As an Assistant United States Attorney, John Kroger pursued high-profile cases against mafia killers, drug kingpins, and Enron executives. In C...
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reviews
Dec 04, 2011
James
rated it: 
This is a surprisingly good book on many levels.
It's somewhat of the genre of Kidder's Soul of a new machine,
and many of Michael Lewis' books,
in that it describes in detail a somewhat obscure job that most people have heard of,
but don't really know what is actually done on a daily basis.
The author includes some discussion about his dissatisfaction with what his job actually accomplishes at the end of the day.
And how it changes his own morals More...
It's somewhat of the genre of Kidder's Soul of a new machine,
and many of Michael Lewis' books,
in that it describes in detail a somewhat obscure job that most people have heard of,
but don't really know what is actually done on a daily basis.
The author includes some discussion about his dissatisfaction with what his job actually accomplishes at the end of the day.
And how it changes his own morals More...
Nov 18, 2009
Courtney
rated it: 
Before John Kroger was elected Oregon attorney general, before he moved to the state to teach at Lewis and Clark's law school, he was an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of New York. From this tough-to-land perch, Harvard Law grad Kroger prosecuted drug crimes, gangsters and eventually the mafia. He also built a strong reputation in elite legal circles, as he's not shy to point out.
This book explores in compelling detail some of the more interesting cases that he tried More...
This book explores in compelling detail some of the more interesting cases that he tried More...
Jan 17, 2010
Cheryl
rated it:
WHAT a read!! The title pretty much says it all.... Current Oregon State Attorney General writes of his former life as a federal prosecutor for New York City's Brooklyn-Queens district. He's an engaging writer and he tells his stories with a brilliant mix of legal background/facts and first-person reactions to what he encountered. Although his experiences underscore every bit of cynical conclusions about corruption that I presumed to be true (and more) what saves the book from merely salacio
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Dec 22, 2009
David
rated it:
Kroger is a strange man - introverted, a little naive, overly analytical and a bit of a narcissist, but he seems really decent and likeable. What makes his book so interesting is his honesty and self-reflection. In law, you come across a lot of prosecutors like Kroger - deeply committed to justice and ivory towered. Kroger takes you behind that stilted, opaque robot of a person and shows you his thoughts and motivations.
For instance, I like how Kroger explains that he harbors no r More...
For instance, I like how Kroger explains that he harbors no r More...
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Jun 08, 2009
Bernice
rated it:
I am interested in reading this book because John Kroger has a viewpoint about being a federal prosecutor. My experience as a state prosecutor is that we are able to seek justice. He points to some conflicts regarding that goal in the federal system. I like the writing style so far. We'll see
I am so proud to be a prosecutor and I don't know any prosecutors who are interested in convicting innocent people. We would fight to free and vacate convictions that were a mistake. I don't bel More...
I am so proud to be a prosecutor and I don't know any prosecutors who are interested in convicting innocent people. We would fight to free and vacate convictions that were a mistake. I don't bel More...
Oct 10, 2010
David
rated it:
I love the law. Of course the author, John Kroger the attorney general of Oregon, makes himself out in a positive light, but the stories he tells of fighting the mafia, drug dealers and transporters, as well as Enron thieves are all engrossing to read. He tells of the strategies, what went well and what did not as his time as a AUSA, an Assistant United States Attorney. He tells of the philosophical quandaries of prosecutions and of the mistakes he made along the way. His writing style is ea
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Jan 29, 2010
Nick
rated it: 
A story by a federal prosecutor describing some of his biggest cases. The description of the cases was interesting. His long chapters on how to improve law enforcement policy in areas such as the war on drugs, although insightful were a bit dry at times. I was also disappointed to realize that the last chapter and by implication the entire book was a plug for his candidacy in the Oregon Attorney General's race. He also came across as a little arrogant, very eager to point out how talented he
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Feb 16, 2010
Evan
rated it:
I learned a few things about federal law enforcement and structure that I wasn't aware of. Kroger writes well, but found my mind wandering a few times and felt frustrated that the book seemed to be framed as a campaign piece, instead of a true autobiography.
It's good to see Kroger, who I admire, admit his mistakes, and it's helpful for anyone who wants to understand the man.
It's good to see Kroger, who I admire, admit his mistakes, and it's helpful for anyone who wants to understand the man.
Feb 22, 2010
Very well written memoir of a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the EDNY. Good courtroom drama, insider information on prosecuting big cases, interesting characters. He explains things well and has an interesting point of view.
Jul 17, 2008
Katherine
rated it:
This is an outstanding description of what it's like to be an Assistant United States Attorney, and it covers the gamut of cases from white collar to drugs to the mafia to minor cases. Kroger can seem at times a little bit much in terms of the self-analysis, but the result is that he's taken time to think about the moral and ethical quandaries that face federal prosecutors, and about the difficulties of taking what so many declare the best job they've ever had are in terms of exposure to some o
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Mar 06, 2010
I read it to page 21, from the NonFiction Book Club. I love crime and legal TV series, so reading this real-life account should be interesting.
Jul 30, 2008
Kim
rated it:
A great pool book . . . the guy is a major narcissist but obviously bright and dedicated. I love this kind of book, complete with trial strategies and inside glimpses into the mob and drug running, though, obviously, to one not so enthralled with the criminal justice system, this could be a bore. One angle that distinguishes this book from others of its genre is the author's acknowledgement of the tension between truth and justice, the incredible power wielded by United States Attorneys, and the
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Jun 18, 2010
Alice
rated it:
Very satisfying glimpse into the life of a federal prosecutor. I'm glad I don't live in that world - yikes! Mafia bosses, drug lords, Wall Street swindlers. Phew. No wonder he moved to Portland! :-)
Jun 28, 2010
Patricia
rated it:
I expected to begin this book and then drift away from it early on and eventually take it back to the library. This is what happened, but not for the reasons I thought. This book is great! It is witty and interesting and easy to read, and a fascinating look at an area of law most of us non-lawyers probably barely think about. I highly recommend it. It is also a very long book and Kroger won an Oregon book award this year so people at the library requested it before I could finish it. I would lik
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Jul 10, 2008
Wedelman
rated it:
This guy's job is too cool for school. I liked the insights into the day-to-day operations of the U.S. Attorney's Office including hiring and administrative processes. Talk about making a positive difference in the world -- this guy's accomplishments are inspiring. Still, it's little more than a collection of war stories from his job with a sprinkling of philosophy thrown around in random places to assure us the author is a serious thinker. It fizzles at the end, but still a fun read.
Apr 22, 2010
Masamune's Song
rated it:
Book club book.
Not something I would pick up on my own, but an interesting look into the life of a prosecutor. Some reviewers say Kroger comes across as arrogant, but to me he only sounds-- like a lawyer. Perfectionistic, not given to excessive self-deprecation, and trying to prove a point-- in this case that he was a good AUSA and will make a good attorney general.
Not something I would pick up on my own, but an interesting look into the life of a prosecutor. Some reviewers say Kroger comes across as arrogant, but to me he only sounds-- like a lawyer. Perfectionistic, not given to excessive self-deprecation, and trying to prove a point-- in this case that he was a good AUSA and will make a good attorney general.
Apr 20, 2010
Heather
rated it:
Book Group Book. Loved it! Surprisingly interesting and easy to read.
Oct 04, 2008
Renee
rated it:
I was absolutely fascinated by this book. I learned about what it's like to be a federal prosecutor (I had no clue) and it has really helped me understand more about our justice system. Kroger is also a very good writer. He is living here in Oregon now, and says nice things about it in his book. Currently he is a candidate for attorney general of Oregon.
Nov 23, 2010
Vivek
rated it:
I enjoyed the nuance with which Kroger talked about different experiences he had prosecuting criminals as a US Attorney - he teaches a lot about what AUSAs do while conveying some of the moral complexities of the work. Well written and enlightening.
Dec 29, 2010
Deb
rated it: 
2009 Oregon Book Award winner for Creative Non-Fiction
I tried it, but found Kroger's voice to be too political to really enjoy. I don't think I'll go back to this one.
I tried it, but found Kroger's voice to be too political to really enjoy. I don't think I'll go back to this one.
Mar 01, 2010
Matt
rated it:
Reviewing this one for the Portland Mercury. I've got to ask the author some questions next week...suggestions welcome!
Aug 11, 2011
Zoe
rated it:
I loved this - definitely recommended for anyone who's a fan of Jeffrey Toobin.
Dec 25, 2011
Nov 16, 2011
