Spotting Danger Before It Spots You: Build Situational Awareness to Stay Safe

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 338 ratings

Price: 15.69

Last update: 12-22-2024


About this item

Continuing on the path of The Gift of Fear (Gavin deBecker) Spotting Danger Before It Spots You is geared towards the average citizen who at any moment could find themselves faced with a violent encounter but may lack the training needed to detect the situation early or react to it appropriately.

  • Written in a manner that can be easily understood by the average citizen who may lack any formal training in the areas of situational awareness and personal safety.
  • Not everyone carries a gun or studies martial arts, that’s why this book focuses on the skillsets necessary to detect and avoid violent encounters.
  • Breaks the information into three easy-to-follow phases. Phase one increases the listeners understanding of predatory mindset and violence. Phase two walks the listener through the development of proper situational awareness. Phase three provides the listener with the methods for implementing what they’ve learned, and instructions for how to increase their level of personal security.
  • Criminals pick their victims (soft targets) in under a minute and base it largely on the victim’s body language. Learn to change body language and be seen as a hard target.
  • The author is someone who has traveled the world as a government agent (a federal air marshal) and made a career of situational awareness.
  • Foreword written by best-selling author and violence expert Lt. Col. Dave Grossman.

Crime Facts

  • 1.2 million violent crimes were committed in the US in 2018. (Source: FBI’s Uniform Crime Report)
  • 1 in every 253 US citizens were a victim of a violent crime in 2017. (Source: FBI’s Crime Data Explorer)
  • 50% of violent crimes happen outside the victim’s home. (Source: FBI’s Crime Data Explorer)
  • Male offenders make up 80% of violent crimes in 2017. (Source: FBI’s Crime Data Explorer)
  • Women are victimized 48% of the time in 2017. (Source: FBI’s Crime Data Explorer)

Top reviews from the United States

  • Emma Giovanni
    5.0 out of 5 stars kick ass book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2024
    Awesome book and must have for all readers of any age. Valuable information. I love this book so much! And am excited to read the authors other books.
  • Robbie
    5.0 out of 5 stars The most succinct and "to the point" book on awareness and danger avoidance yet written
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2020
    I have been a defensive firearms instructor for nearly a decade. During that time, I have trained with some of the best instructors in the nation, including Travis Haley, Mike Seeklander and Gary Quesenberry. My personal library contains dozens of books on the topic of situational awareness and the defensive mindset. I have incorporated much of the content of those books into my class presentations and curricula. If this book had been around 10 years ago or even 5 years ago, it would have saved me a significant amount of effort.

    Gary Quesenberry has put forth an easy-reading, knowledge-packed book that should be the basis for any civilian, concealed carry permit holder, law enforcement officer or military person to start their journey on understanding when dangerous people use a threat. This book focuses on how you can identify dangerous predatory behavior from other people, as well as assess the vulnerabilities you and your loved ones might have. This book puts you ahead of the curve in preventing violence from happening to you and yours.

    To get the amount of knowledge in the concise format Gary has written, I have had to read and internalize the information the following books:

    Mediations on Violence by Rory Miller
    Facing Violence by Rory Miller
    The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker (who is highly over rated in my opinion)
    On Killing by Lt. Col. (ret) Dave Grossman
    On Combat by Lt. Col. (ret) Dave Grossman
    Left of Bang by Patrick Van Horne and Jason A. Riley
    Sheep No More byJonathan Gilliam

    Gary has given us a gift in this book. If you are a defensively minded individual, it is a must read.
  • Starfish
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book-Amazon fail!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023
    Reccommended reading! 5-stars for the book AND 1 STAR for Amazon on this! Amazon you're sliding! Never had a complaint about Amazon before, until this past 30 days! Lost packages, misdirected packages. Not checking I D and turning packages over to posers! Now this damage obviously done just before packing as shipping carton is in pristine undamaged condition! I ordered a new condition book and you can tell it was before they packed it as pages near binding were still tight and unspread. See photos. It were as if someone didn't like the subject matter or was sending a message such as their psycho or mad at their boss-we've all been there haven't we? But seriously, on somebody's gift ? It's Christmas for cryin' out loud.
    Oh, the book? It comes highly recommended and after glancing lightly through it, it looks highly informative, especially if you're new to the protection world i would give it a try. Especially if you live in a dangerous environment! I agree with .other raters-5 stars but I wanted to rank Amazon service and rake them over the coals on this one. Dissatisfied is understatement-but the quality of the info, outstanding.
    Customer image
    Starfish
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book-Amazon fail!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023
    Reccommended reading! 5-stars for the book AND 1 STAR for Amazon on this! Amazon you're sliding! Never had a complaint about Amazon before, until this past 30 days! Lost packages, misdirected packages. Not checking I D and turning packages over to posers! Now this damage obviously done just before packing as shipping carton is in pristine undamaged condition! I ordered a new condition book and you can tell it was before they packed it as pages near binding were still tight and unspread. See photos. It were as if someone didn't like the subject matter or was sending a message such as their psycho or mad at their boss-we've all been there haven't we? But seriously, on somebody's gift ? It's Christmas for cryin' out loud.
    Oh, the book? It comes highly recommended and after glancing lightly through it, it looks highly informative, especially if you're new to the protection world i would give it a try. Especially if you live in a dangerous environment! I agree with .other raters-5 stars but I wanted to rank Amazon service and rake them over the coals on this one. Dissatisfied is understatement-but the quality of the info, outstanding.
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  • Eric D.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2023
    “Spotting Danger Before it Spots You” by Gary Quesenberry is a book that aims to help readers understand how to recognize and avoid potential threats in their everyday lives. Quesenberry, a former Federal Air Marshall, shares his knowledge and experience to provide practical advice on assessing and mitigating risks.

    The book covers various topics, including situational awareness, travel safety, home security, and personal protection. Quesenberry emphasizes the importance of being proactive and prepared, rather than reactive, to stay safe in today’s increasingly complex and unpredictable world.

    Throughout the book, Quesenberry provides real-life examples and scenarios to illustrate his points and offer actionable insights. He also includes exercises and checklists to help readers develop safety plans and strategies.

    Overall, “Spotting Danger Before it Spots You” is a comprehensive guide to personal safety for anyone looking to enhance their awareness and preparedness.
  • Super Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
    I have worked in the private security industry for 11 years and must say that this is actually a decent read. Yes, for all FBI-Cobra-Ninja-Rangers-Turtles, this literature would far surpass their extensive expertise, but most normal people do not have the capability to dedicate their lives to those fields. All in all, I was reminded about lessons I already knew, and even picked up more than a few jewels along the way. 5-Stars without hesitation!!! One of my favorite books on the subject because every chapter holds a take-away. The author is also very prudent with limiting his personal experiences. Some authors like to talk and talk and talk about their lives and tend to make the book into a biography instead of an educational enlightenment. This author balances both. Must-read!!!
  • Barbara Pursley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Being SAFE by being AWARE
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
    This is an excellent book. It is so informative that I read it in one sitting. This book is a Wake Up call for everyone. Parents should share it with their children. There couldn't be a more appropriate time (2023) to start focusing on your surroundings. In todays world, we MUST be AWARE to keep SAFE. Without a doubt this book was a 5 STAR read for me. Thank you for writing a book that makes you thnink about SAFETY!
  • CTG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eye Opener
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2022
    I though I knew situational awareness until I read this book. Lots of practical application, examples, as well as eye opening information that revealed the gaps in my knowledge and everyday application. This book provides practical techniques to increase you everyday situational awareness. I only wish I had this sooner when my kids were little. I am purchasing several as gifts to young parents in my life. Highly recommend.

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