Seymour’s memoir “Reporter” is a dense walk-thru of his life as a newspaper reporter. He covers his young life and his very early career, working for a local news bureau and regional weeklies. His early jobs as a cub reporter in Chicago showed him the importance of cultivating sources and being discreet. For Sy, as he was known, it blossomed into a long and important prize-winning writing career.

He writes about his major stories over the past several decades. He also writes about the competitive nature between newspapers and newspaper reporters, and the necessary tension between editors, publishers and “lone wolf” writers like himself. His book is full of names and dates and places, so it demands attentive reading. His book features a superb index in case I had to remind myself of a particular person or place. He closes his book by saying he’s still working, and he’s got at least one more book more coming. I’ll be looking out for it! ( )

Wonderful ( )

This memoir is a great read from beginning to end. Vietnam (My Lai) and Watergate are the obvious highlights but Hersh’s descriptions of his CIA, Gulf-Western, Kissinger, Kennedy, Abu Graib and Bin Laden investigative reports and books are also fascinating. By protecting his sources, Hersh gained and kept the trust of those inside the US Government who wanted the truth to get out. While often controversial, his reports have stood the test of time. His Democratic leanings are clear in the book (and the story of his role as press spokesman for Gene McCarthy’s presidential campaign is another highlight), but the integrity of his investigative reports seem unaffected by his politics. Some of his best sources have not been Democrats. His interactions with the editors and management of the New York Times, New Yorker and other publications are another entertaining and insightful aspect of the book, especially his relationship with Abe Rosenthal. Despite the efforts of the media to concoct a rivalry of Bob Woodward and Seymour Hersh, he mentioned several times his positive relationship with Woodward and their efforts to build on each others’ work in the Watergate and other stories. By describing his journalistic techniques, he also intends that his memoirs should have a vocational benefit for beginning journalists. ( )

First I don't like Hersh or rather his writing. It isn't I don't believe him, but I would rather I didn't have to.

I must give him as high a rating as possible he deserves it ( )

This was a great memoir from the acclaimed journalist. Hersch manages to weave his narrative through the facts, presented in the same style as, seemingly, his journalism was. His voice, stories, and details flow throughout the book and are expounded in a nonetheless tacit fashion.The anecdotes that are bordered around this are also interesting and poignant.

Overall, a great book: 4 stars! ( )