American Radical

Inside the World of an Undercover Muslim FBI Agent

By: Tamer Elnoury, Kevin Maurer

Narrated by: Peter Ganim

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The explosive memoir of a Muslim American FBI agent fighting terror from the inside.

It's no secret that federal agencies are waging a broad global war against terror. But, for the first time, in this memoir, an active Muslim American federal agent reveals his experience infiltrating and bringing down a terror cell in North America.

A longtime undercover agent, Tamer Elnoury joined an elite counterterrorism unit after September 11. Its express purpose is to gain the trust of terrorists whose goals are to take out as many Americans in as public and as devastating a way possible. It's a furious race against the clock for Tamer and his unit to stop them before they can implement their plans. Yet, as new as this war still is, the techniques are as old as time - listen, record, and prove terrorist intent.

Due to his ongoing work for the FBI, Elnoury writes under a pseudonym. An Arabic-speaking Muslim American, a patriot, a hero: To many Americans, it will be a revelation that he and his team even exist, let alone the vital and dangerous work they do keeping all Americans safe.

©2017 Tamer Elnoury (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"[A] multifaceted, action-packed account of real-life spycraft...Elnoury heightens the suspense in vividly described scenes...and provides insight into the worldview and intentions of al-Qaeda affiliates. There is never a dull moment in this intimate story of an American Muslim going to great lengths to serve and protect his country." (Publishers Weekly)

"The author reflects compellingly on the challenges of being a Muslim patriot, and he closes with a plea to resist wholesale bigotry: ‘Banning Muslims from the United States throws gas on the myth that the United States is at war with Islam.’ His tale of infiltration is exciting and clearly written.... A worthwhile, unique addition to the shelf of post-9/11 memoirs concerning the fight against terrorism." (Kirkus Reviews)

"The first time an active FBI agent has published a book remotely like it." (The Times, UK)

America is Everyone

Wow. I don't know where to start. This book has had a tremendous impact on my way of thinking and has enlightened me to the heroism and patriotism of an unnamed American Muslim. True heroes don't need public acclaim and they walk and work among us every day. His story kept me listening almost incessantly and the respect both he and his whole team of agents deserves is enormous. I understand now how the perversion of a peaceful religion should be recognized for what it is...a travesty that does not represent true Islam.
To the nameless author, thank you for your courage, patriotism, sincerity, and sense of humor. America is indeed lucky to count you as one of her many wonderful immigrants.

Incredible

The best book I’ve “read”. The narration of this book is incredible and make you feel like you’re actually part of the conversation. The downside to this book is Tamer can never share who he really is. I would love to spend a little bit of time talking to him. I hope this book becomes a movie. There is no doubt in my mind it will be a hit. Anyone who has kept themselves abreast of radical Islam and terrorist organizations will recognize key names in the network. I praise agent El Nourey and hope his life is long and happy.

Excellent story with one challenge as listener

I loved being able to listen to this based-on-true-life experience. The story was not action-packed or violence-dripping like today's movies often are. Yet it is brilliant. This is a day to day life account of a courageous undercover agent who infiltrated into a small Al Qaeda terrorist group. The subject matter is serious. The enemies wanted to kill as many innocent people as they possibly could. It was intense at times. Occasionally there was a surpise of humorous anecdote. Because of the protagonist's upbringing, he easily sees the two vastly different cultures naturally as his own, speaking both languages without accent or error. It was fairly easy to keep up with the events as explained. The movement will definiitely keep your attention. Narration: Peter Ganim has a very nice voice. The only issue I had with listening to the reading (and I know it's a script issue) was the about 700-800 times "he said" was used at the end of sentences. It was not as bad as listening to someone say "You know?" or "Um," or with a constant vocal fry (that would be unbearable). Again, Mr. Ganim's voice is great. I was longing for "he asked," "I replied," "I wondered," or anything other than "he said." Other than that, you will likely love this entire book. It is a very good story. The ending tied the entire book up into a satisfying summary.

Fascinating, detailed account of the inside story of a terrorist investigation.

Interesting story, good narration. The only thing I found distracting was the incredible overuse of the phrase “he said”. Over and over - I have never noticed in another audible book and I have to think it was a limitation of the ability of the co-author. However, I had to finish the book to find out how it ended and it was a worthwhile endeavor.

Wow!!

This story was incredible, only to be made better by the excellent narration. I loved every moment of this book and did not want it to end. This FBI agent is a true hero and deserves praise for all that he has done for this country as well as Canada.
The is the best book I have listened to in a long time. Peter Ganim is extremely talented. This is a must-read.

Eyes closed

Opened my eyes and educated not only my brain but my heart about Muslim beliefs and culture! Thank you!! Please be safe and always know you have a gift, you are very good at it and thank you and your team for using it for good!!

The narrator was splendid. Thank you for the intimations. It made it very interesting to listen to.

unreal!! it's one of the best books I've ever read

this book is one of the best I have ever read. it's is very real and eye opening. if you're considering reading it, go ahead and do it. stop considering and simply do it. I am thankful for this man and others like him for their work in keeping us safe.

Fascinating

Thank you for putting your life on the line to keep us ALL safe!

Well-written in that I could picture the interactions as they were being described. Fascinating and unnerving at the same time.

Great! Gave me a new perspective and understanding

This story was well written, performed well and gave me a much better understanding of the difference between the believers of Islam and the radical Islamists. This story puts you inside the minds of both. I have a greater respect for the true Islamists and an even greater disrespect for the radicals. Thank you "Tamer" for writing this and sharing the story with us. Thank you for your service to our country and the world. Thank you to the many others that worked with Tamer to accomplish the noble and brave work it takes to bring down terrorists.

This book was amazing. Tamer Elnoury is a hero.

I finished this book in about 3 days. it was amazingly written. The way the author developed all the characters made me connect to them on a level you don't find in many books. The chapter about Tamer's mother brought tears to my eyes. I was very surprised at how indepth the author goes into his faith and how difficult it was for him to deal with these evil people so closely.

I definitely recommend this book. You will not be able to put it down.