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Undaunted: My Fight Against America's Enemies, At Home and Abroad Hardcover – October 6, 2020
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**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**
"John Brennan is one of the hardest-working, most patriotic public servants I've ever seen, and our country is better off for it. As president, he was one of my closest advisors and a great friend. And in his memoir, Undaunted, you'll see why. I hope you'll read it."
―President Barack Obama
A powerful and revelatory memoir from former CIA director John Brennan, spanning his more than thirty years in government.
Friday, January 6, 2017: On that day, as always, John Brennan’s alarm clock was set to go off at 4:15 a.m. But nothing else about that day would be routine. That day marked his first and only security briefing with President-elect Donald Trump. And it was also the day John Brennan said his final farewell to Owen Brennan, his father, the man who had taught him the lessons of goodness, integrity, and honor that had shaped the course of an unparalleled career serving his country from within the intelligence community.
In this brutally honest memoir, Brennan, the son of an Irish immigrant who settled in New Jersey, describes the life that took him from being a young CIA recruit enamored with the mystique of spy work, secretly defiant enough to drive a motorcycle and sport a diamond earring, and invigorated by his travels in the Middle East to being the most powerful individual in American intelligence. He details his experiences with very different presidents and what it’s been like to bear responsibility for some of the nation’s most crucial and polarizing national security decisions.
He pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of the Agency, describing the selfless, patriotic, and invisible work of the women and men involved in national security. He also examines the insularity, arrogance, and myopia that have, at times, undermined its reputation in the eyes of the American people and of members of other branches of government. Through topics ranging from George W. Bush’s intervention in Iraq to his thoughts on the CIA’s controversial use of enhanced interrogation techniques to his eye-opening account of the planning of the raid that resulted in Bin Laden’s death to his realization that Russia had interfered with the 2016 election, Brennan brings the reader behind the scenes of some of the most crucial moments in recent U.S. history. He also candidly discusses the times he has failed to live up to his own high standards and the very public fallouts that have resulted. With its behind-the-scenes look at how major U.S. national security policies and actions unfolded during his long and distinguished career―especially during his eight years in the Obama administration―John Brennan’s memoir is a work of history with strong implications for the future of America and our country’s relationships with other world powers.
Undaunted: My Fight Against America’s Enemies, at Home and Abroad offers a rare and insightful look at the often-obscured world of national security, the intelligence profession, and Washington’s chaotic political environment. But more than that, it is a portrait of a man striving for integrity; for himself, for the CIA, and for his country.
- Print length464 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherCeladon Books
- Publication dateOctober 6, 2020
- Dimensions6.49 x 1.47 x 9.61 inches
- ISBN-101250241774
- ISBN-13978-1250241771
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From the Publisher
Praise for Undaunted
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"John Brennan is one of the hardest-working, most patriotic public servants I've ever seen, and our country is better off for it. As president, he was one of my closest advisors and a great friend. And in his memoir, Undaunted, you'll see why. I hope you'll read it."
―President Barack Obama
"Brennan’s memoir presents a rich portrait of his unusual life, which took him from a working-class New Jersey neighborhood to a position as a Middle East specialist who met with kings and presidents and witnessed the rise of Al Qaeda...[His] reflections on his long and momentous career are a worthy addition to the available history of the post-9/11 era."
―The New York Times (Editors' Choice)
"It’s a full Brennan, from beginning to end. This is a headstrong and unapologetic book, one whose author tells us what he really thinks."
―The Washington Post
"Former CIA director Brennan gives a fly-on-the-wall view of life in Langley"
―Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Celadon Books; Illustrated edition (October 6, 2020)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 464 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250241774
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250241771
- Item Weight : 1.55 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.49 x 1.47 x 9.61 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #381,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #494 in Middle Eastern Politics
- #2,101 in Political Leader Biographies
- #11,512 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Another traitor and swamp monster out to make a buck
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About the author

John O. Brennan was one of President Obama's most trusted national security advisors during all eight years of the Obama Administration, first as assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism and then as director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
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Customers find the book fascinating and compelling. They describe the writing quality as eloquent, well-written, and honest. Readers appreciate the personal insights and perspective on leaders.
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Customers find the book fascinating, decent, and educational. They say it makes a compelling case and provides some surprising insights into the world of national intelligence.
"John O. Brennan’s memoir, Undaunted, is outstanding. It is very well written and edited...." Read more
"...This is a good, well written look at many parts of the history of our country through the eyes of someone who was quite percipient at those events,..." Read more
"...cloak and dagger scenarios would have been nice, yet overall a very insightful read." Read more
"...UNDAUNTED may well be the most candid and entertaining memoir written by an intelligence expert that I've ever read...." Read more
Customers find the writing quality of the book eloquent, well-written, and straightforward. They say it's a good, eye-opening look at many parts of the history of our country. Readers also mention that the author has excellent authorship skills and masterful use of the English language.
"...I was amazed at how well written this memoir is, including how the author is able to give an emotional touch to his writings with such grace...." Read more
"...This is a good, well written look at many parts of the history of our country through the eyes of someone who was quite percipient at those events,..." Read more
"Well written and really gives you more insight into the many components of our government especially how the intelligence apparatus functions within..." Read more
"...UNDAUNTED may well be the most candid and entertaining memoir written by an intelligence expert that I've ever read...." Read more
Customers find the book provides great insight into the man and his brilliant career in the CIA. They say it provides an eye-opening and frank perspective on leaders. Readers also appreciate the human side presented.
"...Mr. Brennan is a true patriot of the highest order...." Read more
"Well written and really gives you more insight into the many components of our government especially how the intelligence apparatus functions within..." Read more
"...His assessments of world leaders, both positive and blistering, are eye-opening and so frank...." Read more
"This book was a fantastic read. Interesting perspective from a CIA veteran and intelligence specialist...." Read more
Customers find the book loaded with great details. They say the second half provides a fascinating look at some of the more controversial aspects. Readers also mention the book is interesting and revealing of the ins and outs of his career.
"...dealing with people in power, multiple administrations, a great look behind the scenes shows how limited the news really is." Read more
"...The second half alone provides a fascinating look at some of the more controversial events in recent history." Read more
"I found this book to be interesting and revealing of the ins and outs of his career. I found that it “dragged” a bit in the middle...." Read more
"Very good detail of what goes on. Well writtenNeed more people like BrennanInteresting perspective on our leaders all over" Read more
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There are many who will not like Mr. Brennan’s opinions, but everyone should read the entire book. Mr. Brennan is a true patriot of the highest order. I concur with President Obama's assessment that he is one of the hardest working officials in government.
I learned a lot about how things worked behind the scenes, and is essential reading for that reason alone. But there's much more and I will leave it to the reader to discover for him or herself the fascinating parts of his career.
We see him grow and mature, and then, all of a sudden, he gets the job briefing Geo W. He handles Rummy just fine. It’s quite clear he’s respectful of his mentors, of which there are many. I give immense credit to President Obama for giving Mr. Brennan the opportunity to work in the White House; and, finally, to be appointed Director of the CIA.
I was amazed at how well written this memoir is, including how the author is able to give an emotional touch to his writings with such grace. We learn he has a tough side: He’s not afraid of anything. How many (especially of his detractors) wish they had his fortitude?
His review of the politics of relationships in the workplace is remarkable. All organizations need periodic reevaluation and kudos to him for doing it at the CIA. Perhaps some would not want to work with him, but he's a smart man for smart people. If you ain’t smart I can see why you’d have a hard time. I would love to see him go full Brennan, as they say.
A few reviews of the book criticize his taking political sides. As I see it, there are two reasons: First, he worked in the White House, and second, he has a moral center. Folks with Moral Centers cannot help themselves – they have to voice their opinions. It’s a shame that there are so many who only know what to think, and not how to think. (BTW, I thought the review of his memoir published in the Washington Post was odd, or perhaps I didn’t understand it and I suppose I’d not be able to understand that writer’s novels.)
Are there deficiencies in this book? Yes. First, I would have liked to have seen a discussion of the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative of Xi. Second, a discourse on the responsibility of speaking out when things aren’t going right would be helpful. Why? Because not everyone has such a solid moral center, yet everyone can be trained to speak out. I recommend this memoir and I'm sure you will agree that the reader will learn a lot about Mr. Brennan and our government.
John Brennan served a total of 33 years in the CIA, raising from college graduate recruit to DCI. His dedication and service to his country are admirable, and are fully on display in his memoir. He possess excellent authorship skills—several incidents are provided in which he demanded that CIA reports be re-written, often several times, so that they came up to his standard of excellence, and in the process, upset those report writers—and as such, his book is highly readable, compelling, and presents his story in a totally coherent form.
He was not involved in the CIA “torture” and rendition to black sites episode (current CIA Director Gina Haspel was basically in charge of it); he actually opposed it. But he suffered probably the most from it as the Congressional investigation and report came on his watch. He retired in 2005 when he was not selected as Director, went into the private sector and was successful there with various corporation boards and other activities. President Obama asked him to help with counterterrorism activities during the transition. Obama then asked him to be Special Assistant to the President for National Security and Counterterrorism, where, from 2009 to 2013, he handled many important matters, such as being the administration’s point-man for the take down of Bin Laden. When the David Patraeus scandal opened the top spot of CIA Director, Obama nominated Brennan, and he served as Director from 2013 to January 20, 2017.
His career at the Agency and in the Obama administration is filled with many accomplishments. His skillful authorship gives us a vivid inside picture of how many of those events transpired. He created the Counterterrorism Center, which is now known as Liberty Crossing. He updated CIA infrastructure, organization and realities, and made a major push to elevate women into leadership positions there. His relationships with high level officials, domestic, foreign and at other intelligence agencies, is fascinating. And his recounting of the infamous briefing of the newly elected Trump, on January 6, 2017, where he and Clapper and Comey revealed to the in-coming president the extent of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, is stunning, particularly that the in-coming officials cared not about what could be done about it, but rather, only about how to spin the information to downplay those attacks. He also gives us the visit of Trump on January 21, 2017, to CIA headquarters, where, standing in front of the Wall of the Fallen, Trump spent most of his speech boasting about the size of his inauguration.
This is a good, well written look at many parts of the history of our country through the eyes of someone who was quite percipient at those events, i.e., as a high-level official at the CIA and as its Director for the final four years. He is brutally honest, spares no one, and is strongly opposed to Trump for the reasons he articulates so clearly. Highly recommended, especially for those who have an interest in the CIA or in the inner workings of our government.
Top reviews from other countries
Really informative about United States security and the roles of the people who continue to protect the world and keep us.
John Brennan served various U.S. governments during some of our most turbulent recent history.
He brings a candid viewpoint to the inner workings of the administrations he served. Clearly, there is a great deal of material that he was unable to share. But that material he was able to write about, I found fascinating.
As a former public servant, I have a keen interest in these issues. That said, I feel that the politicisation of the upper echelons of the U.S. public service robs the American people of a huge well of experience each time an administration changes. I think we in Australia (with our U.K. based histories) do this much better.
John, thank you for such an interesting read.
Stay safe,
Peter Anderson










