Review: A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership by James Comey

Title: A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership
Author: James Comey
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication Date: April 17, 2018
Edition: ebook (416 pages)
Genres:

• Nonfiction
• Autobiography
• History
• Memoir
• Politics
• US Government

My Rating: 5 stars

James Comey shares his perspective on leadership and ethical action derived from his upbringing and throughout his life--from his volunteer service in the Peace Corp, prosecuting members of the mafia, serving as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, United States Deputy Attorney General in the Administration of George W. Bush, general counsel and senior vice president of Lockheed Martin, general counsel at Bridgewater Associates, Senior Research Scholar and Hertog Fellow on National Security Law at Columbia Law School, and finally as the seventh Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He shares many experiences, throughout his personal life and career, which molder his character, leadership style, and his belief in a higher loyalty to truth.

Many in the media have billed this book as a "tell all" or an expose of the Donald Trump Administration. But that is disingenuous. The book is really about the qualities that characterize good leadership--what it is, what it isn't, and the personal characteristics that define good and poor leadership. Naturally, Mr. Comey recounts his experiences with Donald Trump, as he does with President George W. Bush and others, throughout his years in government service. One must view the book in its totality to fully appreciate Mr. Comey's perspective on leadership and loyalty to truth.

I am much richer for having read this book. And, I am also hopeful that we will move on and be stronger as a nation and as a democracy.