This interesting and informative book about IGs is a critical element for good government.-- "The Washington Times"
An engaging memoir about his career that brings readers inside the world of inspectors general. For students of government, the book provides important lessons about the value and the limitations of this system of independent bureaucratic oversight--and its vulnerability to attack from an administration that is determined to bury its mistakes . . . Fine ends his book with a series of policy recommendations. Unquestionably the most important, and timely, is one that would create an independent inspector general to oversee the Supreme Court. (Congressional Democrats seeking court reform might do well to call Fine as a hearing witness to publicly air his proposal.) . . . Perusing the reflections of an inspector general is hardly summer beach reading, but it's many decades overdue that Americans learn how their government actually functions, and that there are good people in government service who try hard to do their jobs. It is also a grave warning that a constitutional government of checks and balances, staffed by honest public servants, is all that separates us from Vladimir Putin's Russia, and dictatorships across the world.-- "Washington Monthly"
Anyone seeking to understand--and perhaps improve--the system of checks and balances crucial to a healthy, functioning democracy will find [Watchdogs] useful. . . . An illuminating look at an overlooked but crucial element of American governance.-- "Kirkus Reviews"
Americans' faith in institutions continues to be historically low. We do not have public confidence to spare, and Inspectors General are on the front lines of protecting what remains. It is more important than ever that the guardians of our public integrity do their jobs well. Glenn Fine is among the finest examples of this breed of noble sentinels who watch over our government and help restore trust. Watchdogs gives the reader a master class on the importance of the often unheralded work done by the unsung heroes known as IGs. His book is an invaluable account of why this work so important.-- "From the foreword by General Jim Mattis (USMC - Retired), former United States Secretary of Defense"