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Eyes Pried Open: Rookie FBI Agent
In 2005, after working for ten years in a comfortable but mundane corporate job in San Antonio, Texas, Vincent Sellers successfully managed to leave behind a dreary cubicle landscape and begin the exciting challenges of a crime-fighting FBI agent.
His journey is chronicled in Eyes Pried Rookie FBI Agent.
Readers will experience both the highs and the lows of an FBI agent working bank robbery, kidnapping, murder-for-hire cases, and border-related crimes in San Diego, California. The book's from-the-heart narrative demonstrates that the typical lifestyle of an FBI agent assigned to a violent crime squad may not be for everyone. This is the first book to be written from the fresh perspective of an agent who joined the FBI after 9/11.
His journey is chronicled in Eyes Pried Rookie FBI Agent.
Readers will experience both the highs and the lows of an FBI agent working bank robbery, kidnapping, murder-for-hire cases, and border-related crimes in San Diego, California. The book's from-the-heart narrative demonstrates that the typical lifestyle of an FBI agent assigned to a violent crime squad may not be for everyone. This is the first book to be written from the fresh perspective of an agent who joined the FBI after 9/11.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2014
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May 25, 2018DNF at Chapter 10. not due to the writing but because I was sickened by several of the 'methods' used to train (ie: browbeat/bully/intimidate/force) men and woman to 'be the best'
Really?? Doing knuckle push-ups until your knuckles are raw and 'only some blood and soft tissue remained'?? The 'Bull in the Ring' fight which sounded more like a modern day gladiator-fest with little purpose other than to watch men be beaten to a pulp?
This didn't read like a modern day training manual for a modern day 'police' force. I am afraid I have lost all respect for the FBI.
Not rating this right now. I skipped to the end of the book to read that the author resigned after only two years as an agent.
That says everything.
Really?? Doing knuckle push-ups until your knuckles are raw and 'only some blood and soft tissue remained'?? The 'Bull in the Ring' fight which sounded more like a modern day gladiator-fest with little purpose other than to watch men be beaten to a pulp?
This didn't read like a modern day training manual for a modern day 'police' force. I am afraid I have lost all respect for the FBI.
Not rating this right now. I skipped to the end of the book to read that the author resigned after only two years as an agent.
That says everything.
June 3, 2018
The most interesting part of the book dealt with the hiring process and the training program at Quantico. Once he started discussing his duties at the San Diego Office, he tended to get a little preachy about his views on border patrol and how the Bureau should make their field assignments. I don't have the interest in researching this, but I'll venture a guess that the book is self-published because the editing/proofreading is so frequently bad that it significantly detracts from the book. Examples: the supervisor was "complEmentary" during the performance review; he had "begAn." And it seemed to get worse toward the end of the book.
June 2, 2018
June 2, 2018
A review by Anthony T. Riggio of the book “Eyes Pried Open: Rookie FBI Agent” written by Vincent Sellers.
I purchased this book recently from Kindle. As a retired Agent, I was searching for something about the FBI. Reading the overall description of this book on Amazon, I decided to purchase it as my next book to read. I was not disappointed in the story and it was well written. I was, however, disappointed in the conclusion but for personal reasons only.
When I read a book written by a current and /or a former/retired Agent, I wonder if the author ran the book through the FBI's per-publication review, especially since it details so many details about Agents training and field work.. Some authors do and some do not but because this book details so many details and techniques, I wondered. Notwithstanding, I read the book and found it an enjoyable trip down memory lane.
Unlike the author Vincent Sellers, I never wanted to be an FBI Agent but fell into the job because I was no longer enamored with the practice of law and wanted out of New York. When I was contacted by the New York Office and asked if I wanted to be an FBI Agent, I jumped at the chance provided I would be sent anyplace but New York. In reading Sellars description of training at Quantico, it engendered memories both warm and troubling. I almost quit the second week but stuck it out and became the second best choice I ever made, the first being marrying my wife.
Sellars description of training was spot on and would provide excellent details for those thinking about the FBI Agents career. His recollections of marrying Jennifer reminded me of how much a wife sacrifices to be married to an FBI Agent. It is a tough existence for her.
Sellars, who was educated as a Industrial Engineer was rudely awakened at how demanding and dangerous his new life was after being sent to San Diego, California. He was assigned to a Violent Crime and Major Offenses Squad not quite a good fit for someone who was detail and solution oriented. A more fitting assigned might have been a White Collar Crime Squad. But young new agents have very little choice and in many respects Agents given this kind assignment, many would give there eye teeth to have been given.
Sellars, however accomplished some excellent results in his work and had the potential for developing an excellent background, even if he was subsequently assigned to a different squad or office.
As the reader reads of his experiences and the great strain it put on his marriage and personal tranquility, it will become manifest why he ultimately resigned after two years as an FBI Agent. I do not criticize Sellars for this decision, as I have seen in my, twenty four years as an agent and manager, many good reasons why Agents leave. I once told an Agent he would regret leaving and almost a year after he left, he contacted me for help getting back in. He was reinstated, since it was less than a year since he resigned. He was subsequently assigned to a field office to a Violent Crime Major Offenses squad and shortly thereafter he was killed in a local police station working with the locals on “cold cases”, when a person walked in with a Mac 10 machine gun and shot him and killed two others for no rational reason.
I believe the reader will get good insight into some of the work FBI Agents are involved with and find this an easy and satisfying read. I gave this book Five Stars out of Five.
A review by Anthony T. Riggio of the book “Eyes Pried Open: Rookie FBI Agent” written by Vincent Sellers.
I purchased this book recently from Kindle. As a retired Agent, I was searching for something about the FBI. Reading the overall description of this book on Amazon, I decided to purchase it as my next book to read. I was not disappointed in the story and it was well written. I was, however, disappointed in the conclusion but for personal reasons only.
When I read a book written by a current and /or a former/retired Agent, I wonder if the author ran the book through the FBI's per-publication review, especially since it details so many details about Agents training and field work.. Some authors do and some do not but because this book details so many details and techniques, I wondered. Notwithstanding, I read the book and found it an enjoyable trip down memory lane.
Unlike the author Vincent Sellers, I never wanted to be an FBI Agent but fell into the job because I was no longer enamored with the practice of law and wanted out of New York. When I was contacted by the New York Office and asked if I wanted to be an FBI Agent, I jumped at the chance provided I would be sent anyplace but New York. In reading Sellars description of training at Quantico, it engendered memories both warm and troubling. I almost quit the second week but stuck it out and became the second best choice I ever made, the first being marrying my wife.
Sellars description of training was spot on and would provide excellent details for those thinking about the FBI Agents career. His recollections of marrying Jennifer reminded me of how much a wife sacrifices to be married to an FBI Agent. It is a tough existence for her.
Sellars, who was educated as a Industrial Engineer was rudely awakened at how demanding and dangerous his new life was after being sent to San Diego, California. He was assigned to a Violent Crime and Major Offenses Squad not quite a good fit for someone who was detail and solution oriented. A more fitting assigned might have been a White Collar Crime Squad. But young new agents have very little choice and in many respects Agents given this kind assignment, many would give there eye teeth to have been given.
Sellars, however accomplished some excellent results in his work and had the potential for developing an excellent background, even if he was subsequently assigned to a different squad or office.
As the reader reads of his experiences and the great strain it put on his marriage and personal tranquility, it will become manifest why he ultimately resigned after two years as an FBI Agent. I do not criticize Sellars for this decision, as I have seen in my, twenty four years as an agent and manager, many good reasons why Agents leave. I once told an Agent he would regret leaving and almost a year after he left, he contacted me for help getting back in. He was reinstated, since it was less than a year since he resigned. He was subsequently assigned to a field office to a Violent Crime Major Offenses squad and shortly thereafter he was killed in a local police station working with the locals on “cold cases”, when a person walked in with a Mac 10 machine gun and shot him and killed two others for no rational reason.
I believe the reader will get good insight into some of the work FBI Agents are involved with and find this an easy and satisfying read. I gave this book Five Stars out of Five.
February 6, 2017
Disappointed in this book. The author was disappointed in his career choice. Repetitive writing from a gentleman who was in the FBI less than 2 years. This would have made a better short story or personal journal. He frequently gave a negative & critcal view of FBI, but high praise for himself.
March 8, 2018
As a former governmental employee, I had the honor of typing for the FBI on a dual jurisdictional case in 1996. For three weeks, I was the single typist working with several Special Agents and other law enforcement personnel from my agency. I was then asked to return for another period of time - my supervisor granted them two weeks of my time - to help out. Working with those Special Agents was the highlight of my 16 years in working for a completely different governmental agency, and I learned to respect the FBI Special Agents because of their professionalism, hard work, and dedication to their job and country. With this being said, when I came across Mr. Sellers' book, I was excited! This excitement, unfortunately, was short lived, as it was clear that Me. Sellers was way out of his element, and I had to ask myself: how did he ever pass the Academy training?
The first section of the book focuses on his wish to be an FBI Special Agent, his being chosen to attend the Academy, and his time there. Throughout this section, he criticized their training, whined about how difficult it was for him, a larger man than most there, to do the knuckle push-ups, etc. My gosh...what did he expect? I mean, he was attending the prestigious FBI Academy to be a highly trained, specialized police officer! It was as if he was stuck in a child-like hero worship mode and didn't get a reality check. Even after he had successfully passed through the academy's rigorous training, his comments made it seem as if he thought that he would have a nine to five job and would be home with his wife and pets instead of being called out at all hours. I have to say that I have never in my life read a non-fiction book of this type whereas the author so mistook what the actual job he had would entail! I mean, seriously: a grown man who became an FBI Agent didn't realize the danger of the job? I find this, his accounting, to be ridiculously childish. He really wanted to be an IT person...so why didn't he request that instead of being a gun-toting agent? I want to ask those at the Academy how this man even made it though because, surely they saw his inability to handle such a high stress job!
As others have pointed out on Amazon, his chapters, at least in later chapters, were very short, and he continually discussed his preference of being in the office rather than out in the field in dangerous situations. In many instances, he repeated himself, making the book somewhat of a drudgery to read. And, while he had a good grasp of how to use punctuation and he is articulate, there are chapters in which it appeared that they were not reviewed or edited, and needed the punctuation changed. I was thoroughly disappointed in the book, especially after having seen Special Agents in action, so to speak.
The first section of the book focuses on his wish to be an FBI Special Agent, his being chosen to attend the Academy, and his time there. Throughout this section, he criticized their training, whined about how difficult it was for him, a larger man than most there, to do the knuckle push-ups, etc. My gosh...what did he expect? I mean, he was attending the prestigious FBI Academy to be a highly trained, specialized police officer! It was as if he was stuck in a child-like hero worship mode and didn't get a reality check. Even after he had successfully passed through the academy's rigorous training, his comments made it seem as if he thought that he would have a nine to five job and would be home with his wife and pets instead of being called out at all hours. I have to say that I have never in my life read a non-fiction book of this type whereas the author so mistook what the actual job he had would entail! I mean, seriously: a grown man who became an FBI Agent didn't realize the danger of the job? I find this, his accounting, to be ridiculously childish. He really wanted to be an IT person...so why didn't he request that instead of being a gun-toting agent? I want to ask those at the Academy how this man even made it though because, surely they saw his inability to handle such a high stress job!
As others have pointed out on Amazon, his chapters, at least in later chapters, were very short, and he continually discussed his preference of being in the office rather than out in the field in dangerous situations. In many instances, he repeated himself, making the book somewhat of a drudgery to read. And, while he had a good grasp of how to use punctuation and he is articulate, there are chapters in which it appeared that they were not reviewed or edited, and needed the punctuation changed. I was thoroughly disappointed in the book, especially after having seen Special Agents in action, so to speak.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2017
Insider view of the journey into and out of the world of the FBI
A nice read - not too long, not too short, and not a dramatic crime fighting story. It is a first person chronicle of the author's experiences that are more ordinary than fantastic during his entry, service time, and eventual exit from one of the leading edges of law enforcement. What I liked most was that I came away with an understanding of Vince's feelings about the journey itself and the co-workers and the criminals he met along the way.
A nice read - not too long, not too short, and not a dramatic crime fighting story. It is a first person chronicle of the author's experiences that are more ordinary than fantastic during his entry, service time, and eventual exit from one of the leading edges of law enforcement. What I liked most was that I came away with an understanding of Vince's feelings about the journey itself and the co-workers and the criminals he met along the way.
June 5, 2018
(2). Interesting to get an inside look at one of the most respected and revered law enforcement agencies (regardless of what our current President thinks). The "boot camp" training agents go through sounded even more rigorous than I would have imagined. Sellers gives us a nice look at how things work in the FBI, I just wish the writing style here wasn't quite so dry and methodical. His brief tenure is certainly full of activity, and he does present a picture of an organization with consideration, ethics and respect towards all. A decent memoir, not a great one.
November 15, 2020
Let me just say that the writer is an Aggie and I am a Texan and don't care for Aggies. But, the book isn't bad.
Let me also just say that I find the nerdiness of the author very comical. He brags constantly about being a runner, yet took about 11 minutes to run a mile and a half? When I ran, 7 minutes was slow.
Then, the push ups. Sheesh, his whining was very funny.
He writes about worrying about his safety constantly, which made me wonder what he was doing in a law enforcement type of a job. He should have been doing computer work all along, which suits the photo of the guy that I saw when I finished the book. Nerd.
But, overall, it was an interesting and very quick read, which I found to be fairly entertaining. I'm also not mean enough to give a man who has gone through the trouble of writing a book a 1 or a 2 star as some of you mean spirited people have done. If I don't like a book much, I will give it a 3 star. This one deserves at least that, so I gave it a 4 star just for the effort and what he put his nerdy body through to become an FBI agent which he obviously wanted to be from watching the X-Files.
Let me also just say that I find the nerdiness of the author very comical. He brags constantly about being a runner, yet took about 11 minutes to run a mile and a half? When I ran, 7 minutes was slow.
Then, the push ups. Sheesh, his whining was very funny.
He writes about worrying about his safety constantly, which made me wonder what he was doing in a law enforcement type of a job. He should have been doing computer work all along, which suits the photo of the guy that I saw when I finished the book. Nerd.
But, overall, it was an interesting and very quick read, which I found to be fairly entertaining. I'm also not mean enough to give a man who has gone through the trouble of writing a book a 1 or a 2 star as some of you mean spirited people have done. If I don't like a book much, I will give it a 3 star. This one deserves at least that, so I gave it a 4 star just for the effort and what he put his nerdy body through to become an FBI agent which he obviously wanted to be from watching the X-Files.
November 15, 2021
Honest And Sad
Imagine if your dream is to be an FBI agent. You go thorough Ann i extremely tough Academy. You pass. You get stationed in sunny San Diego with your new wife. Your day is filled with kidnappings, bank robberies, dangerous arrests, and more.
And then you realize this really isn't your dream after all. Well, that is the premise behind Sellers' non-fiction book. It's a fascinating look at the FBI, both the good and bad, by someone who doesn't have an axe to grind or reputation to uphold. That makes his story refreshing and a bit sad. But that's how the truth sometimes plays out.
Imagine if your dream is to be an FBI agent. You go thorough Ann i extremely tough Academy. You pass. You get stationed in sunny San Diego with your new wife. Your day is filled with kidnappings, bank robberies, dangerous arrests, and more.
And then you realize this really isn't your dream after all. Well, that is the premise behind Sellers' non-fiction book. It's a fascinating look at the FBI, both the good and bad, by someone who doesn't have an axe to grind or reputation to uphold. That makes his story refreshing and a bit sad. But that's how the truth sometimes plays out.
April 23, 2018
A very real and honest account of a former FBI agent’s experience in the bureau. I appreciate how the author tells the story of how and why he applied to the FBI, the hiring process, training at the academy, and the cases that he worked on. The honesty piece was the most moving. There are certainly dangers associated with having this job but most of the time, the job doesn’t sound so glamorous and there are definitely bureaucratic issues and frustrations with how things are handled. I appreciate the effort the author put telling his story. It was both interesting and insightful.
June 4, 2018
This is a candid and up-to-date account of what it's like to apply, join, be trained by, and work for the FBI as a special agent. It's also about the reasons that new agents leave when they find that the FBI expects them to be agents first and everything else second. I'd recommend this to the numerous folks who have aspirations of joining the FBI after watching "The X Files" and "Criminal Minds." Those shows may be great entertainment, but they don't tell you much about the real FBI.
July 11, 2019
It's not bad!
A look into how one man joins the FBI, the punishing exercises at Academy through to being posted...
The book itself is pretty good, there's a few typos and some of the chapters are just 1 pagers which make them a bit pointless. There's also not enough meaty stories, some of the chapters start talking about a particular subject then it turns into "but fortunately nothing like this happened to me"
Which is a bit of an anti-climax.
A look into how one man joins the FBI, the punishing exercises at Academy through to being posted...
The book itself is pretty good, there's a few typos and some of the chapters are just 1 pagers which make them a bit pointless. There's also not enough meaty stories, some of the chapters start talking about a particular subject then it turns into "but fortunately nothing like this happened to me"
Which is a bit of an anti-climax.
December 11, 2020
I thought this book was very interesting. It gave a good look into the FBI. I learned about one agent's experiences dealing with local agencies, something that is oft hard for the Bureau to do and build good rapport. Also we learn about how hamstrung the Bureau is by red tape that raises important questions. Is it good that our federal law enforcement is so restrained or are we placing people at risk by handicapping them so much?
June 22, 2021
I believe this is the author’s first book. It was interesting but seemed to be targeted to those interested in pursuing a career with the FBI. Some interesting facts about what the FBI can and can’t do. The story is of the author’s entry into the academy and his first 2years as a rookie agent. Like a lot of “on call” jobs -it messes with your personal life to a point you only have interaction at work.
April 18, 2019
😊
An enjoyable account of one man's dedication to join the fbi and his own account of training and on the job experience. Lots of movie throw ins by the main character. Only downside was there really was no back story. Ideal if you like straight to the point no nonsense story telling with nothing getting in the way.
An enjoyable account of one man's dedication to join the fbi and his own account of training and on the job experience. Lots of movie throw ins by the main character. Only downside was there really was no back story. Ideal if you like straight to the point no nonsense story telling with nothing getting in the way.
April 23, 2018
Fascinating look into FBI
I really enjoyed the honest and insightful information shared by Mr. Sellers. He shares many poignant moments and memories in a short but nonetheless amazing time as an FBI Agent. Recommended for anyone curious about the career.
I really enjoyed the honest and insightful information shared by Mr. Sellers. He shares many poignant moments and memories in a short but nonetheless amazing time as an FBI Agent. Recommended for anyone curious about the career.
June 29, 2018
Interesting perspective
Sellers claims to have had a lifelong desire to be an FBI agent, but his career only lasted two years. Generally speaking, a law enforcement officer is a ""rookie" for the first five years, so sellers should be taken with a grain of salt.
Sellers claims to have had a lifelong desire to be an FBI agent, but his career only lasted two years. Generally speaking, a law enforcement officer is a ""rookie" for the first five years, so sellers should be taken with a grain of salt.
September 7, 2018
A must read unless you're closed minded to reality
Don't know what the author's feelings about Trump are, but from this narrative it seems POTUS' ideas regarding ' THE WALL' and increasing employment opportunities are extremely valid in fighting/lessening crime.
Don't know what the author's feelings about Trump are, but from this narrative it seems POTUS' ideas regarding ' THE WALL' and increasing employment opportunities are extremely valid in fighting/lessening crime.
November 7, 2019
Humble Man
He is a humble man who knows his strength and weakness. He appears to have married a super understanding woman who spent her first 2 years of marriage with an unconventional life style. I applaud their efforts and hope they are happy and healthy back in Texas!
He is a humble man who knows his strength and weakness. He appears to have married a super understanding woman who spent her first 2 years of marriage with an unconventional life style. I applaud their efforts and hope they are happy and healthy back in Texas!
December 1, 2019
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book - but I really did. I found the 'insider view' of what it is like to be an FBI agent (from step one and forward0 quite fascinating. As crime writer, I'm sure I'll refer to this book often in the future for research and authenticity.
March 8, 2023
Fantastic!
Thank you for sharing your experience in the FBI. I learned so many things I had not realized about life as an agent. It was fascinating to hear all the interesting aspects of the job and your journey back to civilian life. Great book!
Thank you for sharing your experience in the FBI. I learned so many things I had not realized about life as an agent. It was fascinating to hear all the interesting aspects of the job and your journey back to civilian life. Great book!
October 16, 2018
This was an interesting inside look at one persons view of the FBI.
June 26, 2020
A very interesting glimpse at the life of an FBI agent.
October 21, 2020
High School Level
Just not a good book. Really written for a high school kid. I did 30+ years in law enforcement. Went to the FBI Academy. He leaves a lot out!!
Just not a good book. Really written for a high school kid. I did 30+ years in law enforcement. Went to the FBI Academy. He leaves a lot out!!
February 26, 2021
Didn't finish. I just didn't enjoy it.
March 8, 2021
Rookie FBI Agent
I chose a 5 Star rating as the book had me gripped from start to finish
I thought it was a fascinating insight into the world of training to be an FBI Agent,
I chose a 5 Star rating as the book had me gripped from start to finish
I thought it was a fascinating insight into the world of training to be an FBI Agent,
April 4, 2022
2 chapters in and I feel like I am reading a high school student’s very rough first draft for an essay in a class they don’t care for. It’s bad.
January 26, 2024
Good story
December 13, 2022
While it's refreshing to read a point of view of the agency that isn't all glamorous, it seemed kind of whiney. It would be nice if the FBI was able to view this as an eye opener though and change their recruiting and placement system as well as their training to align with today's world.
If that was the points that the author wanted to make, then hopefully it will bring read by people who can make changes and bring the agency to being better staffed.
However, his writing was all over the place. So as a real world story, it wasn't in a time-line. The stories had extra sentences just to keep you interested, by making even the mundane everyday parts seem as if anything could happen and would. There seemed to be no relevance to each story and why it was chosen.
I think this book had potential. And it was interesting to learn what an agent's job entailed. Perhaps a collab with an author would have worked better.
If that was the points that the author wanted to make, then hopefully it will bring read by people who can make changes and bring the agency to being better staffed.
However, his writing was all over the place. So as a real world story, it wasn't in a time-line. The stories had extra sentences just to keep you interested, by making even the mundane everyday parts seem as if anything could happen and would. There seemed to be no relevance to each story and why it was chosen.
I think this book had potential. And it was interesting to learn what an agent's job entailed. Perhaps a collab with an author would have worked better.
May 19, 2018
True Crime
I did not enjoy this book. The author seems to be s influenced by Movies and TV show more than real life. I found his ignorance of how the government works appalling. He seemed to care for his working hours than his job. I was disappointed.
I did not enjoy this book. The author seems to be s influenced by Movies and TV show more than real life. I found his ignorance of how the government works appalling. He seemed to care for his working hours than his job. I was disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews