What do You think about The Falcon And The Snowman: A True Story Of Friendship & Espionage (2002)?
This story is so fascinating because its a true story and happened right here in my own backyard... Its hard to believe two boys, raised from good families in Palos Verdes, grew up to become spies for the KGB in the late 1970s. One of them worked for a company in the aerospace industry right here in the South Bay. Its amazing how easily and how long they were able to perform what ended up being one of the worst acts of espionage in United States history. The book is over 25 years old and I was curious to see what the guys were up to today. They're both out of prison on parole... I don't want to give any spoilers about how the book ends, so if you're curious, check out the articles on Wikipedia: Christopher Boyce Andrew Daulton Lee
—Erin
One of those books I always wanted to read; This one, after seeing the movie back in the late 80's while stationed in San Diego. As usual, the movie took great artistic license, but generally it followed script. I learned a bit more about "The Falcon's" intelligence and idealism, but overall it more a refresher than anything. The one question the book made more explicit is how they got into the situation that allowed them access to "top secret" information in the first place. Still a fascinating story, but if you saw the movie don't expect any "revelations" here.
—Daniel
Incredible story and what Christopher Boyce Lee did for TRW is incredibly similar to what I did while in the air force with only a "Secret" clearance. Never saw the movie but the dissatisfaction that Lee felt about the US government and the lies it told other governments and US citizens seems eerily similar to the justifications of radicalized Americans currently working with other countries or even for the Taliban. Lee's justifications for his actions may or may not resonate with all political stripes but the content of what he exposed is instructive in terms of whether or not to trust the US governments justifications for its action around the world.
—Daniel Lee
