Customer Reviews

The American Agent: My Life in the CIA

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Dick was in my opinion a fine case officer. He had a true sense of what was right and wrong and backed up his morals with action and put his own career on the line more than once to do the right thing. I am frankly surprised that the publications review board did not censor more of this book than they did. I recall kidding Dick once about how Dick Helms was so close and friendly with him when he was but a young Case Officer. Dick explained this by saying , well if you had signed a cheque for over a million dollars to have someone's face fixed you too might make an effort to get to know that officer. I feel sure , and this book shows that Dick would agree with me that today's Agency would not be so caring and loyal to it's officers. I fully recommend this book . The Agency that Dick and I joined in the mid 1960's no longer exists and Dick explains a lot of the reasons. I wish him well and hope this books does very well and is read carefully by any and all looking at the possibilities of taking up a career as an intelligence officer.
mac mcintosh

This book provides a fascinating glimpse of the real life of a CIA operative overseas - not a Hollywood caricature far removed from reality. In addition to an informative discussion of the training and day-to-day activities of an operations and collections officer, Holm provides interesting historical information about US involvement in Southeast Asia prior to the insertion of US military forces. Holm's ordeals and triumphs should also serve as an inspiration to young people wishing to serve their country, and lead an exciting life.

The American Agent is not only very informative but highly interesting to read. Richard Holm's experiences and writing gives the reader the true feeling of what Clandestine service is like--not just James Bond action. Certainly makes you realize what others here & abroad go through to keep our country safe.

A good book, but terribly uneven, due probably to the fact that a lot of it was vetted in advance by the CIA. But what was left was, for the most part, interesting, if not fascinating. Some parts are compelling -- especially the detailing of his near-fatal air accident in the Congo. On the other hand, Holm tends to ramble -- some of the pages seem like those Christmas letters you get from friends, detailing the activities of each and every family member. Other parts -- especially those that hint of James Bond activities (which, let's admit it, are the main reasons we read books about the CIA) are often so short on detail or drama that they leave the reader puzzled. But on the whole, it's a very interesting look inside the walls and culture of the CIA, or, at least, the CIA of a recent past.

Holmes is a very detailed man. He tells his lifestory in great detail. Some of it is interesting, some of it is not. He does an excellent job in describing the agency and how it operates. Unfortunately, you have to read or go through a lot of junk to get there.

If you want the "quick and dirty" info about the CIA and how it operates, do not get this book. If you want great details about our operations in the Congo, Laos, and Asia and you have plenty of time, this is the book to read.

Good insite into the internal politics at the CIA. Pulls no punches regarding who (historically) supported the agency's mission and who did not.

Good perspective of what our field agents face abroad, their lifestyle, challenges with landguages, cultures, etc.

Slightly disappointed Holm did not go more into specific or theoretical cases. Also, he rants a bit too much at the end to get 31 yesrs of frustratio off his chest.

I enjoyed this book because it covers a wide range of CIA history but also gives a glimpse into the life of a career operations oficer. Although the descriptions of Mr. Holms work are vague, descriptions of places he lived and the daily grind at different stages in his life are excellent. The book contains well written descriptions of his exotic experiences in far off lands, and is largely an enjoyable read.

Some of the content of the book is fascinating. I enjoyed when he discussed operational details, but they seemed few and far between. As other reviews have said, the book seems focused on house hunting and the like. I also found his writing style to be a bit up and down. It almost reads like a first draft, with a strange flow.
I would recommend the book for anyone who is interested in the subject because there is not that much available that describes life inside the Agency. That being said, it is by no means a great read.

In the interest of full disclosure, let me note that I am mentioned in "The American Agent."
Dick's book is a very personal story not initially intended for publication but for the family. At the end of the day, the culture had changed. Even Dick Helms, traditionally opposed to CIA memoirs, was writing his "Life in the CIA" on the rational that someone was going to tell these stories and it might better come from those who lived them. The book is a valuable contribution to the literature, especially for anyone considering a career in the CIA.

Andre Le Gallo
[...]

A wonderful account of an interesting career. If you are into government, intelligence, foriegn politics, or just plain old spy novels, you should definately read this book.