The Power of Awareness

Starred review from April 19, 2021
In this gripping guide, Schilling (Alone at Dawn), an Air Force special operations and combat control veteran, advises on how to stay safe in the face of danger. The power of intuition, he argues, is the most important tool one can use, particularly learning to read body language and facial expressions, which can set off subconscious alarms. The ins-and-outs of forming plans, acting decisively, and being prepared are fleshed out. For instance, Schilling recommends carrying hidden money in the event of being robbed, always holding possessions in one’s lap, never using back pockets, and carrying a tactical pen (an inconspicuous steel pen that can be used as a baton). Tips on securing private homes and data are particularly thoughtful, as is a sadly necessary section about surviving a mass shooting: gather with others, subdue the assailant if possible, and “if you can’t escape, begin evading.” Real-life anecdotes, such as Schilling’s actions during the Battle of Mogadishu or the story of a CIA agent being stalking by Kuwaiti spies, break up chapters and add a sense of tension. Readers will gain essential insight on self-protection from Schilling’s eye-opening manual.

Starred review from June 1, 2021

Schilling, a veteran of combat and clandestine missions around the world, addresses personal safety. Drawing on his knowledge and that of other experts, this book teaches readers about situational awareness--listening to one's intuition and taking action when confronted with a problem. It offers six safety rules, divided into three categories, "Know," "Prepare," and "Act." There's advice for reducing one's criminal target profile or dealing with emergency situations while away from home. Schilling's message is to tap into and listen to one's intuition until this becomes second nature. VERDICT Schilling helps readers become their own best bodyguards and prepare themselves before something happens.

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2021
Special-ops veteran Schilling translates his professional skills into tools that readers can easily use. Peppered with real-life anecdotes from military and civilian incidents alike, Schilling lays out a convincing path for the average citizen to employ basic skills and avoid being targeted by all manner of criminals. Channeling the same spirit as that of Gavin de Becker's The Gift of Fear and other self-help books, Schilling addresses the full spectrum of preparedness all the way through to recovery from such an event. This convincing volume creates a road map for the behaviors and tools easily used to reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for violence. A core set of six rules is laid out for both offense and defense at home, work, school, and other locations where one might find danger. ""Thinking pauses"" to help consider preparations and strategies are a good addition here, prompting readers to make concrete changes to their typical mindsets. An empowering guide with the potential to transform readers' approach to personal safety.

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