The Good Spy, The Life and Death of Robert Ames by Kai Bird

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I'm a total history nerd to begin with, and now I know at least something about the Beirut bombing.  I'd never heard of Robert Ames before, as I was only 8 years old in 1983 when the embassy was bombed. I had always listened to my parents about how terrible Yassar Arafat was. I never knew he was not the terrorist I thought he was. This book told about the relationship Mr. Ames had with the PLO  and how they helped in the release of the hostages in Iran.  I can still remember in the first grade writing about the release. It's so funny how it puts it all into perspective.


Mr. Ames had a wonderful marriage, a beautiful wife (which I saw with the pictures in the book, still my favorite part when I can put a face with a name), and six great kids. One of whom, Andrew, my husband grew up with. None of the kids knew what their dad really did. They all thought he worked for the State Department. Only the oldest daughter knew about his work in the CIA and that wasn't until she was an adult.

I have laughed and cried and was so angry with Mr. Ames' story. I have learned so much about people and places that I will never meet or see. The detailed description of the towns he walked in are so vivid I feel like I've been there myself. Kai Bird sets the scene and allows you to come along.  I definitely have a different view of the Arab people and the struggle they have had. It's a very sad world we live in and Robert Ames lost his life trying to put some peace and independence in the Arab peoples hands.

"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."

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