Reviews of The Craft We Chose: My Life in the CIA
Larry Cosgriff, Maritime Lens:
All I can say is "wow!" It is arguably the best book I have ever read on the agency ... and I've read practically all of them. I was very moved by the book, the more so because [Holm's] career involved places and events that resonated with me personally. For example, my first visit to Hong Kong, as a deck cadet aboard a U.S. merchant ship, took place in the fall of 1972, when [he was] there. [He] conjured up memories of what Hong Kong was like at the time, which is a far cry from what the place is like today. [It is an] extraordinary memoir ... an inspiration ... and I am recommending [it] to all of my friends.
From Booklistonline.com (8/15/2011):
Holm’s career in the CIA, which lasted more than 30 years and saw him working under 13 CIA directors, is the stuff of great spy fiction. Among many other things, Holm served as a station chief in Europe and as head of a counterterrorism group in the U.S., and he participated in the hunt for the notorious terrorist and assassin Carlos the Jackal. The book is full of the kind of details only a longtime insider could know, and it’s written in a style that mixes traditional autobiography with dramatic narrative (some scenes include dialogue and action). For fans of spy fiction or nonfiction, especially those who haven’t seen the author’s previous memoir, this one is a must-read.
— David Pitt
From blogcritics.org (10/30/2011)
If you're looking for a book that gives you the straight dope on what a CIA officer does, this is a great place to start. Holm gives you a good foundation on what the job entails, the pluses, the minuses, and the in-betweens, including the seemingly mundane.
— Lou Novacheck
 'Unvarnished and eloquent account of a true patriot,' December 7, 2011*
Perhaps more compelling than Holm's adventures in the cloak and dagger world of intelligence is his high degree of patriotism and character. He is a man who defies the (unfortunately) common perception of unscrupulous agents running amok in the world. Holm is clearly a principled man who gave his life - almost literally - to serve our country in ambiguous and dangerous circumstances that we everyday people cannot truly appreciate.
And though patriotic, this is not an exercise in flag waving. Holm lets the reader know how he felt about his work and the Agency - the good and the bad. Always tactful, he pulls no punches when discussing the Agency's leaders he felt were either not up to the task or downright harmful to our security.
No matter how you feel about America's intelligence practices, you are left with a deep respect for the man and the work he performed for our country.
'Excellent read and history of the role of intelligence work in America,' September 26, 2011*
Dick Holm has provided a wonderfully written memoir of 35 years at the CIA, spanning some of the most important developments affecting our world today. As the author notes at the end of the book, memoirs are usually discouraged by the Agency, but in this case the book was encouraged, because it helps the general public understand the critical role that intelligence activities play in society -- modern or ancient. Readers may be surprised by how much detail is provided, but it is all common knowledge to those working in the field, so nothing untoward is revealed.
My father was in the OSS Norwegian Special Operations Group in WWII, along with Bill Colby (later one of the Directors of CIA) ... and I can attest to the fact that the old OSS men and women are proud to have Americans like Dick Holm carry on the tradition. I also have friends and family who have been and still are working in our intelligence or special operations forces, and they appreciate the efforts of people like Dick Holm. All of them find this book accurate and useful in helping to explain what they do. If you are interested in the history of intelligence work generally, the history of the CIA specifically, or just a good read that is fascinating and well written, you will most definitely enjoy this book.
Reviews of The Legend of Safehaven
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'Great Surprises,' November 24, 2008* |
Betty Ann Yurkewitch (McLean, Virginia)
Fortunately, I didn't have to wait too long between the time of reading, Berto's World and The Legend of Safehaven, another wonderfully told story. This book takes place in my beloved home state of Pennsylvania, where we watch the three children who were adopted in Requiem for the Bone Man by Nancy and Bob Edison grow up, and Nancy, Bob and Dr. Galen enter their "golden years!" We meet interesting new characters who, of course, are welcomed and nurtured at Safehaven by the ever-compassionate Dr. Galen and his friends. There are some great surprises in this volume that include a child with autism and many devoted "friends" from the animal kingdom. Dr. Comunale paints in words with the same compassion, humor and expertise with which he practices medicine. This is another "you just can't put it down" - you MUST keep reading! If there were an Amazon 10-Star Review, this book would get it! I hope there are more books in Dr. Comunale's computer. |
Reviews of Berto's World
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'A Brilliant Second Novel!' November 24, 2008* |
Betty Ann Yurkewitch (McLean, Virginia)
Our protagonist, Dr. Robert Galen, takes us back through his childhood and adolescence. Berto is living in a neighborhood rich with diversity and attending a Catholic School. We meet many colorful folks, from the coal-man to the barber, all of whom have a story worth repeating. We get to know Berto's peers and his mentor in medicine, Dr. Agnelli. The story is told with such great understanding of human nature, humor and compassion -- all the same attributes that make Dr. Comunale the exceptional physician he is. This is a "must read," a book that you can't put down!
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Reviews of Requiem for the Bone Man
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'A Terrific Story,' September 20, 2008* |
Robert W. Hartley, Jr. (Monroe, North Carolina)
One of the best books I've read in months. Character development was superb. I just couldn't put it down. An ending that left me hungry for more. I can't wait for the next one! Highly recommended.
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'An Easy Read,' September 12, 2008* |
Leslie W. Brill (Falls Church, Virginia)
I found this novel very easy to read and enjoyed the storyline and the character involvement. In spite of the fact there were many characters, I did not find their introduction confusing and as the story evolved, the intertwining of each into the story was well done. Looking forward to Dr. Comunale's next effort.
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'Great Book!' July 31, 2008* |
Ranelli (Virginia)
Great book. I highly recommend it to everyone. The characters are wonderful and unforgettable. The portion of this story on Ellis Island brought tears to my eyes. If you haven't read it, get it, and read it tomorrow.
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'Gripping,' June 27, 2008* |
S. McLaughlin (Raleigh, North Carolina)
This is a brilliant first novel. I couldn't put it down. Couldn't wait to find out what happened to the characters. Looking forward to the next one!
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'Just Enough Action, Just Enough Reflection,' June 18, 2008* |
R. Custer (Arlington, Virginia)
R.A. Comunale provides just enough action and just enough reflection in this story of friendship through the years and careers of multiple likable characters. The plots begin in childhood, twist and turn through the last century, and resolve (or not) in the current decade. A fast read that has left me wanting for more. A great gift idea for yourself and for others.
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'A Tapestry of Characters and Times,' May 26, 2008* |
Jim Goldfrank (Ocala, Florida)
This book has characters you can get involved with and situations you can believe in. Dr. Comunale weaves persons and times. His descriptions of events so that you see them in your mind's eye as you read about them. You should buy two copies: one for you and one for a gift.
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'Enchanting Read,' May 24, 2008* |
Charles Lupton (Washington, D.C.)
This is an enchanting tale told with wonderfully rich details and unexpected twists. I greatly enjoyed being drawn into the lives of the characters and seeing the developments. Highly recommended!
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'Enjoyable Reading,' May 3, 2008* |
Hofford (McLean, Virginia)
I highly recommend this book. The development of characters and plot twists ended too soon. You don't have to be doctor to understand the difficult choices Dr. Galen had to make.
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'Fantastic!' April 22, 2008* |
Mrs. James Kumnick
Requiem for the Bone Man is wonderful! I stayed up way too late to find out what happened to the characters. Since Dr. Comunale was our family doctor for many years, it was a revelation to learn of his skills in an area so different from his medical expertise. The book is thought-provoking and heart-breaking. So sad to think Robert Galen loved and lost not once, not twice, but three times -- and yet there is hope. Jim and I
look forward to reading many more publications by the author. God bless you, Dr. Comunale!
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'Five Star Read,' April 15, 2008* |
R. Schreibman
If you love novels that span decades as they follow memorable characters you come to really care about, then Requiem for the Bone Man is your book. My only disappointment was that it ended--I could have read for hours more.
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'Terrific Book, Great Story!' April 10, 2008* |
Jeffrey L. Upchurch
I thoroughly enjoyed Requiem for the Bone Man. Loved the characters, the quick pace, and the various twists and turns. I chuckled, I cried, I could not put it down. Well done Doc!
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'Five stars all the way!' April 7, 2008* |
J.T. Harper (Virginia)
Compelling character development; a comprehensive story with interesting plot twists. This is a book you cannot put down and a must for anyone who enjoys a synopsis of the lives of the characters who appear human and compassionate even when life deals them a bad hand. Excellent ending which leaves the reader with a sense that there is some form of justice in the world.
 'Characters to Care About,' April 5, 2008*
C. Scott
Dr. Comunale has painted a portrait of numerous characters that works. While plot development is satisfactory, the character development is excellent. I found myself staying up later than planned to continue to turn pages to find out what happened to this diverse group of friends over a lifetime of work and love. Although other reviewers have stated that the book is particularly interesting to those with a background in medicine, I found that it did not matter at all if you had that background -- the characters themselves were what made this a delightful read. Definitely recommended.
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'The Best in Months,' April 3, 2008* |
Ames
I have just finished Requiem for the Bone Man. I am an avid reader as my library card will show and this book is the best in months. From its jump start beginning it brings you along with a European family who saw the Great War coming and left for the New World. With them they brought a remarkable son who we see grow from a young street-wise kid to a remarkable man and doctor. And much more. Dr. Robert Comunale has given us a catching story that is hard to put down. He treats us the readers and the characters with respect as he takes us through an epic tale that will put your heart at ease as he shares his insight into life and a doctor's soul.
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'Splendid!' March 11, 2008* |
D. Shepler
A fantastic journey, you will love it. The author's ability to paint a character's perception and thoughts on a page is amazing. I recommend it highly to all readers, particularly those with an interest in medicine.
'A Good Read,' March 9, 2008*
Abmine (Canada)
This coming-of-age-in- America story brings together familiar elements in a new and visually striking way. For familiar elements, an inadequate description would include traces of Mario Puzo, Stephen King, Michael Crichton, and the Boxcar Children for the book's blend of such themes as immigration, death, medicine, and serendipitous family life. The author's ability to keenly describe the serenity of nature, the excitement and tension of practicing life-saving medicine, and the emotional reality when lives cannot be saved all beg for adaptation to a visual medium. Ultimately, this book reflects the gains, losses, and legacies of an unpredictable, yet never random, life in a way that is emotionally striking. Punctuated by memorable characters and credible relationships, this novel is a considerable effort that's well worth reading and sharing.
*Reviews are from Amazon.com and have been edited for length, spelling and clarity.
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