Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 55
 Solid Experience, Realistic Perspective August 3, 2009
The Book Bomber (Los Angeles)
What Ching-ning Chu has here is the quintessential self-improvement book. She speaks to issues that no one is learning in college, issues that must be brought up to the living way before experience gets to them. It is a sad, sad state of affairs that the knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to the reader in Chu's book are not realized by the majority until they run up against them in real life. Oftentimes this is too late. The material in Chu's book needs to be understood beforehand, before any life beyond school has been experienced so that students don't have to struggle and fail as much as they do. Unfortunately, few will be exposed to this material, a major failing in our educational systems.
Now, onto the book . . .
What Chu has here is not set-to-fail conditioning, mantras, chants, or daily / hourly affirmations. These are nice and may be effective to a degree, but the problem is that the core issue is left unaddressed as chants and mantras merely apply band aids. What needs to be addressed, as Chu states, is a deeper understanding of self. How's this done? Through spiritual manifestation, a going deeper to innate, core understandings (personal) that abscond with any arbitrary, preconceived, subjective notions of socially accepted standards.
What's all that mean? That people make up rules that satisfy them and often shore up personal failings or aid them more than they aid or enhance the majority.
What Chu has here is a very down-to-earth, practical, challenging work that will aid one in being successful in life. Here Chu is not just dispensing information or impractical theory but rather that which will aid the individual in being more successful in their relationships, job, life. This is not easy-fix self-help pablum, but rather practical information that takes time to master. Remember, if it's too easy, especially when it comes to long lasting, self-improvement, it's most likely not useful.
And even though she may miss on occasion, by and large she is on the mark. A must read, especially for those just cutting their teeth on their working life.
Great book about having common sense August 4, 2008
BlueBird123 (San Diego, Ca)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've read the book over and over, highlighted points that I like and have kept it around. I love the perspective and I don't think what she is writing is as "Asian" as the book would suggest. I really think the book is about being realistic and not letting one's own ego and narcisism get in they way of commen sense and judgement. Some aspects of the book reminded me of Robert Ringer's book "Looking out for Number #1" which I also recommend, especially if you are a young adult.
 Life Changing... May 21, 2008
D. Toler
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I heard Dan Kennedy mention this book about 6 months ago. Since then I've heard him mention it a few other times. I decided to buy it last week and I have to admit that it is hands-down probably the best book I've ever read. Or most influential rather. A lot of good points and a lot of good insight. It really really hit home towards the ending when she brings all of the concepts together. Best investment you'll probably ever make for under $15.
If you want to learn to be ethically "ruthless" read this book. May 2, 2008
Bernie L. Malonson (Chandler, AZ)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
If you like your self-help and success books, soft and sappy, then this may not be the book for you.
My first exposure to "Thick Face, Black Heart" was while listening to a Dan Kennedy audio CD. If you are familiar with Dan Kennedy (you can read my reviews of his books) then you know that he does not pull punches, and "Thick Face, Black Heart" is a book he heartily recommends.
The author discusses her perspectives based on her readings of an obscure Chinese way of thinking called "Thick Black Theory".
"Thick Face" is your shield to the world. The face you put forward to the world, solid and enduring, not wavering. This is where you protect yourself from the criticisms and insults of others. Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan are examples she cites.
"Black Heart" is your spear, where you do battle with others. It is focused on your desires and outcomes, while not necessarily ruthless it is not soft nor compassionate, but focused.
My perspective is in a dog eat dog world, Thick-Black allows you to move forward and not get pulled off course from your desired objectives.
Like most tools and philosophies, it is a tool that can be used for both good and/or evil, depending on the inner balance of the person who uses it.
Recommended.
Cheers!
Do You Want More Life? October 2, 2007
Carmen Matthews (San Diego, California)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
When I came upon this book I was looking for a book that would guide me to do greater business with Asians in my community.
One of the things that I hadn't liked while attempting to do business with Asians, was not knowing why they often would say something like, "I'm advertising in the Korean papers."
My response had been, "Do you only want the Koreans to know you are here?" And, of course that did not curry favor with my Asian prospects.
"Thick Face, Black Heart," means "carry your shield, and your spear." It's responding to your interlocutor on a level that allows you to get what you want faster, without conflict. And this goes beyond the verbal judo concepts that I've mastered since 1999. (See "Verbal Judo" by George Thompson, Ph.D.)
The most hilarious statement in this book is, when Chin-Ning Chu says that she will guide you to make the choice between when you should turn the other cheek, or slap back twice.
Because of the writing style of this book, I laughed so deeply, and I could envision applying what I must, to get what I want.
Before reading this book, my mindset for the Asians was one of frustration. Now, I have greater understanding and appreciation of each Asian who I meet. And, I'm more open to understanding how they think, as individuals.
There are many examples in this book of social interactions, and choices for the reader to not only relate to, but also practice, that anyone reading this, regardless of who your interlocutor's, or your objectives are, will appreciate this book - tremendously.
Ms. Chu also detailed a sales mistake that she once made and how she would have done differently. I made exactly that same sales mistake, just 3 weeks ago. And, now, I'm armed with a "thick face, black heart," when it comes to that particular scenarior.
I am sure that I will reread this book, as I grow beyond my wildest dreams, and I will be reading all of Ms. Chu's other warrior philosophy books, because reading them enhances my ability to honor my dharma.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 55
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