A Higher Loyalty

Truth, Lies, and Leadership

By: James Comey

Narrated by: James Comey

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

The number-one New York Times best seller, now with a new preface!

In his audiobook, A Higher Loyalty, former FBI director James Comey shares his never-before-told experiences from some of the highest stakes situations of his career in the past two decades of American government, exploring what good, ethical leadership looks like and how it drives sound decisions. His journey provides an unprecedented entry into the corridors of power and a remarkable lesson in what makes an effective leader.

Mr. Comey served as director of the FBI from 2013 to 2017, appointed to the post by President Barack Obama. He previously served as US attorney for the Southern District of New York and the US deputy attorney general in the administration of President George W. Bush. From prosecuting the mafia and Martha Stewart to helping change the Bush administration's policies on torture and electronic surveillance and overseeing the Hillary Clinton email investigation as well as ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, Comey has been involved in some of the most consequential cases and policies of recent history.

©2018 James Comey (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Comey's conversational tone instantly connects with the listener, and hearing him deliver the book's highly charged contents in his own voice brings authenticity and immediacy to the presentation.... This greatly anticipated, revelatory memoir needs to be heard." (AudioFile)

"It was essential that Comey himself narrate this book, not only because his absence would have distracted listeners familiar with his voice but also because only the author could credibly convey the range of raw emotions emanating from the experiences he shares from this most eventful of lives." (Booklist, starred review)

Refreshing, interesting, and inspiring.

After the seemingly endless reporting of Trump's day to day expressions of incompetence, I had become sick of even reading the news. Part of me feared this would be a book that focused on those more "entertaining" topics. Instead, Jim gives us a refreshingly logical, intelligent, and professional account of his life and experiences leading up to and throughout his time working in the Trump administration. Not only did this teach me a lot about the political universe but it also gave me a huge amount of respect for Jim.

In additional to being informative in terms of Jim's experiences, the book also gives amazing advice on how to be a good leader. As a young professional constantly grappling with this, I thought the book did a great job of weaving this advice into the fabric of the narrative.

It would be a mistake not to read/listen to this.

very insightful book.

I found it very honestly written and recommend it for everyone to read with an open mind.

A Complex Character Maneuvering In A Complex World

Would you consider the audio edition of A Higher Loyalty to be better than the print version?

Full disclosure, I am only halfway through the book as of this review. I have about four hours until completion. I do not own the physical version of the book yet, though I plan on getting it down the road. The audio version is top notch.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Higher Loyalty?

The opening stories about his youth reflect similarly to many of us I think. Not knowing where you belong, bullied by your peers, and finding the inner strength to continue to push yourself forward against the odds.

Which scene was your favorite?

I'll let you know when I finish the book. The whole thing so far is a 'page turner'

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed. Teared up. There is a good balance of emotion here.

Any additional comments?

I understand the criticism of the lead character. Comey has been described as prideful to a fault, carrying around a snippet in his wallet about the 'virtues of a great man'. Given what we come to hear about his life, his values, and the self admitted struggle of keeping his pride in check, I can say that I find him a person of integrity and respect for what is right. Say what you want about the outcome of his actions towards the end of the last election, but this man has a character I think many of us wish more of our leaders had.

There are both scenes of joy and sadness in this work. Some scenes of anger and perhaps a sense of betrayal by those called upon to lead us. If this book causes any lasting reaction, I hope it is one that inspires others to reach across the aisle, forgoing personal pride and ego, and showing more empathy and respect for others. Maybe if more thought that, we could achieve better.

A must read account about integrity

Regardless of political party, our institutions of democracy are under attack from liars and those who put themselves before country. If Comey's account is correct, the current US president is one of the key threats to the public's trust in our nation's institutions.

Thank you

Thank you James Comey for being a true American 👍🏽🇺🇸 Also you might want to consider a career in narrating audio books. Well done.

Thank God for honorable men like James Comey!

In this difficult time I cherish and applaud the principled men like James Comey. Thanks!

INSIDE GOV AND THE MIND OF A DEEPLY MORAL MAN

What did you love best about A Higher Loyalty?

James Comey who I did not expect to love. And, the rich and compelling writing. He is a stunning storyteller.

Who was your favorite character and why?

James Comey because it was such a revelation to follow the life of a deep and principled man make decisions that have had some profoundly regrettable consequences.

Which scene was your favorite?

His meetings with Obama all of which made me wish for and long for the return of him to the presidency. Comey's observation of Obama's capacity to listen and to think deeply in his consideration of events was a joy.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

He lost the battle but the war is not yet over.

I hated James Comey until I read this...

I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book because I was pissed off at James Comey. I've got a natural curiosity though, so I decided to go for it. I wanted to hear his side of the story. As a Clinton supporter and one who actually participated in making phone calls to help get her elected, I was in utter disbelief when James Comey released his first statement about Clinton's emails and then pretty much in a rage over his second announcement regarding Anthony Weiner's laptop revelation. I felt and pretty much still do feel that Comey cost Hillary the election. At least his announcements did. NOW, after listening to him read his book, I understand WHY he made those announcements and why he made them when he did. My image of James Comey has completely changed after reading his book. While I'm still pissed at the circumstances that led to his announcements and the timing of them, I'm not pissed at Comey anymore. Instead, I'm amazed and in awe of him. The words I would now use to describe James Comey are: honor, integrity, empathy, great leader and true patriot. And I could go on... I love that he chose to read his own written words because I think I would have had a more difficult time believing them had he elected to let someone else do the reading. I believe these words and I believe this man, which is truly unbelievable to me, considering how I felt about him before. This man is a truly good man and this type of good man is a rare breed! He sacrificed himself for our country, my country, and I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you James Comey, just thank you...

A Higher Loyalty

I love that Mr.Comey narratived his book. The book is excellent. It helped me understand his struggle with doing the right thing doing difficult times. I especially liked his stories about growing up and how it shaped the man that he is today.

A Clark

Good Writing and Narration, Very Interesting.

Would you consider the audio edition of A Higher Loyalty to be better than the print version?

Haven't read it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jim Comey, since written by and about him.

What about James Comey’s performance did you like?

His very honest, detailed version of much of his professional life. It is obvious he has had many gut-wrenching career moments.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It's too involved.

Any additional comments?

I believe this is his honest,very heart-felt presentation of his thought processes running the FBI. Gut wrenching at times, it makes the reader appreciate his dedication to our country. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 since we have to take his word on its accuracy, as in any biographical work.