Customer Reviews

The Ways We Choose: Lessons for Life from a POW's Experience

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I got a chance to meet the author at a seminar and came away thinking he is a genuine, strong, wise and loving man---I looked forward to reading his soon-to-be published book. When I received "The Ways we Choose" in the mail, I set a side a Saturday afternoon to read it---I wasn't disappointed. Dave goes beyond the details of life in a POW camp and gives practical, from-the-heart insights of what it took to win in a man-made hell. The account hits home---these were regular people with challenges and faults who accomplished almost superhuman results in the worst of conditions. Dave also spends some time helping the reader use these insights in everyday life. There are no games or gimmicks here---everyone can learn from and apply Dave's experience in making good choices in good and adverse times. The style is narrtative, humorous, and personable. The story is not romanticized or sentimental; its inspirational and likely to move the reader to action, hope (and a few tears).

I am fortunate enough to have known Dave (and Karen) Carey for most of my life. Since Dave is the most inspirational person I know, I've always been eager to hear his story from cover to cover (I've grown up hearing snippets). I received this book 2 days ago, read it late into tonight, and had to review it immediately. Dave wrote his story perfectly - it is easy to understand and follow. More importantly, it is easy to glean the life lessons he teaches within. This book is awe-inspiring. It helps to put anything into perspective (visa bills and traffic jams are pretty inconsequential compared to this). I have waited a long time to hear this story from start to finish and now any reader has the opportunity to hear it. I think everyone should take advantage of learning how to deal with the curveballs of life from this man who seems superhuman in his emotional strength (but who continually reminds us we are as capable as he).

Having the experience of knowing Dave, as a facilitator in team building is a real plus. About two year's ago he mentioned he was working on the book and hoped to get it completed soon. I was aware that he would be describing lessons learned as a POW. What I hadn't known was the whole story.

Dave is clearly a great man and fantastic inspirational speaker. I received my copy of the book about two weeks ago. I read the first chapter at work and obviously had to put the book down and get back to business. I took the book home intending to read it over the weekend. I sat down Saturday evening and couldn't put it down until I finished it. He wrote the book the way he speaks straight forward and understandable. Dave has had to make many hard choices in life. I was moved by his comment (my interpretation) that God gives us many tuff issue's to deal with in life and the skill to handle them. Many times we face significant issues we don't believe we can deal with but we do.

Reading the epilogue brought this book close to home for me. I recently lost my brother to cancer and know how trying dealing with a stricken loved one is. I had know idea Dave lost his wife to cancer and I met him four years ago. He is a special guy as I'm sure you'll discover for yourself when reading his book.

His message is clear, we get to choose how we deal with and/or react to situations. Not all of the options are great but often one is better than the other. See for yourself.

I'm not just saying this is a "must read" because I know Dave personally. This is a wonderful book that reminds us to look at life and at ourselves and to choose the way we live.

I've seen Dave speak a number of times and know many of the stories he tells about his experience as a POW in Viet Nam. Like an old friend, those remembered stories are here, but there is much more. Dave tells us even more about his experience during those 5 1/2 years and he helps us look at the application to ourselves. His delightful sense of humor runs through the story even as he tells us about the very difficult challenge of being a POW.

The learnings about "How did I do it" are clear. Dave reminds us that we have difficult times in our lives too, and that we all have it within us to handle adversity. There are lessons on communication, trust, leadership, teamwork and creativity -- useful lessons for all of us in our daily personal and business lives.

"The Ways We Choose" is truly a lesson in life. While reading it I asked myself how I handle adversity. What do I do when life gets tough? As a prisoner of war for 5 1/2 years, Dave Carey feels that his experience can be used as an analogy for facing problems and changes in our own lives. Hopefully, none of us will have to endure the trauma of being a POW, however, Dave lists simple factors for his success in the harsh environment he was existing in. He believes that these guidelines can be directly translated into every life. He discusses the importance of communicating in every aspect of our daily life. The book has helped me to live "one day at a time." It also encouraged me to ask myself not only how I cope with the problems of life but more importantly, how do I CHOOSE to cope. Dave Carey's witness to his faith completes the message in this outstanding read. The author has a great gift of sharing himself with his readers. You won't want to miss this adventure in life.

I recieved this book at our local church in Spokane Washington , were Dave Carey's previous pastor Woody Garvin is the Pastor. Dave came to our church and gave a riveting tale from his life story. After reading the book, I would say that this man has what it takes to conquer all odds with the Lord's help. All lives are affected by sorrow and heart ache, and by sharing his tale with us this brings us together with him and helps all people deal with their life's struggles. I would highly recommend this book to all and would hope that Dave and others who bare their soles as he did will be blessed in the years to come. THANK YOU DAVE.

I was so taken with this book that I had to read it a second time. The first time through, I went as fast as I could turn the pages. It is a ripping good tale about how a person learns to cope with such a tough situation. I took the second reading at a more leisurely pace. I stopped after each chapter and took time to think about how it relates to what is going on in my life. From his unique perspective, Dave has gained interesting insights into the human condition and he has distilled these into a nice set of Lessons for Life. I think anybody would consider their time reading and thinking about Dave's book as time very well spent. The last book I read that provided the same kind of food for thought was Tuesdays with Morrie.

What was it really like to be shot down over North Viet Nam? What went on in the prison camps while those a home waited, not knowing? Dave Carey takes the reader through these experiences, the terror, disappointments, and even the humor and successfully gets his message across. Life must go on, but Life is not fair. The ways we choose make all the difference.

I was fortunate to meet Dave Carey when he was asked to facilitate a Team Building Workshop for the supervisory staff at my place of employment several years ago. Dave had a positive impression on most of us at this workshop and we continue to have him meet with us each year to continue our work to be an effective team. Upon reading Dave's book, it re-enforced how very qualified he was to do just that. To me it was a very powerful book that said so much. Thank you Dave.

I remember the David returned to his home town, Jeannette, Pennsylvania. We were all so happy to just see him and hug him. It was a joyous time because he was with us and a sad time because of all he had experienced. His book is just that, joyous and sad. It also deeply movitaional in a manner that will reach and help anyone who reads it. David is my cousin but I know I would feel this way about the book if I did not know him. He has found a way to share his experiences with humor and honor. "The Ways We Choose" will enable anyone with trials look at them in a different way. Thank you, David, for sharing your strength and faith with us.