52 pages • 1 hour read
Permanent Record
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.
Book Brief
352
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Contemporary USA
2019
Adult
18+ years
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.
Informative
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
70,580 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
70,580 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Contemporary USA
2019
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.