Books that Hook: The Master of Disguise: My Secret Life in the CIA
Books that Hook
By Kalie Chamberlain
Our senior book reviews are written with the understanding that mature, sensible, premium-aged people may not want the bother of searching for well-written, sleaze-free reading materials—that’s why we’ve done the searching for you. We hope you enjoy this month’s pick.
This Month’s Nonfiction Selection: The Master of Disguise: My Secret Life in the CIA
Author: Antonio J. Mendez
Publisher: William Morrow
Length: 376 pages
Most of what we know about spy techniques and gambits comes from Hollywood films and drugstore thrillers. Because of the classified nature of spy work, the average citizen rarely hears the true details of what American spies actually do—and how they do it. But with The Master of Disguise, all that is about to change.
This fascinating and at times heart-pounding memoir was written by Tony Mendez, a retired CIA agent who pioneered the use of disguise for spies and their assets during the Cold War. Given special permission by the Agency to share his story, Mendez’s autobiography takes readers on a whirlwind journey across enemy lines and into the very heart of danger. Relying on his wits, highly developed materials, and a keen artist’s eye, Mendez chronicles some of his most grueling and thrilling escapades behind the Iron Curtain.
Mendez, an artist by trade, started out as a graphics specialist in the CIA’s then-Technical Services Division, creating travel documents and convincing “pocket litter” for agents moving across borders. But he had his eye on an overseas assignment, and his dedication paid off. Within a few years, he and his family moved to the Far East, where his field assignments began, described in gripping detail. It’s easy to see how the ambitious and inventive artist quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most influential and decorated agents in CIA history.
Also included in this memoir is a recounting of a secret rescue of six American diplomats from Iran during the Iranian Hostage Crisis that lasted from 1979 to 1981. A recently declassified story, operation ARGO was designed and executed by Mendez and his Hollywood team. ARGO is a story so exciting that it caught the eye of actor/director Ben Affleck, whose critically-acclaimed film of the same name debuted in theatres last year.
A perfect read for history buffs, spy story enthusiasts, and everyone in between, The Master of Disguise will captivate you. The author’s detail and tense narrative drive the story forward over many years. As the book concludes, you’ll be filled with admiration for the men and women who so creatively—and so secretly—carry out dangerous and little-known missions that serve the greater good.
You can borrow The Master of Disguise from your local library. Purchase it from a local bookseller or at www.amazon.com. Also available in e-book and audio book format. At the time of this printing, the Kindle edition is available for just $1.99.