52 pages 1 hour read

Edward Snowden

Permanent Record

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2019

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Permanent Record by Edward Snowden, released in 2019, is his memoir detailing his journey from a tech-obsessed youth to a CIA and NSA contractor who becomes a world-famous whistleblower in 2013, revealing the extensive and secret surveillance of American citizens by intelligence agencies. He navigates a complex professional and personal life, culminating in his exile to Russia where he continues advocating for privacy rights. The memoir includes topics related to governmental surveillance, privacy issues, and geopolitical asylum, along with personal challenges such as mental health struggles.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Permanent Record by Edward Snowden captivates with its gripping narrative and insightful exploration of privacy and surveillance. Readers find it both inspiring and alarming, appreciating Snowden’s candidness and technical explanations. However, some critique it as self-serving and lacking in depth regarding moral implications. Overall, it’s a compelling read for privacy advocates and tech enthusiasts alike.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Permanent Record?

Readers who enjoy Permanent Record by Edward Snowden are typically intrigued by modern surveillance, whistleblowing, and personal narratives of individuals challenging powerful institutions. Fans of 1984 by George Orwell and Why Privacy Matters by Neil Richards may find this memoir particularly compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Politics / Government

Science / Nature

History: World

Genre

Biography