Embedded Files
Edward Snowden’s Permanent Record is a gripping and nostalgic journey through the digital age, exposing the cost of truth in a world that doesn’t want to hear it.
Spoiler: he’s not the villain the media wants you to believe he is.
Look, I don’t care how controversial this sounds—Edward Snowden is a damn hero. Full stop. The fact that he gave up his entire life to show us just how deep the surveillance rabbit hole really goes? That takes guts most people will never understand. Permanent Record isn’t some dry retelling of headlines either—it’s personal, honest, and full of moments that made me stop and go, “Yep, that tracks.” It made me think a lot about the world we live in, and how much we take for granted when it comes to privacy, freedom, and truth.
Snowden’s writing is straightforward but compelling, which makes sense because his story doesn’t need extra fluff. What really struck me was how relatable he is. His love for computers, the internet, and tech? Same. The way he describes growing up during the dawn of the digital age? So nostalgic, it hurt a little. He captures that magic of early online exploration that I think a lot of us miss—before the algorithms and corporations took over.
But the book isn’t just about his childhood or tech nerd nostalgia. It’s a warning—a deeply personal one—about privacy, government surveillance, and how much we’ve willingly (or unknowingly) given away. And yet, it never feels preachy. Snowden lays out the facts and lets you connect the dots.
On a personal level, I couldn’t help but feel a little wistful reading about the support he had for his love of tech. That’s not something everyone gets, and it makes his story even more powerful—he used that foundation to fight for something bigger than himself.
Whether you agree with his choices or not, this book is a must-read. It’s gripping, thought-provoking, and, at times, a little gut-wrenching. If you care about your digital rights or just love a well-told story, pick this one up.
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