Ted Gup Libri

The book delves into the troubling trend of secrecy within essential institutions, revealing how this preoccupation undermines values like security and privacy. Drawing from his extensive experience as an investigative journalist, Ted Gup highlights the misuse of confidentiality in academia, business, and legal systems, illustrating the rise of an unaccountable shadow justice system. By sounding the alarm on these ethical breaches, he advocates for the preservation of democratic principles and transparency in society.

A national bestseller, this extraordinary work of investigative reporting uncovers the identities, and the remarkable stories, of the CIA secret agents who died anonymously in the service of their country. In the entrance of the CIA headquarters looms a huge marble wall into which seventy-one stars are carved-each representing an agent who has died in the line of duty. Official CIA records only name thirty-five of them, however. Undeterred by claims that revealing the identities of these "nameless stars" might compromise national security, Ted Gup sorted through thousands of documents and interviewed over 400 CIA officers in his attempt to bring their long-hidden stories to light. The result of this extraordinary work of investigation is a surprising glimpse at the real lives of secret agents, and an unprecedented history of the most compelling—and controversial—department of the US government.

The narrative explores the profound impact of economic hardship, revealing how it can inspire compassion and community. Ted Gup uncovers letters from 1933, written in response to an ad seeking assistance for families struggling during the Great Depression. His journey across the country brings to life the diverse experiences of those who wrote the letters, illuminating their struggles and aspirations while also revealing the hidden complexities of his grandfather's life. This exploration offers a poignant reflection on resilience in challenging times.