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8 to 20
This is the true story of a former US diplomat, accomplished FBI agent, combat Marine, and ex-deputy sheriff, who found himself facing the greatest challenge of his eight to twenty years in prison. Could he live with thousands of inmates who considered him their sworn enemy? His lengthy career in the FBI included several high-profile cases and many undercover roles, including against the Italian and Albanian Mafias. He also posed as a Mexican cartel boss and a hitman. He had gone "deep cover" in some of those investigations, but this undercover role would be for eight to twenty years. He was entering the very same prison system as the inmates he played a pivotal role in putting in prison, including the murderers of a friend and fellow FBI agent whom he was integral in prosecuting.
His street savvy, sense of humor, and willingness to take chances in several of his undercover assignments had paid off handsomely, but prison was uncharted territory. It would be life or death. Would he be able to survive if his identity was exposed? Would he be able to do so for eight to twenty years?
1
His street savvy, sense of humor, and willingness to take chances in several of his undercover assignments had paid off handsomely, but prison was uncharted territory. It would be life or death. Would he be able to survive if his identity was exposed? Would he be able to do so for eight to twenty years?
1
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
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December 4, 2025
Edward Preciado's memoir, 8 to 20, grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. It’s the true story of a highly successful FBI agent and decorated government official who makes a mistake and ends up serving time in Nevada’s state prison. What makes this book so effective is the author's ability to tell a tough story with genuine intelligence and a great sense of humor.
Preciado is incredibly smart, and it shows in his writing. He doesn't just list events; he breaks down the strange new world of prison life, making complex social rules easy to understand. He views his new reality with the sharp eyes of a former agent, analyzing the unwritten laws and power struggles of the gangs and inmates. This intelligence makes the book more than just a survival story; it’s a look at how systems work—or fails to work—and how people adapt to impossible situations.
Despite being in a very serious and often dangerous situation, Preciado uses humor to navigate the stress. His voice is very human and direct. It feels like you are listening to a friend tell you incredible life stories. The jokes and sharp observations make the book easy to read and keep the tone balanced. That ability to find something funny even when things are bad is a major theme of the book and makes the author incredibly relatable.
8 to 20 is a fast-paced, honest look at a world most of us will never see. If you like true stories about overcoming massive challenges, understanding how people behave under pressure, and appreciate a main character with both street smarts and genuine wit, this book is an excellent choice. It’s an eye-opening read that is both entertaining and insightful.
Great Book!
Preciado is incredibly smart, and it shows in his writing. He doesn't just list events; he breaks down the strange new world of prison life, making complex social rules easy to understand. He views his new reality with the sharp eyes of a former agent, analyzing the unwritten laws and power struggles of the gangs and inmates. This intelligence makes the book more than just a survival story; it’s a look at how systems work—or fails to work—and how people adapt to impossible situations.
Despite being in a very serious and often dangerous situation, Preciado uses humor to navigate the stress. His voice is very human and direct. It feels like you are listening to a friend tell you incredible life stories. The jokes and sharp observations make the book easy to read and keep the tone balanced. That ability to find something funny even when things are bad is a major theme of the book and makes the author incredibly relatable.
8 to 20 is a fast-paced, honest look at a world most of us will never see. If you like true stories about overcoming massive challenges, understanding how people behave under pressure, and appreciate a main character with both street smarts and genuine wit, this book is an excellent choice. It’s an eye-opening read that is both entertaining and insightful.
Great Book!
Displaying 1 of 1 review