Kristin D. (kdurham2813) reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 753 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
An interesting read that I sit on the fence about, even after sitting and waiting to write the review for a bit.
I absolutely loved the behind the scenes stories of life with a president. All the little tid bits that don't come into the news. As I am related to someone in the service (his photo is in the book), I was aware that there were many threats that never hit the news, but never the personal stories and personalities of each president. How crazy that they were complete demons behind the scenes?
I was appalled to learn that some of the past president's children would evade their protection and complain. I know that their parents put them in that place, BUT if a child of the president was ever in danger it would be a reflection on the United States. As well, to hear that some presidents of the past did not treat their detail as human beings, absolutely rude.
This book could be read by both males and females. I found it especially interesting after reading some books by presidents and presidential candidates recently and living so close to the capital.
I absolutely loved the behind the scenes stories of life with a president. All the little tid bits that don't come into the news. As I am related to someone in the service (his photo is in the book), I was aware that there were many threats that never hit the news, but never the personal stories and personalities of each president. How crazy that they were complete demons behind the scenes?
I was appalled to learn that some of the past president's children would evade their protection and complain. I know that their parents put them in that place, BUT if a child of the president was ever in danger it would be a reflection on the United States. As well, to hear that some presidents of the past did not treat their detail as human beings, absolutely rude.
This book could be read by both males and females. I found it especially interesting after reading some books by presidents and presidential candidates recently and living so close to the capital.
Nancy A. (Chocoholic) reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 291 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A no-holds barred look at the Secret Service agency by the author of several political books and articles. This book includes lots of anecdotes about various presidents, vice-presidents, and other people who are or have been protected by the Service. The author provides some interesting insights into how one might come to be employed by the secret service, and the demands placed upon them once hired. Mr. Kessler also points out some obvious shortcomings and failures of the Service and how these could potentially lead to a future calamity. A very interesting and eye-opening read.
Mary S. reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
In the President's Secret Service was quite interesting. It delved into the REAL personalities of our immediate past presidents. The writing style was redundant which sometimes made for rather dull reading, but overall, the book was worth the time.
Marianne S. (sfc95) -
Helpful Score: 2
This was an interesting look at things that go on in the White House and other Presidential places involving the Secret Service. That beign said it is a highly biased author who obviously has an axe to grind with the Secret Service. He is certainly displeased with somethings (if not all things) that the service does and therefore his continual whining can get annoying. Just be prepared for that part of the story and it is still a worthwhile read.
Sheryl S. reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed the insights and hope they are at least mostly true...really interesting perspective on previous U.S. Presidents. Worth your time.
Ross C. reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book to be very interesting and a good read, but it also struck me as unreliable. Some political bias is detectable in the author and many of the stories seem like poorly sourced gossip. I've always been interested in the secret service and have read some other works that seemed more trustworthy. However, that doesn't mean there weren't some very valid and interesting angles covered here. Some of this perception may be influenced by my own lens, as a more serious student of history and government. Overall, I'd say go ahead and read it and enjoy some of the stories, but be careful not to swallow them all uncritically.
Linda R. (wolfie123) - , reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 422 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Thoroughly enjoyed this informative book....gives insight into the TRUE personalities of the Presidents, the First Ladies and their children, as related by those who work so closely with them to protect their lives. I found some of the tidbits fascinating. Some surprising and some not surprising at all! A quick read .
Maria S. (MariaAlexis) reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book talks about the Secret Service as if it's a venerated organization, but then proceeds to make agents seem carping, petty, and gossipy. The fact that the agents he spoke to betrayed their vow to keep private the lives of protectees never quite left me, especially when they apparently did so just for the purpose of complaining that, for instance, Al Gore borrowed $20 from time to time. Kessler betrays a bias in favor of Republicans, and takes any opportunity to cheap shot a Democrat -- especially women like Hillary and Teresa Heinz Kerry. Meanwhile, I learned next to nothing. Save your time and take a pass.
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
My husband enjoyed this book very, very much. He said a lot of it was a real eye opener and he want to read more by this same author.
Joe K. (fozzie78) - , reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 277 more book reviews
This is a great history of the Secret service. His stories from agents are priceless. As well us the intresting look at the men and women whom they protect.
Eleni S. reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 16 more book reviews
I normally am a strictly Fiction girl, but this book was extremely fascinating. Some parts are bit technical, but overall it's an interesting look at the men in sunglasses. Not to mention hilarious bits on information about past presidents!
Katherine W. reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 11 more book reviews
If everything in the book is true, many things in our government could be changed.
June A. (pertdoe) reviewed In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect on + 191 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book so much. Ronald Kessler is such a good writer. He makes everything come alive. This book tells about the secret service agents and how they go about their jobs. And of course tells stories about each of the presidents they have covered. Some are presidential and some are not. But it also tells about their training, the weapons they use, the hours they spend. Anyone would enjoy this book and I highly recommend it.
