Type of bind: Paperback
EAN num: 9781863738569
ISBN number: 1863738568
Label: Allen & Unwin
Manufacturer: Allen & Unwin
Page Count: 384
Printing Date: February 01, 1995
Publishing house: Allen & Unwin
Sale Popularity Level: 175651
Studio: Allen & Unwin
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Rated by buyers 
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Granted, no single book will suit every taste. So it is not surprising that some readers criticize this one. It takes on a gargantuan task: seeking to explain something of the Asian way of thinking to Western folks. Yet with China soon to be the number 1 trading partner for MANY world nations, this is an explanation we all need.
Meanwhile, suffice it to say that, like another reader reviewer here, I also have read the book multiple times (and the two of us are clearly not alone in this)! Thick Face, Black Heart is a masterpiece of contradictions. Yes, it's a book for business people--yet it's deeply and satisfyingly philosophical. Yes, it's "theoretical"--yet it's filled with fascinating illustrative anecdotes, enlivened by the voice of a natural storyteller. Yes, it's serious, cerebral, and complex--yet it's a bona fide page-turner!
Even if you feel you've had enough of motivational books, you may want to give one last look at this one. It's a serious cut above.
Doni Tamblyn is author of Laugh and Learn: 95 Ways to Use Humour for More Effective Teaching and Training and The Big Book of Humorous Training Games (Big Book of Business Games Series)
Rated by buyers 
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Ok, I've seen a number of reviews here and on Amazon.co.uk condemning this book for everything from shoddy English to a complete lack of morality.
Well, maybe my take on this will be a little different. I've been a Christian for 8 years and strongly pursue my life within that framework. However, I'm still interested in ideas that I can INTEGRATE into my perspective on the world to help me pursue those aims more effectively.
Truly, the ruthlessness with which people could use these given concepts makes me shudder. I know my worldview clashes significantly with some of what is espoused in this book.
However, the idea of ruthlessness wrapped in good conduct and right action is something I can appropriate. After all, my God, Yahweh, is ruthlessly and uncompromisingly loving, never changing in His desire for me to enjoy the best of Him. How much more powerful would I be in my Christian ministry if I decide that I will adopt an uncompromising (i.e. unconditional) love for those with whom I interact. Jesus was focused, direct, passionate - or from another angle, ruthless and uncompromising in his delivery of a message of love and salvation. No, don't just reject the concepts taken by themselves.
Additionally, as noted above, the idea that we can succeed as ourselves is one I have seen in so few books. In the West we are sold the idea that we cannot succeed unless we have x and Y. Using my negatives in my favour i.e. making them strengths in the right context is a phenomenal idea, and one which I have begun to employ. Thanks to the author for acknowleding we can succeed as we are!
Although, truthfully, I think this author is quite confused about what she believes spiritually, she has some things to say which you just don't see in many other books. Life can be really, really tough, and she espouses an idea which reminds me of a statement made by Jim Rohn (I think). Don't pray for life to get easier, pray to get tougher!
If you are looking for a complete 'change your life' book, this one will not neccesarily change you for the better. It's too easy to misunderstand and does not contain all the other traditional 'goal-setting' stuff of other self-help books.
However, if you are confident of what you believe and want to do, but perhaps lack some of the guts to do it, give it a go.
Rated by buyers -
"Self-Help" has become a dreary mountain of garbage nowadays, as everyone from football coaches to annoying talk-show hosts are releasing more and more mindless drivel to an ever-growing, anxious audience, that is yearning for the one book that will, once and for all, change their lives forever. Well, I, much like the millions out there who represent the army of those crying out for help, have found my book that reigns at the top of the "crap" heap.
Chin-Ning Chu minces no words in this decisive, blunt, series of ideas and suggestions that aim to teach us the ways of the "Thick Face/Black Heart" doctrine. The title (as well as her ideas) comes from a series of disciplines taught by an ancient Chinese "master" who spoke about the best ways to conquer enemies, as well as gain the advantages necessary to succeed in a "kill or be killed" society.
As many self-help books try to accomplish, this book discusses the best ways to not be taken advantage of by others, as well as living a life that you can be proud of: a life where we are urged to be patient when trying to achieve our dreams by "giving life time". But, unlike most of the other "success"/garbage books out there, "Thick Face" espouses the unconventional idea that we can succeed THE WAY WE ARE, but by thinking about things, and perceiving things differently than we currently do. What a novel idea.
Another thing I like about the book is Nin Chu's awareness that life is a tiresome struggle, as she talks about her own battles, in business, and in life itself, but her discourse on being patient, working with what we have at our disposal right now, as well as the art of enduring, is very powerful, and refreshingly different. Another theme she tackles effectively is not judging ourselves harshly. For example, one little section talks about the idea of our Western society, and our obsession of being up and at 'em early, and getting all of our work done, etc., doing the "9-5" grind. But Nin-Chu says: if you're a person who stays up late every night, and sleeps in every day, make the most of this lifestyle choice. Find, or create a job, that will allow you to abide by these habits. She then talks about famous artists and inventors who never abided by the conventional "9 to 5" Western work ethic, but succeeded dramatically. Classic stuff, self acceptance "Thick Face-Black Heart" style.
When I read this book, as I have done several times (and I'm not one of those readers that re-reads books very often), I always feel as though I am sitting with a wise sage that has seen everything that life has to offer, and she, rather dispassionately, has taken this experience, and is ever so graciously showing me how to make use of everything: the good, the bad, the trivial, and the seemingly life-ending.
Remember: I am not a corny "self-help" goof that buys into any of the stuff out there yesterday that gets on the Best Seller Lists. I am somewhat cynical at the ripe old age of 34, but have found THE BOOK that always seems to find me, and guide me, whenever I need it, which is quite often, as I get older.
I always seemed to get annoyed with the readers that brag about their "worn out, dog-eared" books, and all of the highlighting they do in them, as well as scribble notes on the borders of the pages, to make it seem like they're well-read, and somewhat artsy, or intelligent, and quirky. Alas, I have found the one book that I own (and I own many) that has earned this "worn out", "old pair of shoes" status. "Thick Face" is a masterpiece.
Rated by buyers -
I just finished reading this book a few weeks ago. I think this book is really good and especially for busy people they can just read the summary points at the end of every chapter. I have only one thing to say this book really opens my eyes. I am starting to read Machiavelli's The Prince and I can say that Thick Face, Black Heart is the Asian version of The Prince.
Rated by buyers 
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The book is a list of lists. Basically whatever the author had lying around was thrown in.
Some of the "ancient stories" which the author are uses are largely fabricated. The Liu Bang/Xiang Yu story in particular bears no relation to actual historical events beyond the names of the participants. A fictional story in support of the author's points masquerading as actual history.
Author has a bad tendency to wax lyrical.
The claim on the cover of "International Bestseller" is probably wishful thinking. Amazon sales rank is a better indicator of popularity than dubious unverifiable claims from publishers.
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