Book and Film Recommendations

Sydney Pollack
1975

A bookish CIA researcher in Manhattan finds all his co-workers dead, and must outwit those responsible until he figures out who he can really trust

Yossi Bohen
Broadside Books, 16 Sep 25

In The Sword of Freedom, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen pulls back the curtain on Israel’s success in the face of never-ending war. Cohen has played a pivotal role in shaping Israel’s modern defense strategy. Blending personal stories and the nation’s history, he offers a rare glimpse into how Israel has defied existential threats and built a cutting-edge defense system. Now, he reveals how Israel always finds a way to win, as well as:

• The secret to Israel’s success as a nation and military power
• The future of Gaza and Hamas
• What it takes to be in the Mossad
• The mistakes Westerners make when they look at the Middle East
• How Mossad helps counter terrorism around the world
• How the art of spycraft has changed in the advent of AI and social media
• What Donald Trump’s second presidency means for Israel

In today’s volatile world Israel must remain adaptable and resolute to survive. Cohen explores how Israel achieves this: by questioning all intelligence, prioritizing human ingenuity, cooperating with other countries (even ones you might not expect), and ensuring enemies fear defeat before battles begin.

As David Ben-Gurion observed, “History is not written, it is created.” From thrilling covert operations to strategies that safeguard borders, The Sword of Free­dom demonstrates how Israel’s transformation from a vulnerable state to a global power was no accident. 

Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc., 11 Mar 25

What is the role of intelligence in the homeland security enterprise? How have its practice and function evolved since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security more than two decades ago? What accounts for the changes? As they address these questions, the authors of this comprehensive volume investigate the critical issues that remain unresolved and consider what lies ahead.

CONTENTS:

• Homeland Security and Intelligence―W.R. Moy.
• THE HOMELAND SECURITY ENTERPRISE.
• A Theory of Homeland Security―B.J. Murphy.
• Treading Through a Jungle of Parochial Interests―P.M. Hughes
• Integrating State and Local Intelligence―W.M. Toms.
• THE THREAT LANDSCAPE.
• Evaluating Threats to the Homeland―W.R. Moy.
• Cyber Threat Intelligence―H. Santiago.
• Technological and Legal Challenges to the FBI's Mission―K.R. Brock.
• The Role of DHS in Biodefense―H.T. Chaudhry.
• THE WAY FORWARD.
• Countering Information Manipulation and Disinformation: Learning from the European Union―S. Spieleder.
• Geospatial Intelligence―J. O'Connor.
• Law Enforcement Intelligence: A New Discipline?―K.T. Gradoń.
• Avoiding Failures in Homeland Security Intelligence―E. Dahl.
• Intelligence for Homeland Security: The Way Forward―K.T. Gradoń.

Bill O’Neil
LAK Publishing, 16 Oct 21

In this book you’ll embark on a wild trip of some of the strangest, brutal, bizarre, and most head-scratching missions the CIA has undertaken and allowed to be declassified.

You’ll learn about the truth behind these missions, finding out the answers to some of the following:

• How and why did the CIA come to use sex dolls, and were they successful?
• Why did the CIA think cats could be used for spying?
• Who were the brains behind a CIA program to use LSD and sex to get information?
• How did the CIA use “fake news” to overthrow a Latin American country?
• How was a notable feminist used by the CIA?

Are you ready to get your mind blown? Secret CIA profiles some of the insane brutality and illegal acts the CIA has done over its not-so-long history, yet you’ll also see a side of the CIA that can make you think WTF were they thinking?

This book has a little for everyone. If you’re a history buff, you can look forward to reading about the history of the CIA, albeit from a truly unique perspective. If you’re a trivia geek, then this book is sure to give you plenty of ideas. Along with the 21 stories of crazy CIA operations and people, there are four “Did You Know” sections that have five factoids about the CIA. You can use those sections along with the chapters to come up with your own trivia challenges for hours of fun with your friends and family.