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The Dark Game: True Spy Stories From Invisible Ink To CIA Moles (2010)

by Paul B. Janeczko(Favorite Author)

3.35 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0763629154 (ISBN13: 9780763629151)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Candlewick Press

review 1: In the book, The Dark Game: True Spy Stories, real spy stories throughout history are told. This book is not only intriguing, but also fundamentally exhilarating as you read about interesting spy stories all the way back to the American Revolution. As you start with simple invisible ink and spies infiltrating the enemy way back in the 1700s, you progress to the modern era where is there is an abundance of new technology just making the spy game more complex. Spies start to use recon drones to fly over the enemy and collect intel, or simply hack some of the main communication lines of the enemy to find what they are planning. Even though times are changing as the book progresses, the same concept behind spying is consistent. Each side of a conflict or battle wants an upper... more hand on the enemy, so they hack, cheat, steal, anything they can to gain info on the enemies infrastructure that will help defeat them.I thought it was a cool dynamic how the stories were told in chronological order, sometimes linking certain people together or referring back to the past events and how they have an effect on certain incidents. “After the Revolutionary war, spies began to be hired by countries to find information on the infrastructure of those countries” (Janeczko 27).This book could have more background detail about the people involved, not to say there was no information, but knowing where the spies originated and how they were introduced to spying. An interesting aspect, I think, would be the fluentness of how the story flows. As stated before, it begins in colonial times, and by the end of the book, you feel it was all connected as there were spies everywhere at all times and even still are today. There were not major splits in time periods and it all flowed nicely. Another good point on these stories are that they aren't difficult to get into. Only have thirty minutes? It allows you to read about 2-3 different stories at a time. There isn’t tons and tons of detail and in depth analyzation, but it gives you the interesting details and the main points, which is nice.The authors purpose was simple, yet elegant. He allowed the reader to learn about complex spy situations, and created a fun, light read which is stimulating to the mind, opening questions about spies and the background of how they were involved in some wars, and even during times of peace. He allows the reader to be able to skip to certain stories with minimal confusion because each of the stories are separate, with only some details overlapping. There is even a spice of comedy within these stories which allow for a lightened, enjoyable mood. Overall, this is an interesting, fun read. It is not tedious, long pages with small text, there are special biography, or pages with side information every ten to fifteen pages, which allow for a leisurely read. The stories date from the 1700s to the modern era and it is cool to see the transformation in spy equipment and techniques as the years change. The only negative would be how there is some information missing for the background of events or certain spies, even though a decent amount is covered. I am not sure if the author thought this extras information would crowd the reading, making it straw from the original idea of having a quick read, thats why I will give it a 4 out of 5. In result, this book is a great one, especially if you are interested in learning about spies throughout history or just like history in general. This read will open your mind to questions about today and what types of spies are out there now. I would recommend this book to a friend.
review 2: Kelly GarwoodJaneczko, P. B. (2010). The dark game: True spy stories from invisible ink to CIA moles. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.Genre: InformationalAward(s): YALSA-ALA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction finalistFormat: bookSelection process: McGorray, K. (2010, August 1). Review [Review of the book The dark game: True spy stories from invisible ink to CIA moles by P. B. Janeczko]. School Library Journal.Review:From George Washington and the Culper spy ring to the Soviet Union and the Corona spy satellite, The Dark Game covers over 200 years of espionage, secrets and infiltration of the United States. Janeczko, poet and anthologist, takes a look at the spies throughout time who have shaped history. He does not go beyond the 9/11 terrorist attacks because, as he says, “that is a subject for another book” (p. 7). But in this book the time covered is more than enough for one book.Benedict Arnold, Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen are just some of the more well-known spies that are discussed in addition to technological advancements and secret missions. Other less well-known spies include: Elizabeth Van Lew, an aristocrat who worked against slavery during the Civil War; General John “Black Jack” Pershing, promoted to the highest rank held in the US Army during WWI; the Choctaw code talkers, a group of Native Americans who helped the Americans in WWII transmit cyphered messages.In chronological order, The Dark Game comprehensively relays a fascinating topic. Since the point of spies is to remain secret Janeczko’s thorough research is useful and educational for anyone wishing to understand this world more. The bibliography and source notes at the end are excellent foundations for further study. The photography of ciphers and documents, the spies themselves and scenes of famous meet ups and arrests help give authenticity to information. The reading level of the book is for about 13-15 year olds, but the information within is captivating for many ages. Examining both spies who worked for and against our country diversifies the book to help keep it realistic. This evolution of the complexity and intensity of spy craft is sure to interest any reader.Recommend less

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