzo's book provides a detailed account of his role as a CIA lawyer. He was involved in some of the most critical and controversial decisions made by the agency. From approving drone strikes to dealing with scandals, his job was far from ordinary. If you're curious about what it's like to be a lawyer for the CIA, this book is a must-read.
One of the key themes in 'Company Man' is the ethical dilemmas faced by those in intelligence work. Rizzo doesn't shy away from discussing the tough decisions he had to make, often in situations where there was no clear right or wrong. It's a thought-provoking look into the moral complexities of his profession.
Rizzo was at the CIA during the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath. He provides a firsthand account of how the agency responded to this tragedy and the changes it underwent in the years that followed. It's a compelling look into a pivotal moment in American history.
While 'Company Man' is filled with tales of covert operations and high-stakes decisions, it also shows the human side of the CIA. Rizzo shares personal stories and anecdotes that reveal the camaraderie, dedication, and resilience of those who work at the agency. It's a reminder that behind the secrecy and intrigue, there are real people doing their best to protect their country.
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Company Man is a deeply insightful account of the CIA's operations. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of the agency.
James Risen - Investigative JournalistJohn Rizzo's Company Man is a compelling and revealing memoir that offers an unprecedented look into the CIA.
Bob Woodward - Pulitzer-winning JournalistCompany Man is a riveting, behind-the-scenes look at the CIA. It's a book that's both enlightening and disturbing.
Jane Mayer - Political JournalistJohn Rizzo's Company Man is a chilling and thought-provoking insight into the CIA's operations. It's a book that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the agency.
Daniel Ellsberg - Whistleblower, ActivistCompany Man is a deeply unsettling yet fascinating exploration of the CIA's inner workings. It's a book that's impossible to put down.
Seymour Hersh - Investigative Journalist