An all to brief account of a "lifer" navy seal and special warfare operator. From Vietnam to Lebanon and from Panama to Central America, Walsh was there. Big gaps in the time line and only one "war story" per deployment. Very opionnated and not afraid to tell it lke it was. For all his time in the service of Uncle Sam, I'm sure the book could have been two or three times longer on the page count. Mr. Walsh, if you read this, please begin work on Vol. 2. A good companion book to D. Young's THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE, Navy Seal's in Vietnam

First and foremost this is a true life story that depicts events of an extraordinary nature. I can account for the fascination this book inspires because, not only am I ex military, I happen to know personally one of the individuals who fought aside our author in Vietnam. And yes, this person is pictured and mentioned in the book.

My (above mentioned) friend was the person who gave this book to me to read. After reading it I was very surprised to hear his reactions to my questions regarding the hardships endured during Vietnam. The one comment that sticks out in my mind was his answer to my question, 'How were you able to deal with the intense fear and stress of these kill missions?' to which he said something to the effect of, 'Well it is always never more (fear or stress) than we think it will be.' I was shocked at the matter-of-fact like manner in which those words rolled out of his mouth. But I had to agree with him because I could relate having been in the military.

When we read about the absolutely incredible events these guys went through we are amazed that they could do it. However when you are trained (mentally and physically) you deliver when the chips are down.

That's what this book is about, delivering when the chips are down. Coming through, overcoming, and succeeding. This is a true story of what great leadership is. What honor and valor truly mean in the heart of the skilled soldier.

I recommend this book to anyone searching for true stories of leadership in action, tremendous courage, teamwork, and behind the scenes information of the political corruption during the Vietnam war.

This is a story tellers book. Mr. Walsh has 26 years of incredible experiences to tell. He has been to hell and back, but at all times he succeeds in keeping his feet on the ground. Not even a book so honest and to-the-point as this can tell the real warriors story. The experience of combat and war can not be described in words. But Michael Walsh does it anyway. And very well, too. We read about his life during 26 years of naval special warfare - the life of a man who took his job very, very seriously. The North Vietnamese had a ransom on him, but if they had known who they were dealing with it would have been multiplied several times. Mr. Walsh covers the 26 years with a good personal pen, not afraid to be emotional. He does not need bravado to tell his story. It comes with little words that hang in there for you to think about. And the humor which is so important for spec warriors. After reading his book, I think I understand the tremendous sacrifices he gave - the risk, the dedication, the hardship, the loyalty to buddies and unit. I am truly impressed. I know that Mr. Walsh has skipped many good stories from his years as a SEAL. Some of them you can find in Greg Walkers "In the Hurricane's Eye" where he describes some of Mr. Walsh's rock solid personality in some very amusing and well-told stories. As another reader said: If you read this, Michael Walsh, please start volume 2. There's room for a lot more of this kind. Jan Holm

Among the various introductions, companions, and aids to studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church, there have been few substantial commentaries. This is one. The back cover describes this as the "first major study" of the Catechism. I am not aware of another commentary of this depth and substance since then.

This is not an introduction for the beginner, but a scholarly commentary for a serious student of the Catechism. The book consists of a collection of 25 essays, each addressing a section of the catechism, and each by an author with expertise in that area. At 512 pages, this book delves deeply and critically into the contents of the Catechism.

Shortcomings? I discovered a certain uneveness in this commentary. With 25 authors, I suppose this is to be expected. For example, the essay on the Holy Spirit describes the contents in detail, comments on each subsection, discusses the sources, and identifies strengths and weaknesses. Meanwhile, the essay entitled "More than Law and Precept: Commandments 1-3" provides an assessment of the overall theological approach of that section of the catechism, but gives little attention to particulars - to the extent that it does not even address the 3rd commandment. Each essay is useful in its own way. But I think this overall uneveness is a weakness.

Nonetheless, for anyone seeking a substantial commentary on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this is one.