Customer Reviews

Eyes to My Soul: The Rise or Decline of a Black FBI Agent

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The minute you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down,Mr powers really captures the readers interest from the onset. When you read this book you will get a feel of what it is like growing up in urban America. There were certain parts of the book that I found difficult to read simply because I could visualize these things happening.I wondered how painful it must of been to write these things,Mr powers does not hold any -thing back.Minorites in law enforcement will also benifit from this book because it deals with some of the issues that are often talked about, but seldom is there anything ever done.

I have been an avid reader for about two years. I always enjoyed reading but not as much as I have since I started reading mostly books from Oprah's list or the literature of African and African American authors. I bought this book shortly after my son-in-law expressed a long held desire to become an FBI agent. Since he is from Haiti and is not very knowledgeable about the opression faced by American blacks. I thought that this would be a big mistake. Eyes To MY Soul not only confirmed by belief, but gave me quite an enlightening experience. It gives a powerful reminder of what our ghetto brothers and sisters face each and every day. Even more importantly, it is an autobiography so it does not give you alot of trumped up horror stories just for shock value. Mr. Powers LIVED THIS LIFE, and was able to rise up from his childhood circumstances and uplift others of his race with him. I admire and respect this man highly and consider it a privilege to have read his book. I have been telling everyone about how great this book is and especially my son-in-law. At present he is pursuing a masters degree in Informational Technology so he hardly has time to read anything else. However, I intend to keep after him until he has read this excellent story of a Black man's struggle to rise above racial confines.

I am a 55 year old white male who lives in Maine.I hold a Masters Degree in Criminology.For the last ten years I have organized a conference at Bates College in Lewiston Maine,that looks at Crimes committed by the F.B.I..After reading EYES TO MY SOUL we decided to bring Mr. Powers to speak about the book and his experiences at the F.B.I. .He along with Dr. Frederick Whitehurst,the F.B.I. lab whistleblower,spoke at Bates in the spring of 1998.For people interested in follow up reading about crimes committed by the F.B.I. I want to suggest the following books.AGENTS OF REPRESSION by Professor Ward Churchill;TAINTING EVIDENCE by John Kelly;TAPS AND GAVELS BY ALEC CHAIRNS;THE FRANKLIN CONSPIRACY by John de Camp;ORDERS TO KILL by William Pepper;BREAK INS DEATH THREATS AND THE F.B.I. by Pulitzer prize winning journalist Ross Gelbspan.Educate yourself about an American Death Squad.

You don't realize until someone brings it to your attention, that the pain and suffering is real and not something that is made up. As a black man living in America, I feel tremendous pressure from two internal forces; the spirte of an ex-slave screaming for revenge, and the act of suppressing that slave. This brings about much pain and suffering that lives deep within my soul. The book delivers me to the depths that I denie so much. It awakens my soul, therefore, if a novel can do this to a hard core former Marine, then it is a gift from God. The novel provides a way out, the stories are real and in great detail. Every word that is written was important, and from what I learned from Mr. Powers expressed word, what was NOT said is most important. I got a chance to re- discover what was not understood, and now, I was able to find a sence of comfort and a sence of urgentcey. Eyes To My Soul delivers a powerful message to it's readers.

When I bought this book I was just looking for background information on the FBI from an former African-American FBI agents perspective. The book is very insightful, and gives great details on how there is still a hostile attitude toward African-Americans in Law Enoforcement among their non-minority colleagues. It is a must read for any minority (especially African-Americans) interested in a career in Law Enforcement!

I ordered the book after hearing the author on a local talk radio station in the Baltimore, MD. area on several occasions. His story sounded interesting, one that I could relate to as a minority. I felt it would be interesting to read about the plight of Black America from the male point of view-in addition, as a career federal government employee in the field of law enforcement, I wanted to know if the author encountered the same racism as i have encountered in my 26 year career with the government. I could easily relate to all of the examples of racism Mr. Powers described in his book while employed by the FBI. It was comforting to read that the author was able to get an education,rise above his circumstances and become a meaningful member of society. He did not fall into the traps so many of his friends had, he was able to get an education, secure a job and impart his knowledge to the community. At times, I felt some of the chapters and descriptions were too wordy, h! owever, I realized the author was laying the groundwork for the information to come as each chapter had a surprise ending and had me "chomping at the bit" to get to the next chapter. Throughout most of the book, I found myself reading ahead. As a person of color, I could really relate to the obstacles encountered while growing up in the community and how it takes a lot of stamina and willpower not to "follow the crowd", but to have your own personal agenda for becoming a positive contribution to yourself and the society. It was interesting to read from a local author about growing up in Baltimore, MD.-we share a lot of the same experiences. I heartily recommend this book as required reading for anyone, but especially for minorities who will be able to see that no matter what obstacles you encounter in life, you must persevere and become a positive force in society. The book stresses the value of an education and constantly reading, gaining the knowledge tha! t will take you places. I have readily passed this book on ! to my brother who is an avid reader and as a black male in america seems to have lost his way. I sincerely hope that this book will allow him to see that you can never give up, that with the right characteristics, a person can be whatever they want to be in this country. I feel this book should be required reading in schools, bookclubs, etc. I fully expect to dialogue with my brother about the book when he finishes it. After reading the book, I find myself anxious to read the suggested readings/reference materials to enhance my knowledge and awareness. I now have a healthy respect for history! I'm sorry I did not pay more attention to it in school. Some of the suggested readings are currently in my library, others I will secure as soon as possible. In conclusion, a very good book and an excellent reference tool-must reading!

I heard about "Eyes To My Soul" from a friend. My friend told me how well the book had been written and she encouraged me to read and purchase the book. I am glad that I accepted her advice. Reading the book was very thought provoking. I decided to add this book to my son's required reading list. Tyrone Powers is an excellent and very intelligent writer. It is obvious that he is very well read. Tyrone's style of writing made me feel as though I was encountering an out of body experience. I was able to visiualize each scene as though it was really happening. This book will make you laugh, cry, happy and sad. Eyes To My Soul should be required reading in all schools and homes! To those who have not read the book, "You are missing something that is good for your SOUL."

This book is truely remarkable. Reading this book made me think...I had to ask myself as I reflected on some of the incidents mentioned in the book, "WHEN WILL I TAKE A STAND". Tyrone is what I consider a true example of a "real" one. He went where many have feared, thinking not of the consequences, caring not about the repercussions, but doing what he felt was right. Knowing Tyrone personally I can identify with the trials and tribulations he dealth with during his employment with law enforcement. But through it all he persevered, and the book is a clear example of how he did so. Tyrone is one to watch, a leader in the making. The book is a best seller by far, through my eyes that captivated my soul.

I originally bought this book because I am interested in becoming an FBI agent and wanted to investigate both the positives AND negatives of the FBI. I do not blindly accept the "greatness" of the criminal Hoover yet think that the FBI is the best path for me.

I am not African American. I am a "Middle Easterner", a Eurocentric term in itself. Although I found this book lacking the extensive discussion of the FBI I had hoped for, I found the overriding theme of the book eye-opening and enlightening. And if you notice, Mr. Powers, there is no box for me to check on forms when they ask for race. I am either forced to mark "caucasion"-which is degrading to say the least- or "other"-if this option exists, it is still degrading.

I found this book extremely well-written. It provided me with insight into a world (the ghetto) which I have had no knowledge of. Thank you for opening my eyes to this hidden world. I will undoubtedly pursue further exploration.

It was refreshing to read a book by an African-American author who is not afraid to shine a light on the injustices done to African-Americans in order to wake us up so that, we realize what has been happening and will continue to happen to African-Americans until we as a people begin to stop allowing ourselves to be taken advantage of. We need to better educate our children as well as ourselves. We must teach our children how to love and have pride in themselves so that they can rid themselves of all the anger and self hatred that hold inside. I felt very privileged that Mr. Powers allowed us such an intimate look into his soul to see his hurt and pain and feel what he felt at those moments. It gives me hope to know that through all of his experiences he was able to survive and has not stopped his efforts to uplift his people and educate them whenever, whereever, and however he can. Continue with your efforts Mr. Powers and know that you will not alone in your endeavors.