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Well-organized view inside the embassy, January 9, 2007 Reviewer: Todd Justman "audio book reader" (Charlotte, NC United States) One of the strengths of this book is that it relates three facets into the life of a diplomat: the job itself, a day in the life, and "war stories." Of all the career resources I've seen this is the first one that broke a career into this logical structure. The only piece is missing is the all-important family piece, but that is well-covered in the companion book "Realities of Foreign Service Life" by Patricia Linderman. Dorman's book describes each role in the embassy as written by the person in that role, starting at foreign national all the way to ambassador. The day in the life shares what a person in a specific function does that day. You wonder if those days are really that eventful, and seemingly they are. The "war stories" section, for lack of better name, are exciting and are full of high adventure overseas. "Diplomats do it unarmed" might be the corresponding bumper sticker. This book's candid portrayal reinforces the need for the prospective diplomat (and their family) to know exactly what they are getting into. This book provides that insight, warts and all. Don't rely on the DoS's online interest survey or website to provide an objective viewpoint; if you're gonna buy that pricey subscription to "The Economist" you want to be sure this is what you want to do! Fortunately this book is also current in that it somewhat reflects the post-9/11 world. However, with the Secretary Rice's January 2006 announcement of a strategic restructuring of the State Department, this book may need a second edition.

OK Starter, January 9, 2007 Reviewer: Troy K. Scott (Ozone Park, NY USA) This book is a good place to start if you want to get a peek into the life of a FSO. Easy flowing...Good read.

Foreign Service Security Officer's Review, June 8, 2006 Reviewer: Worley L. Reed (Florida) This book captures the essence of working for America in a US Embassy overseas. Forget the black tie and cocktail image of diplomacy. You are more likely to find a diplomat in a jeep seeking out opposition force leaders in Africa or searching the African bush for a lost American. Having served 11 years in the US Army Infantry and 24 years in the Foreign Service, I would rank serving overseas in the Foreign Service as equally as dangerous as serving on the front lines in an infantry unit. The advantage of an infantry unit is that you have many friendly comrades next to you while in the Foreign Service it is not uncommon to stand alone in the middle of a war or crisis. Most Americans do not know that we have lost more Ambassadors overseas than we have lost Generals. If you are seeking a real challenging career that is equally as rewarding, join the Foreign Service. However, the standards for candidates are the highest in the world. The book captures who we are and what we do for America everyday.

A "must have" book for Americans living in another country. April 8, 2006 Reviewer: A. Gathercoal "fdoamerica" (Norcross, GA) As a U.S. citizen living in South America I have needed to use the U.S. Embassy various times. I have found our Embassies, with their soaring walls, armed guards, imposing cameras and steel doors our embassies to be intimating, less than welcoming and difficult to navigate. When you live in another country, especially a developing country, problem will occur, and it is very important to know what your embassy does, who does what within the embassy and what the embassy staff can do for you. This book addresses two of these three issues. "Inside a U.S. Embassy", a quick read, will help you understanding who does what and why they do it. The functions and responsibilities of each of the positions within the embassy (Ambassador, Counsel, Marine Guard, etc. ) are explained by a person holding that job. What the book does not address is what our embassies can do for you. This is would have been of great help as most people do not know what they can expect, or not expect, from their civil servants. Nor do they know how (or whom) to ask for help. However, this book still is of value, especially if you are an expat, or if your are considering a position with the U.S. Foreign Service. Strongly Recommended.

FSO candidate must have. March 10, 2006 Reviewer: R. D. Dunston (Jacksonville, FL) One of the best books at giving you an insight into the Foreign Service. It isn't all encompassing and can only scratch the surface but short of living in an embassy, it is the best product around. I was really glad to see that it include the views of Foreign Service Nationals, Specialists and the Marine Security Guards. Semper Fi!

Excellent book for apprecitating the Foreign Service January 11, 2006 Reviewer: Colorado Reader (Colorado) This book is a series of stories, diaries and descriptions of the many activities taking place by our Foreign Service workers around the globe. I'm not sure how much value this book would have for people that are already working in the Foreign Service, but for those of us who aren't (but aspire to!) this gives a great feel for what actually happens at U.S. Embassies and consulates around the world. I would absolutely, and highly, recommend this book as a good starting point for someone interested in the Foreign Service.

Interesting & enjoyable book October 7, 2005 Reviewer: Noni Mas "Noni Mas" (USA) I found this to be a very interesting read and wanting to read more stories. It is broken into 3 sections, 1) Profiles of officers (an actual officer explaining their general duties), 2) A day in the life of (an actual officer and a typical day) and 3) Foreign Service in action (significant events requiring action from officers). I particularly enjoyed the last part. It showed that a single person CAN make a difference in the world. These are the kinds of events that sort of reaffirm the officers' need to be abroad. I'm sure they felt personal fulfillment, knowing that their actions made a big difference, especially having to make potentially life-altering decisions in those cases of emergencies. I mean, what would YOU do if you were put in those situations, having to make those decisions, not knowing what will happen and result from those actions. I wanted to know more details and information regarding those events, especially from that person's point of view. I think it was deliberately shortened with just enough information to give you an idea without going into too much detail. I think they probably could have written much more about each individual and their stories, making it a huge book. But this book is to just wet your feet. But a very enjoyable read for me.

Don't believe everything you see in the movies! September 24, 2005 Reviewer: K. E. Adams (Piedmont, SC USA) State Department personnel are chronically depicted in the press and in movies as effete social butterflies who don't care about the plights of those they are charged to serve. This book concisely refutes that cliche by clarifying the many activites carried out by agencies represented in U.S. diplomatic missions. This concise, well-organized introduction to the work the American government carries out abroad should be required reading for every high school student. I was especially moved by the accounts of the bravery and compassion of embassy personnel that were conveyed in the "One-day Journals from Embassy Staff." Every applicant for the Foreign Service who is preparing for his or her Oral Examination should read this book.

An anthology of brief essays and personal testimonies November 5, 2004 Reviewer: Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) Inside a U.S. Embassy: How the Foreign Service Works for America is an anthology of brief essays and personal testimonies penned by experienced professionals and published by the American Foreign Service Association itself, that reveal the role a U.S. embassay plays oversees and the demands placed upon its public servants and diplomats. Focusing on individual stories rather than cold facts or an excess of statistics, Inside a U.S. Embassy Includes profiles of the wide range of U.S. embassy responsibilities, from ambassador and mission director to refugee coordinators, consular officer, security officer and more. Brief true tales include typical days in the life of the foreign service as related in one-day journals from individuals worldwide, and amazing glimpses of the foreign service in action during moments of crisis. A fascinating revelation of the tireless men and women who labor to represent America abroad.

Don't complain about a free gift! October 21, 2004 Reviewer: A reader from Gambier, OH What a grouch! Adiegoriv is complaining about a free gift from the Department of State. If you are planning to take the Foreign Service Written Exam (usually given in April), you need this book BEFORE you take the test. It is true that the State Department is currently sending Inside a U.S. Embassy to Foreign Service Written Exam passers as a gesture to help them understand more about embassies and real Foreign Service work. My suggestion: if you get a free book because you passed this difficult exam, pat yourself on the back and give the extra copy to a friend or family member who might be interested in your exciting future career in international affairs.

Don't buy if you passed the written September 24, 2004 Reviewer: A reader from Washington DC Great book, but be warned, if you passed the written exam the State Department will mail you this book for FREE. I bought this book and the same day it was delivered I recieved a free copy from the State Department. I am still waiting for my refund.

Great Source of Information July 17, 2004 Reviewer: A reader from the United States Inside a U.S. Embassy gives readers an excellent view of the inner workings of an U.S. Embassy. It gives backgrounds on many different employees of the embassyes and the work they have done. It also walks you through the average day of many people working at the embassyes throughout the world. I would recommend the book to anyone who would like to learn more on the topic. I feel it also gives a better look into foreign service life that Realities of the Foreign Service where the essays become repeatitive.

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