The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story [Paperback]

Chuck Norris (Author), Joe Hyams (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Karate champion and movie star Norris discusses his secrets of inner strength with the aid of show-biz biographer Hyams (Humphrey Bogart, Judy Garland et al.). Norris's formula consists primarily of positive thinking and visualizing in advance what will take place next, with added bits of advice on more specific subjects like dealing with failure and advancing beyond conceived limitations. The tone is didactic, and readers will find that the recommendations have the flavor of copy-book maxims. Further, the recapping of the plots of many of the star's films becomes tedious. Teenagers, however, may be taken with Norris's stated goal of offering a positive role model. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Karate champion turned movie star Norris has written his autobiography and includes in it his advice for thinking positively. From humble origins and in spite of considerable family problems, Norris rose to be a karate champion. Although admittedly not naturally athletic, his preparation and mental attitude carried him to the top of karate, somewhat before its popularity boomed. When he turned to acting, he applied himself diligently, and many of his films have been box-office hits. At the end of each chapter he has one or more sentences on his personal philosophy. Appended are his ethics code, his karate tournament achievements, and a filmography. Recommended. David L. Mills, Brooklyn P.L., New York
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1 pages
• Publisher: Diamond Books (February 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557731756
• ISBN-13: 978-1557731753
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #970,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great success story of Martial Artist,Actor Chuck Norris., August 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story (Hardcover)

An easy read, reader feels empowered to achieve. Chuck Norris is one of the few Martial Artist, Actor and businessman that is a honest and sincere person. The book is a biography of Chuck Norris and his focus to not only win but to help others learn to achieve thier goals. Chuck's book has an easy to read text and flows so well your done reading it before you know it. But you'll want to read it again and again. You too well feel the need to pump iron, set and achive goals and believe in your self. A great book for the underachiever and low self esteem. If this book doesn't make you believe in yourself nothing will.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational - Motivational - real "how to" book for life, April 28, 2000

By 

"angelzwork" (Beverly Hills) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story (Paperback)

This is a truly inspirational book. It will motivate you to achieve your own goals. Chuck Norris makes you believe that anything is achievable.

He gives you real life examples of how he personally overcame many life obstacles to achieve success and then he maps out a a guide to help you achieve yours too.

Each chapter has a great recap and "moral to the story" ..... this is a sage way to learn and retain new info.... 1st you read/learn it... then you summarize it... then you repeat/review it...

Chuck is a true role model.... and the advice and stories in his book will have you highlighting and bookmarking many pages...

buy it and pass it on!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A "Not-So-Common" Common Man's Journey!, August 30, 2003

By 

C. J. Hardman (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story (Hardcover)

Martial arts and film buffs will enjoy this book, which is a straightforward autobiography (written with the assistance of Joe Hyams). Be forwarned that this book was published in 1988 (at least my hardcover version), so the filmography doesn't cover his more recent works.

Norris describes his experiences from childhood, to the time spent in the armed forces, where he originally took up the matrial art of Tang Soo Do under Jae-chul Shin (who today runs the World Tang Soo Do Association).

This volume describes Norris's tournament days, including quite a bit about his competition experiences. There is also information about his family life, his entry into film making during his time as a karate (Tang Soo Do) instructor, and his experiences as a self-made actor in Hollywood. Throughout, he is honest as he describes his triumphs and mistakes.

Chuck Norris is the quintessential all-American guy who worked his tail off, took a big gamble, and came out on top. This book describes his journey from average joe, to martial arts instructor, to professional film star. This book includes two sections of photographs which show Norris from childhood, with family, in the services, in karate competition, and during the filming of his movies.