Permanent Record: A Memoir of a Reluctant Whistleblower

Let us first settle something about me with regards to this book. I was very conflicted with Snowden's actions when first reported. This is because I have always been very concerned about privacy and believe strongly in the need for individual's who are in the know, to shine a light on the darkest areas of government. (Any government, not just the USA). But I also, am strongly, concerned with national security and national interests AND the need to uphold your oath of office, and the IMPLIED meaning of that oath too. Snowden does a good job of both explaining and justifying his actions, as well as detailing the chain of events that are involved in this real life drama. Having served in the military myself, I realize that the oath of office is to the constitution and specifically, the American people it represents, NOT to an organization or individual, or indeed the government of the country. In all honesty, if I was in such a situation as Snowden was/is, I do not know if I would have had the courage to lose everything, in such a manner. This is after all not what they teach you in class for civic duty, or in the scouts or in the military, nor is it the traditional view/idea of what a person of courage should do. But is EXACTLY what is needed for our civil society to survive, we need the 4th estate and people like Snowden are part of that. This is still not necessarily the type of action I would approve, in a military situation, and by extension in the intelligence community, but again, having read and heard Snowden's reasoning and situation, I can at least honestly say that it gives me pause, and makes me think, about what is truly a patriot. Yet, I am still very uneasy about this in so many ways. I do suggest this as a read, especially if you are against Snowden or his actions, but also if you are for him, if only so you can get a good grasp of what his actions meant/means, because you might be surprised about your preconceived biases

Edward Snowdon's eloquent and moving tale of growing up with the development of the computer and his gradual realisation that he was being used to serve not the American people, but a corrupt, lying government is exquisite. More exciting than a detective novel. So easy to read. Snowdon takes us with him as he battles with the right thing to do for his country. He accurately describes exactly the political situation we are currently facing. This book is so unnervingly topical: "Authoritarian states are typically not governments of laws, but governments of leaders, who demand loyalty from their subjects and are hostile to dissent. Liberal-democrat states, by contrast, make no or few such demands, but depend almost solely on each citizen voluntarily assuming the responsibility of protecting the freedoms of everyone else around them." He so aptly describes the present loss of our Democracy and the imposition of Dictatorship / Totalitarianism we are seeing globally. I only hope Snowdon can be brought back on board to help us with the current global corruption. We need someone with his intelligence and ethics. I highly recommend this book.

Fascinating memoir. I never understood why boys/men could get so obsessed with online gaming and then what it led to in his case. He reveals in incredible details how countries are spying on their citizens without them being aware of it. Excellent read.

Fantastic read with out the sacrifice that the entity known as Edward Snowdon Phil g Mark Poole made we would be living in a completely different world right now thank you for your service to humanity the truth will always out

Permanent Record by Edward Snowden is an extraordinary memoir that offers a firsthand account of one of the most significant whistleblowing events in modern history. Snowden takes readers through his early life, his time working within the U.S. intelligence community, and the moral dilemma that ultimately led him to expose mass government surveillance. The book is written in a compelling, personal style, making complex topics accessible even for those unfamiliar with cybersecurity or government surveillance. Beyond the technical details, it’s a deeply human story—one about ethics, courage, and the cost of standing up for what you believe is right. Regardless of where you stand on Snowden’s actions, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in privacy, government transparency, or the power of individual conscience. Highly recommended!

Excellent read thoroughly enjoyed the book currently sits on my bookshelf along with ghost in the wires.

This book is written as an adventure, it takes you throug the events and experiences that lead to the couragous act of exposing our worlds worst disease. It is an comprehensive page turner.

Je n'ai pas encore terminé la lecture de ce livre mais il est formidable, passionnant! L'auteur explique avec beaucoup de détails son enfance, parle de ses parents, nous aide à comprendre pourquoi il a finalement pris la très courageuse décision de sacrifier sa vie pour exposer la vérité, le secret..... que les US ont organisé une surveillance détaillé de TOUT le monde..... emails, conversations, photos, TOUT est enregistré et conservé à vie, d’où le titre du livre..... c'est effrayant. Achetez ce livre pour aider Edward Snowden à survivre, c'est la moindre des choses. C'est une honte que la France, à qui il a demandé l'asile, traine les pieds à le lui accorder!

An absolute must read for anyone who is open minded and loves a mystery, I love this so much I've bought a Hardcover to keep in my own personal library. We all know now after reading this book or listening to the Audio. That our media can be got at, at anytime, anywhere and even places you would think you are protected. So go read or listen to Permanent Record, it's worth the time. I listen to Glen Greenwalds book first so this was just icying on the Cake, but it doen't matter which order you read them, it's a must to read Both Glens "No Where to Hide" and this book "Permanent Record".

In this book Snowden gives a lot of details about his time at IC, his relation with Lindsay, family and so forth. There is also great details about his roles at IC. One of the best biographies I did read.

I like this book because you have to be so brave based in human rights values to write against the so called the most powerful country of the world, the USA. And he is American! Love his ‘forced’ written autobiography ( he hated since young to write about himself).