The Cornered Cat: A Woman's Guide to Concealed Carry

I recently decided to purchase a handgun and get a concealed carry license for self protection. Still looking for the right weapon for these little hands, but have done a lot of net surfing to prepare myself on the subject. Let me tell ya - there is a LOT of info out there! I'd like to say it's all good info but it ain't. And concealed carry is a whole different world from just having a shotgun around the house 'just in case'. So much info - and it started to get overwhelming. My searches pulled up several positive articles/blurbs by/about Kathy Jackson, so when I came across her book "The Cornered Cat" - I didn't hesitate to purchase. Amazon got it to my door in just a day or so and I had it read front to back in just a day or so more. Tons of information and good solid reference in an organized package and easy read. SO glad I read this before making any purchases, of gun OR accessories.I'm an old fat woman (okay, old is relative), short with even shorter arms and therefore challenged in the where and how to conceal part. The book gave much advice and many helpful hints on this - without it I would have just used a purse carry, not realizing the many disadvantages there.Also advice on how to choose the best gun for me - who knows what I might have plunked down good money for? The info on ammo is invaluable - I would have been totally lost.But most importantly is the focus on safety and practiced skill, and the additional training necessary to safely carry AND defend yourself successfully. I had figured I was pretty solid on how to handle and store a gun properly, but this book made me realize there is much MUCH more responsibility required than I was aware of, PARTICULARLY regarding concealed carry and the things you should prepare for.Whether you're new to firearms or have been shooting around for years (and whether male or female), "The Cornered Cat" is a wealth of knowledge and reference that you need to read, and refer to more than once.

In my opinion, this book is not just a helpful book. It's a book every woman absolutely should read, whether she carries already, is just thinking about it, is mildly curious about it, is deciding about it - or, even, opposes it.The author discusses the what, how, when, where, and why in great educational detail but she is not preachy. She will neither put you to sleep, nor scare you to death. She simply 'talks', as she might if we were enjoying a cup of coffee together and I asked her questions. This is NOT a book with an agenda to convert everyone to carrying. Kathy Jackson simply explains why she carries, how it is done, and what to know first as well as later, but does not even slightly disparage people who do not.I go so far as to say even those opposed to women carrying - or carrying by anyone - should read it. How can you debate an issue if you don't understand the topic and are not knowledgeable of your opposition? It's that important a topic today. We all need to be knowledgeable about whatever it is we support - or oppose - or we are not credible.She talks about how CCW is very different for women than for men. --Our bodies are shaped in ways that make carrying more challenging. -- How do women carry and still look stylish - this is important to most of us. -- What about curvy women? Women with big breasts? -- If you carry it, how do you go to the bathroom with it? Our toileting methods are considerably different than our male counterparts. -- What should you know ahead of time about legal issues if you use a weapon, or even pull it? -- The emotional issues after a fight? -- How do you chose the right weapon for your situation? -- What is the difference between a pistol and revolver? -- What kind of holster would you get? Bra? Leg? Belly band? Inside the waistband? Outside the waistband? Fanny pack? Purse? Do you still need a holster if you carry a firearm in your purse? Is it a good idea, or not so good, to have more than one kind holster and different places that you carry? -- Is it better, or not so much, to have our knowledgeable husbands, boyfriends, brothers, or salesman choose for us? -- What is the difference between a clip and a magazine? -- What about non-lethal options, instead? -- How do you choose a weapon that works in your smaller hands? -- What about safety - both yours and the innocents around you? -- How do you clean it? (Sorry, gals, even THIS requires cleaning! Sigh) -- How often does it need cleaned? -- How do you find a class? How much does a class cost? -- Is a Concealed Carry class a class that prepares you to defend your family, or does it mostly meet legal requirements? -- What is the difference between types of classes? -- Where do you find a class? -- How do you find an instructor that is a good one? -- How whether a firearm carried on your person, or simply left at home for home invasions determines which firearm is better for you? -- How much do various weapons cost? -- Why does caliber of ammunition matter? How are they different? -- How do you stand when you use a firearm? -- What do you do with your arms? Why? -- Where do you put your hands when you hold a firearm? Why? -- What do things cost when you own or carry a weapon? -- Safety, safety, safety! How to always, every time, all the time, be safe. -- How to practice. Do you have to use ammunition to practice? Why and why not? -- How much practice is required? -- What if you're not athletic or particularly strong, yourself? How does that affect your decision to carry or not?These are only some of the topics she covers in a book very easy to read and very easy to understand, but that isn't cotton candy either.If you are even THINKING about carrying, in my opinion, this book is not optional. If you are already carrying - it's still not optional.The cons of the book? I can't think of a single thing.The pluses of the book? More than I can mention.Would I buy it again? YES! This is one of those books I am loaning and giving to my daughter and my friends. It's a "must-have" book for your library.