The Craft We Chose: My Life in the CIA

By: Richard L. Holm

Narrated by: Christopher Strong

Many books, fiction and nonfiction alike, purport to probe the inner workings of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Many attempt to create spine-tingling suspense or allege that America's civilian spy operation has run amok and been infested with rogues and criminals. Not that

The Craft We Chose

lacks suspense, harrowing encounters or its own share of villains. But this book is different. In fact it’s a unique straightforward, honest, surprisingly captivating memoir by one of the CIA's most well-known and honored career officers. For more than three decades, Richard L. Holm worked in the agency's Directorate of Operations now the National Clandestine Service the component directly responsible for collecting human intelligence. His assignments took him to seven countries on three continents, and his travels added many more destinations. At almost every turn Holm encountered his share of dangerous characters and situations, including one that nearly ended his life before he turned 30.

The Craft We Chose is more than a chronicle of those episodes. It also reveals Holm's private life, his roots and family, his courtship and marriage, and his four daughters, whom he affectionately calls his platoon. Webster's Dictionary defines the word holm as an island in a stream. That is an appropriate analogy. The Craft We Chose reveals Richard Holm as an island of steadfastness in a stream of chaos. He served his country with distinction, in good times and bad, displaying extreme courage under the direst of circumstances and a sense of honor that can only be considered unshakeable. And he describes it all with a keen eye and a distinctive wit. His is a classic American story that conveys, vividly and unforgettably, a life in the CIA.

©2013 Richard L. Holm (P)2013 eBookIt.com

Nice story about a CIA officer

Nice story from an actual CIA officer from his early days to his retirement. Interesting to hear about his early injuries and his recovery. Juggling family life while being stationed overseas. I did not really like some of the production. I think the narrator "overdid it" when trying the different voices. A good read.

Detail and insightful but sometimes bigoted.

I liked the detail and access to the life if a CIA DO Officer that started as a paramilitary and went on to develop a slow but diverse career in the Clandestine Service. It tells a brave story of a survivor and curious warrior of the CIA.

The only thing I disliked are the bigoted comments that are opposite of the multicultural curiosity that at some points the author’s international experience should display. An example of that is a racial comparison between Chinese and Malay in Malasia. Another one is when he says that the country of America, (as the United States) was not discovered by Columbus ignoring that America is a Continent instead of a country, amongst others comments.

Good Background

I struggled a bit with the book due to the excruciating amount of detail describing events. I understanf the story telling portion but could have been a bit more condense and to the point on some of them. What is up with the foreing accents and tones? Couldn't get pass the condescending accents. Great message to new folks joining this line of work and great situational awarness for the public in general.

Not what I expected

What started out as a slow read/listen?… Turned into a great experience. I loved listening to the narrator deliver the story. There was something about his voice that made it easy to imagine what was going on, and it made me want more. The story is not all spy games, or crazy espionage. Just one man's life in the CIA. I enjoyed the personal aspect of it. I thought it was a great story to listen to.

Fantastic book, from cover to cover!

This wonderful book very thoughtfully takes the reader/listener on a remarkable journey, rich with detail and relevance. This was truly a journey I am very thankful to have had shared, for me to experience through the brilliantly written book.

Fascinating story

I enjoyed this book very much. It shares an interesting perspective of recent history and the inner workings of the CIA. Certainly, the author displays much unexamined privilege in his narrative and point of view and though I do not agree with all of it, I found it enriching.

Great Book

Dick wrote a great autobiography on his life in the Agency. It's a great resource for the life of an operator from Laos to the Congo to Hong Kong to Europe and Langley in between. Thanks for your insight and glad the Witch Doc was there to help.

Intriguing story of patriotic devotion and sacrifice

Mr. Holm dedicated three decades of his life to meeting national security needs, with some very serious difficulties endured. It paints a vivid picture of his personal life intertwined with his professional life.

Story was good, performance was average

Other than a few out of place ‘audio recreations’, I found the narrator of this book to be monotonic throughout. I thought it was a good book, and still highly recommend it.

the stories

like it took the listener through the story tellers life as a person and as an agent great book