John Kiriakou has recently written The Reluctant Spy. The book recounts his fifteen years as a covert agent and his life in the Central Intelligence Agency as an operative and analyst.  It details his take down of the infamous terrorist Abu Zubaydah as well as a day in the life of a CIA agent.

The book offers a fascinating look at what actions were deemed necessary shortly after the September 11th attacks.  It shows the mindset of those CIA officials on September 11th and how they felt about making sure they were "the tip of the spear," as America’s protectors.

It also highlights the requirements needed to work for the Agency; the training that is necessary; and the sacrifices that must be made for country over personal life.  Kiriakou describes the Agency as being similar to a fraternity. He states that "I consider it to be a family.  We are willing to shed blood for each other.  We need to trust each other with our life.  You form a bond, a real connection."

His personal reaction to 9/11 was very powerful and touching.  He stated that, "I remember driving down Washington Parkway after Headquarters closed, watching the Pentagon burn in the distance. I said out loud to myself how could this have happened? My fiancé, a CIA employee, and I went out looking to volunteer some place. After a short time, we looked at each other and said we have to get back to work. We went back even though the employees were told to stay clear because of the possible unknown danger. The crazy thing was when we finally got there everybody had gone back to work to find some answers and found out the big bosses had never left."

A good read if you want to experience what it's like to be a CIA officer.  Kiriakou interestingly explores an operative's day to day experiences.