Publishers Weekly
★ 04/19/2021
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. (June)
From the Publisher
Schilling delivers the definitive guide to staying alive and safe no matter where in the world you find yourself, from the grocery store to the battlefield. Through storytelling based on real-world experiences, many his own, he reminds us that with a proper mindset, we all have the ability to shape our environment.”—Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent, FBI (retired), Former Assistant Director in charge of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division
"Some books are very entertaining. Some are very educational. The Power of Awareness is both, with a good helping of inspiration thrown in. Readers will find that Schilling's philosophy and methodical approach have applications far beyond the extreme situations we all want to avoid. His techniques make "awareness" a way of dealing with life, whether extreme or not."—Jim DeFelice, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“For special operations or clandestine officers, tactics, technique and procedures (TTPs) are a way of life and make the difference between life and serious injury. Dan Schilling, in an exceedingly entertaining and enlightening descriptive manner, provides rules and tools to make the everyday person’s life easier and safer. His stories, anecdotes, and lessons learned are as much fun to read as they are informative.”—Lt General Kurt A. Cichowski, USAF (Ret.), former CIA Associate Director and Vice Commander Air Force Special Operations Command
“This book is for all who wish to be prepared for anything. Dan provides information and exercises designed to build operator-level awareness and response. Whether for refreshing prior skills or learning to better protect self and loved ones, this book will save lives!”—Randy Watt, Former Green Beret and SWAT Officer
“Essential reading for anyone looking to navigate an uncertain world more safely, from dating to travel to your own home. Dan Schilling’s advice will teach readers how to stay aware, act in a crisis, and most importantly how to stay safe.”—Evy Poumpouras, former Secret Service Agent and author of Becoming Bulletproof
"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... 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."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“An empowering guide with the potential to transform readers' approach to personal safety.”—Booklist
"Schilling helps readers become their own best bodyguards and prepare themselves before something happens."—Library Journal, starred review
Library Journal
★ 06/01/2021
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.
