Permanent Record

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Book Review:

 “Gripping… Snowden demonstrates a knack for explaining in lurid and compelling language the inner workings of (CIA and NSA) systems and the menace he came to believe they posed.”

(The Washington Post)

 

Who hasn’t heard of Edward Snowden? He is one of the greats, a hero of our time. But what did he actually do? Well, if you’re anything like me, you only have the vaguest of ideas what his enormous contribution to society was (and is). In this young readers edition of the New York Times bestseller Permanent Record, we get an up close and personal account of the man, his life, and the truth he disclosed about the US government’s digital spying system that it used unlawfully against it’s own citizens and the entire world. It was a system Snowden helped create, and a system he successfully hacked in order to avoid capture after his bombshell disclosures in 2013. Today he still survives and thrives, living in Moscow in exile where he continues the fight for freedom against government tyranny.

This autobiography is an accessible easy read. Thankfully, it avoids getting bogged down in excess jargon even though much of the subject matter is highly technical. It also shines a vulnerable light on Snowden’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations. All in all, an enlightening tale that is extremely relevant in today’s digital swampland.

 

Recommendation: If you fancy an entertaining and thoughtful autobiography from one of today’s truly courageous men, give Permeant Record a try. I predict it will not disappoint.

 

Author – Edward Snowden

Publishing – Henry Holt & Co., New York, 2021

Genre – True Stories

Pages - 239

 

Mr. Wedel

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