Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator by Gary Noesner

Stalling for Time offers a riveting account of the FBI's chief hostage negotiator, Gary Noesner, as he recounts his experiences in some of the most high-stakes crises in modern history. From the Waco siege with David Koresh to the Montana Freemen standoff, Noesner provides a candid and insightful look into the nonviolent communication techniques he helped develop. His memoir is not just a thrilling narrative of tense showdowns but also an expose of the internal politics within the FBI./n/nBeyond the suspenseful retellings, Noesner's book delves into the psychological and strategic aspects of negotiation, offering a unique perspective on law enforcement and crisis management. It's an intimate history of contemporary American militia movements and a testament to the visionary approach of a pioneer in the field.

Reviews

Maeg's View · Maeg · 2021-07-27

engaging 4.50

This book is a great fit for those who enjoy true crime and law enforcement narratives. It's engaging and informative, offering a unique insider's view of high-pressure situations.

Maeg found this book to be a great fit for her reading preferences, particularly her interest in true crime and law enforcement stories. She appreciated the engaging narrative and the detailed accounts of high-stakes negotiations. The book provides an insider's view of the FBI's approach to hostage situations, which is both informative and thrilling. Maeg also noted that the book is well-paced and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a gripping non-fiction read that offers a unique perspective on crisis management.

Quick quotes

This one was a good one as this is totally up my alley of books I like to read

It's engaging and informative, offering a unique insider's view of high-pressure situations

The book provides an insider's view of the FBI's approach to hostage situations, which is both informative and thrilling

Hardcover · Emma · 2020-11-12

interesting 3.50

While the author's achievements are undeniable, there's a sense of self-congratulation that can be off-putting. The book is still an interesting read, but it could have benefited from a more balanced perspective.

Emma acknowledges that Gary Noesner has done remarkable work and saved many lives, but she feels that at times, the narrative comes across as a bit self-congratulatory. This doesn't detract from the fascinating stories and the insight into the world of hostage negotiation, but it does make the reading experience a bit less enjoyable. The book is still a valuable resource for those interested in law enforcement and crisis management, but it might have been more impactful with a more modest tone. Overall, it's an interesting read, but one that could have been even better with a bit more humility.

Quick quotes

Obviously Gary Noesner's done a lot of great things and has saved a lot of people but I felt at times he was patting himself on the back a bit

The book is still an interesting read, but it could have benefited from a more balanced perspective

It's a valuable resource for those interested in law enforcement and crisis management

The Oress · 2018-09-08

compelling 4.50

The book is filled with gripping stories of high-stakes negotiations and the evolution of the FBI's approach to hostage situations. The narrative is both intense and insightful, offering a unique perspective on crisis management.

This memoir is a page-turner, with each chapter diving into a different tense standoff. The author's firsthand accounts provide a rare look into the psychological and tactical aspects of negotiation. It's not just about the drama; it's about the strategies and the personal toll these situations take on the negotiators. The book also highlights the shift in the FBI's approach from confrontation to negotiation, which is a fascinating historical context. Overall, it's a compelling read that combines real-life suspense with a deep dive into the mind of a hostage negotiator.

Quick quotes

Gary Noesner tells page-turning story after story of tense, walk-the-line between life and death stand-offs

The book is filled with gripping stories of high-stakes negotiations

It's not just about the drama; it's about the strategies and the personal toll these situations take on the negotiators

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