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)

Not high enough

Like most people I wanted to know what Comey had to say for himself. His remarks about Hillary's emails ring hallow, I think he didn't consider the consequences of his actions when he made his statements about the reasons he reopened the investigation so close to the election. He professes a belief in a higher morality, yet fails to achieve that morality. I 'ok give him the benefit of the doubt however, for his attempt to act morally and honorably. His description of Trump and Trump's morally corrupt personality do seem to ring true,but I disagree that Trump should be removed at the ballot box, I don't belive Our country can wait any longer to remove the cancer in the White House. Read this book by all means, it's well written and very insightful, I enjoyed it, and come away from it with respect and gratitude to Mr. Comey for his service to our country.

A very good memoir.

James Comey is both an excellent writer and narrator. Whether everything in this book is true can only really be known by Comey himself and I won't comment on the political matters. The book is engaging, grouping events by idea rather than strictly chronologically, and the offers great insight into what it takes to be a great leader and the importance of truth, law, and honesty.

Surprised

I like to hear from both sides of the story in any argument, and I was unprepared for what I thought would be a resentful tale about a fired government employee. I was surprised that in the FBI, an old agency of the government, someone had gone around instructing about leadership, the pursuit of the truth, and ethical behavior. I have been pleasantly surprised that we have leaders to whom that matters because it seems those great attributes are absent from the government. I was pleasantly surprised to learn the FBI is apolitical and to know it has had leaders who strive for truth and justice for all. I understand better now what happened with the Clinton investigation. I pray that Comey is right and that out of this disastrous presidency later comes more citizen involvement in voting. Five stars from me.

awesome, very informative, nice to hear honesty

What made the experience of listening to A Higher Loyalty the most enjoyable?

I find it nice to listen to truth

What did you like best about this story?

finally it is here, I use my alexa tablet and portable wifi to listen everywhere

What does James Comey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

honesty of course

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

no, just the facts!

Any additional comments?

I sent copies to all my adult children - different from trump - they and their children READ

The Ethics of Leadership

Rather than being a gossipy political tell-all, I found this book to be more an examination of leadership styles and ethics. While I still don’t like that Comey announced about the second round in the Clinton Email investigation, and I do understand his choice.

I think this book will have staying power as a historical reference as well as required reading in many a graduate program.

Good story, bro.

For real! He is a gifted story teller. Compelling and interesting. I always got the feeling that he was just trying to do the right thing even if I did get crazy mad at the times he was opening his big fat mouth. I’m glad I read this book I totes like comey and wish him well in life. Honestly I don’t see why tRump is so mad. This does seem like all the facts of the situation. Nothing super inflammatory... that we didn’t already know. Thanks Comey. I haven’t always liked you but I kinda do and absolutely respect you. That was a tough job to have. Like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Choosing the honorable way was the ONLY REAL path that could be taken. Over all 5 stars.

Interesting but....

Clearly the motivation for witing and reading the book is the Trump connection. but i truly found Comey interesting and would have liked to hear more colour and stories feom his years in Justice and FBI. especially the issues in the Obama years and memories of global crime, cyber, drug trade etc. I felt there were a few chapters missing.

Amazing listen!

This was far from my expectations and overall, a great memoir. I now have a different perspective about Hillary's emails and why the investigation was handled that way and completely understand the awkward position Comey was put in. I also believe that we're a little less safe a nation right now without Comey as Director of the FBI. What was done to him in his firing with zero notice or hints is a travesty and a stain on this current administration. This is an ethical man who speaks frankly about his flaws and failings throughout the book. Both him and McCabe were railroaded and it disgusts me and embarrasses me for this administration. I'll say as well that Comey reciting his own memoir gives it a very personal feel and at times I was emotional reading this. If you are a Democrat who was angry at Comey for the emails I urge you to read this and gain his perspective. It adds so much we didn't know.

An important book for a nation that has lost its way

I listened to this book straight through. It is very compelling. I think it may be best listened to. It is very conversational and Comey establishes a good rapport with the listener. Like he is sitting there talking to you. He explains his life and viewpoints and the vital importance of truthfulness.

The slime machine that is geared up sniping at this memoir as cheap potshots are hypocrites and trolls. Every observation of Trump by Comey perfectly matches the different and independent observations of a number of my friends who have directly met with Trump and made identical comments. What is important in this book is clearly not Trump but the forsaking of truthfulness. It underscores the value of honesty, knowledge and competence and how very difficult and complex running a great nation is. And many times there are not any good choices to pick from even for the most effective decision makers.

Fantastic writer,incredible life experience, read!

For Trumpers and Pussy Hats alike. This isn't about Trump- this is about life experience highlighting leadership of several presidencies, a grocer, and others gleaned by a man who served the nation, and preserved his honor under a cloud of politics dark enough to blind the strongest moralities. Walking the right path rarely looks so difficult nor maligned by opposition- nor more enticing to follow.