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

At the NRA's Annual Meeting in Indianapolis last week, I had the very good fortune to run into my longtime friend Kathy Jackson. She was doing a book signing at the Galco booth, and offered me a copy of her wonderful book.

On the very first page is the most excellent summation behind why we practice, why we train, why we carry the gear we carry:

"Not me. Not mine. Not today."

Jackson's book is a guideline, ostensibly for women but really for anyone interested in self-defense and concealed carry. The truths she elucidates are generally not bound to a gender, they hold true to men as well as women (well, okay, not the part about carrying in a purse, so much; although her points are just as valid for any form of off-body carry). There's something in this book for everyone, whether they be a grizzled veteran of concealed-carry, a neophyte just thinking about their first firearm and anyone in between.

She explains concepts in direct, understandable terms, including basic legal concepts, how to go about obtaining a permit to carry, how to choose gear and whether or not one should get training (Jackson thinks it's a good idea). Firearms, gear, ammunition and other necessities are discussed; certainly not in minute detail but enough to give a novice information to start their journey. This is where Jackson and The Cornered Cat excel. There is just enough information to explain why something is important, but not so much that it overwhelms someone not immersed in this culture.

A true student of self-defense simply cannot consider their library complete without a copy of Kathy Jackson's "The Cornered Cat."