One Sentence Summary:
James Comey’s A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership provides an insider’s look into Comey’s career in law enforcement and explores the values that define ethical leadership.
Book Genre
Non-fiction; Autobiography
Main Topic of the Book
James Comey’s journey from his early days in law enforcement to the controversial decisions he made during his career culminating in his acceptance and then dismissal as Director of the FBI.
Key Ideas
- Leadership: Comey shares his journey from his childhood to the present day, providing a first-hand look at the lessons he learned about ethical and effective leadership.
- Integrity: Comey emphasizes the importance of upholding a commitment to the truth, even in difficult or uncomfortable situations.
- Justice: Comey examines the complexities of justice in society and argues that justice requires remaining loyal to the truth, not to a particular individual or party.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
- Early Life: Comey discusses his upbringing in a close-knit New Jersey family and his religious beliefs that motivated him to go into law enforcement. He also reflects on his college and legal career prior to his tenure in the Department of Justice.
- Path to Leadership: Comey shares his successes and setbacks as he works his way up the ladder from a US Attorney in Manhattan to Deputy Attorney General. His experiences in the Justice Department inform his views about the importance of independent law enforcement and ethical leadership.
- Controversial Decisions: Comey recounts the events surrounding his involvement in several controversial high-profile cases, including the investigations of Hillary Clinton’s e-mails and potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. He explains his rationale for the decisions he made and the personal and professional costs incurred.
- US Attorney Dismissal: Comey recounts the events leading up to President Trump’s sudden dismissal of him as FBI Director and what he did in response.
Key Takeaways
- Ethical leadership is shaped by a commitment to truth, fairness, and justice.
- The right decision isn’t always the popular one, and it can carry serious costs.
- A leader must be prepared to stand up for what’s right and take action when necessary.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
James Comey is a former US Attorney General and FBI Director. He has served in the Justice Department in various positions, including as Deputy Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the College of William and Mary, a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, and a member of the New York Bar.
Target Audience
The book is aimed at leaders and aspiring leaders who are interested in exploring Comey’s unique approach to ethical leadership. The book can also appeal to readers interested in learning about Comey’s experience as FBI Director and his involvement in controversial cases, such as the investigations of Hillary Clinton’s e-mails and potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Publisher and First Publication Date
A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership was published by Flatiron Books in April 2018.