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Taming the Tiger 伏虎
This fast-paced, compelling and chilling account is the deeply moving story of a three-time Kung Fu World Champion. With fascinating insight into the traditions of China's martial arts, it documents the abusive upbringing that turned a four-year old child into a hardened, professional killer. From China to Europe and across the Mediterranean, we follow Tony as he becomes an elite bodyguard, protecting some of the world's most powerful people. Following personal tragedy, Tony's extreme discipline and the philosophy of his art is quickly turned. He begins to use his skills for illegal means and highly destructive, bloodthirsty pleasure. Eventually incarcerated in Cyprus, Tony hits rock bottom. Through the visits of a stranger, he is introduced to the reality and life-changing power of a Savior. Though the prison walls hold him, he finds himself a free man. This is just the beginning of a complex and fascinating testimony. "
214 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 3, 2022
I'm writing this review for how I felt immediately after the read. Not how I feel right now.
I was blown away at the sheer punch of the story. From a scared and unfortunate young boy to a demigod. Then from an unimaginable pinnacle to the depths of hell.
Choices.
What obviously got me was his sheer will, determination and faith to rise above everything and turn his life into a selfless success. Twice. A remarkable achievement, even in fiction.
Choices.
This book gave me gooseflesh and brought about immense respect and admiration for Tony Anthony.
Fast forward, read a little gossip, delve a bit further and notice a few articles. And the disappointment hit me that what I read was a possible farce. I felt sick at the thought and I never wanted to read too much into what was staring at me. Probably because I was hoping that it was fake news and that every word I read in Taming the Tiger was true.
I'd rather hang onto that thought, Tony Anthony. I'll keep it in my memory bank as non-fiction.
I was blown away at the sheer punch of the story. From a scared and unfortunate young boy to a demigod. Then from an unimaginable pinnacle to the depths of hell.
Choices.
What obviously got me was his sheer will, determination and faith to rise above everything and turn his life into a selfless success. Twice. A remarkable achievement, even in fiction.
Choices.
This book gave me gooseflesh and brought about immense respect and admiration for Tony Anthony.
Fast forward, read a little gossip, delve a bit further and notice a few articles. And the disappointment hit me that what I read was a possible farce. I felt sick at the thought and I never wanted to read too much into what was staring at me. Probably because I was hoping that it was fake news and that every word I read in Taming the Tiger was true.
I'd rather hang onto that thought, Tony Anthony. I'll keep it in my memory bank as non-fiction.
February 3, 2012
Shortly after beginning this book I went on Amazon to see what people were saying about it. I expected 1-star and 5-star reviews to dominate, but I didn't expect the 1-star reviews to be well-argued, including by some persons claiming to be Christians. I expected the 1-stars to come from teenage boy atheists who had no intention of ever opening the book, let alone reading it from cover to cover.
I read it cover to cover, which is good going for me as I rarely get into books enough to get as far as 50 pages. I don't remember all of the criticism for this book, but one bit stands out. The bit where he actually tames a real tiger as part of his Kung Fu training. Did he have to fabricate this story in case anybody bought the book thinking it was about tiger-taming? The problem with it is that the tiger is white, and white tigers have been pretty much extinct in the wild for several decades, and certainly not known to exist in China. I don't know. To me it seems like a minor thing. I expect that most of the important details in the book are true. Why would Tony jeopardise his credibility by writing easily refutable lies, that just aren't important? So maybe it was true. Maybe there were white tigers in the part of China where he lived, but conservationists don't want their existence to be public knowledge in order to keep poachers away. I know of a peregrine falcon nest in Northumberland, but the RSPB would not want me to publicise such details. Or maybe the tiger he met was an albino, or just really pale, and he thought it was a white tiger because that's what his grandfather told him it was.
I enjoyed this book. The first half covers his Kung Fu training in China and later career as a bodyguard. The second half is all about his time in prison and his subsequent conversion to Christianity. Is he a three-time Kung Fu world champion? Possible. Can he wander through the Saudi Arabian desert with only a little water? Yeah, maybe. Did he tame a white tiger? I don't know. Should he have been more remorseful about the motorcyclist he killed. I don't think so, I think he was a bit over the top about that bit, probably in order to deflect some flack from stone-age types who go around preaching "an eye for a eye". Should he have lied to the police about it. No. Could he have gotten away with it by saying his headlamp was broken when he hit a deer one night, as he initially believed. I reckon. However, it turns out, going to prison (both times) was very good for him.
I'd like to meet Tony Anthony one day. I don't know what I would say to him, but I think I will have to try hard not to invent some sort of Kung Fu move for him to deal with. I expect he gets it all the time.
I read it cover to cover, which is good going for me as I rarely get into books enough to get as far as 50 pages. I don't remember all of the criticism for this book, but one bit stands out. The bit where he actually tames a real tiger as part of his Kung Fu training. Did he have to fabricate this story in case anybody bought the book thinking it was about tiger-taming? The problem with it is that the tiger is white, and white tigers have been pretty much extinct in the wild for several decades, and certainly not known to exist in China. I don't know. To me it seems like a minor thing. I expect that most of the important details in the book are true. Why would Tony jeopardise his credibility by writing easily refutable lies, that just aren't important? So maybe it was true. Maybe there were white tigers in the part of China where he lived, but conservationists don't want their existence to be public knowledge in order to keep poachers away. I know of a peregrine falcon nest in Northumberland, but the RSPB would not want me to publicise such details. Or maybe the tiger he met was an albino, or just really pale, and he thought it was a white tiger because that's what his grandfather told him it was.
I enjoyed this book. The first half covers his Kung Fu training in China and later career as a bodyguard. The second half is all about his time in prison and his subsequent conversion to Christianity. Is he a three-time Kung Fu world champion? Possible. Can he wander through the Saudi Arabian desert with only a little water? Yeah, maybe. Did he tame a white tiger? I don't know. Should he have been more remorseful about the motorcyclist he killed. I don't think so, I think he was a bit over the top about that bit, probably in order to deflect some flack from stone-age types who go around preaching "an eye for a eye". Should he have lied to the police about it. No. Could he have gotten away with it by saying his headlamp was broken when he hit a deer one night, as he initially believed. I reckon. However, it turns out, going to prison (both times) was very good for him.
I'd like to meet Tony Anthony one day. I don't know what I would say to him, but I think I will have to try hard not to invent some sort of Kung Fu move for him to deal with. I expect he gets it all the time.
October 10, 2014
Truth is definitely stranger than fiction. Tony tells his true life story, from being horrifically abused as a child, growing up to become three times world Kung Fu champion, and moving into worldwide bodyguard work. Racy, passionate, with many a disturbing scene, the facts are legendary and all true. Tony now is an evangelist and motivator in London, UK. Without doubt, one of the best books I have ever read.
February 19, 2011
Awesome story, great description, especially of the martial arts stuff at the beginning. Almost too awesome to be believable.
August 20, 2022
Una dintre cele mai frumoase marturii pentru Isus Hristos...
February 21, 2015
2.5 / 5
I got a free copy of this as a part of a giveaway for Father's Day in the USA (although I'm not a father and not in the USA - yay for a worldwide internet) 2013. That is July 15 2013. Only July 16 2013 the publisher of the book announced they were no longer going to withdraw the book from sale due to an independant investigation into the book that concluded that large amounts of the book are falsified. Something that Tony Anthony denies, stating any erros are based on how he remembers things to be and some minor 'artistic licence'. I only found this out after reading the book but I did find the timing amusing.
Whether true or false, it hasnt actually changed much of my opinion of the book. I just didnt find it interesting or captivating. Maybe more artistic licence could have been used. I think the problem is that is does feel very formulaic in terms of a conversion story. Really bad guy does lots of bad things, gets caught, finds God in jail, uses hard past life to show how God changes people. If it is true then story could be done really well but this is just... there. Not bad. But nothing overly interesting either. If it isnt true, then as a work of fiction it is really lacking.
I don't know the guy, I don't know what he is like. But it does sound like the work he does with troubled people and people in jail is good work. I have nothing but good will towards that work and hope it continues well after this 'truth' controversy is over. Maybe the possilbe embelishment of the story has helped the ministry to draw people in, but now it is probably pushing people (probably not the same people) away. Who knows.
I got a free copy of this as a part of a giveaway for Father's Day in the USA (although I'm not a father and not in the USA - yay for a worldwide internet) 2013. That is July 15 2013. Only July 16 2013 the publisher of the book announced they were no longer going to withdraw the book from sale due to an independant investigation into the book that concluded that large amounts of the book are falsified. Something that Tony Anthony denies, stating any erros are based on how he remembers things to be and some minor 'artistic licence'. I only found this out after reading the book but I did find the timing amusing.
Whether true or false, it hasnt actually changed much of my opinion of the book. I just didnt find it interesting or captivating. Maybe more artistic licence could have been used. I think the problem is that is does feel very formulaic in terms of a conversion story. Really bad guy does lots of bad things, gets caught, finds God in jail, uses hard past life to show how God changes people. If it is true then story could be done really well but this is just... there. Not bad. But nothing overly interesting either. If it isnt true, then as a work of fiction it is really lacking.
I don't know the guy, I don't know what he is like. But it does sound like the work he does with troubled people and people in jail is good work. I have nothing but good will towards that work and hope it continues well after this 'truth' controversy is over. Maybe the possilbe embelishment of the story has helped the ministry to draw people in, but now it is probably pushing people (probably not the same people) away. Who knows.
July 12, 2010
Taming the Tiger is a story of redemption, a story of something (or, in this case, someone) that has been stolen recovered and returned back to its rightful owner.
As far as "the formula" goes, it's perfect. Boy has a bad upbringing, becomes a cynical machine hurting others (using the methods of a foreign religion), goes to jail and finds Christ. Well - not to be cynical, but this can be a bit predictable at times. Still, it's definitely one of the most interesting, and not to mention powerful, autobiographies I know. I've actually read it as many as two or three times and still appreciate it!
As far as "the formula" goes, it's perfect. Boy has a bad upbringing, becomes a cynical machine hurting others (using the methods of a foreign religion), goes to jail and finds Christ. Well - not to be cynical, but this can be a bit predictable at times. Still, it's definitely one of the most interesting, and not to mention powerful, autobiographies I know. I've actually read it as many as two or three times and still appreciate it!
October 19, 2019
Little words to describe the eye watering, heart touching, story of Tony Anthony, fiction or otherwise. I was inspired both by the training, as a little kid, he endured -the mastery of Kung-fu, moved to tears as he was abandoned by his own parents and his spiritual journey to find the true God, through The Son, Jesus. I thank god for this life transforming book.
I would recommend it for anyone who is lost spiritually, if there's a void in your heart that you have tried to fill for a long time; trying all sort of methods -partying, drinking, drugs, even violence, turn to God to fill it and make you whole and loved again.
I would recommend it for anyone who is lost spiritually, if there's a void in your heart that you have tried to fill for a long time; trying all sort of methods -partying, drinking, drugs, even violence, turn to God to fill it and make you whole and loved again.
Read
June 12, 2012I had high hopes but sadly am deeply disappointed.
So much so that I went to meet Tony in person.
I gave him 2 lines of friendly Chinese in a letter, which he was utterly unable to read.
He claims to be a Kung fu expert, trained in China, tutored by a grand father who taught him to write Chinese. Yet he can't even spot the Chinese characters for Kung fu or grandfather.
There are many other elements which have been shown to be untrue.
Discerning readers can find evidence by searching for 'Tony Anthony truth' on the net.
So much so that I went to meet Tony in person.
I gave him 2 lines of friendly Chinese in a letter, which he was utterly unable to read.
He claims to be a Kung fu expert, trained in China, tutored by a grand father who taught him to write Chinese. Yet he can't even spot the Chinese characters for Kung fu or grandfather.
There are many other elements which have been shown to be untrue.
Discerning readers can find evidence by searching for 'Tony Anthony truth' on the net.
March 21, 2014
This was a thoroughly amazing read. A real page turner. It has come to light that everything in this mans book is true. I found the following websites offer irefutable proof: http://www.forthesakeofthegospel.co.uk
http://framingthetiger.com
You must read this book, and go and hear the man speak too!
http://framingthetiger.com
You must read this book, and go and hear the man speak too!
May 14, 2019
Jag minns att jag verkligen tyckte att detta var en fantastisk historia om en man som har gått igenom så mycket i sitt liv, men som tillslut möte Jesus. Synd att den visade sig vara falsk. Men även om den är falsk så behöver inte innehållet vara dåligt. http://www.dagen.se/v%C3%A4rldsevange...
July 16, 2013
Read this book a few years ago now after meeting Tony and him giving me a copy to which he then signed :)
I remember there was quite a few of us who didn't put this book down until we had read it from cover to cover which was a good sign Haha!
I remember there was quite a few of us who didn't put this book down until we had read it from cover to cover which was a good sign Haha!
July 25, 2017
What an incredible testimony. At times I forgot I was reading a testimony and instead felt like I was plunged into a world similar to that of James Bond. It is an amazing story of how a life has been totally turned around.
November 4, 2010
Amazing
July 25, 2011
Was a fabulous insight into the dark world of Kung Fu - no Kung Fu Panda type here. Yet God stepped in through a faithful man & changed everything!!
July 13, 2013
Truly a great masterpiece and a thriller.Tony follows Jesus' path and becomes a free man again.Best book I have ever read.
March 20, 2017
Shocking of her went through and did; a true story of grace
February 12, 2021
Addendum: discovered after the fact that some of this book may not be true and if so, was intentionally misleading. I have looked at the claims and believe there may be truth (hard to tell because very little info online), but won’t completely discredit the book because I don’t know how reputable either side is. And God works amazing things in spite of our miserable sinful selves.
Very raw and pretty graphic at times but the last several chapters almost make up for it. The transformation of this violent Kungfu champion is amazing. But as God still wanted the whole heart, there is more to the story while God continues the metamorphosis. And an excellent reminder that God uses all situations for his glory, including the difficult ones.
Very raw and pretty graphic at times but the last several chapters almost make up for it. The transformation of this violent Kungfu champion is amazing. But as God still wanted the whole heart, there is more to the story while God continues the metamorphosis. And an excellent reminder that God uses all situations for his glory, including the difficult ones.
July 21, 2022
Wow, what a fascinating journey this is. I can't say for sure whether all of this is true, but nevertheless such a great action packed book to read. This is the ideal book for the male reader (especially teenagers or young men), and either way it will leave you thinking about it throughout your life. Also puts into question however bad things you have done in your past can be channelled in positive ways later in your life. I would love to send multiple copies of this book to various prisons around the world, as it would greatly resonate with those seeking a thrilling book with a positive message. Granted it can be a little cheesy at times, which is why I've knocked a star off, but a very exciting read nonetheless.
September 14, 2022
A book I recommend to anyone that's going through a hard time and can't understand it. A book about how 1 man who did bad was bought to god and how god changed is life. He's story is so different to the problem in my life but it dose kinda have a similar side to it. But reading this with what I'm going through has showed me at any point god can change that and use it to bring good out of it all. A boom of faith and completely handing your life over to christ and asking him to guide you .
January 1, 2021
In terms of the way the book is written, it is absolutely wonderful. The level of detail going into describing the scene in this book is spot on. There is alot of speculation whether the book is entirely true or not; but regardless, the way it is written is ceetainly worth a read.
June 21, 2021
I read this book in a day and was so excited by it only to discover that Tony Anthony’s “true story” can’t be verified and there have been investigations into the veracity of this book. So, if you read it, enjoy a great story realizing it’s most likely fiction rather than truth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2020
A bunch of lies from a con artist.
July 30, 2021
Incredible story and very entertaining.
Would recommend any teenager to read.
Would recommend any teenager to read.
December 1, 2022
Loved the story, it was captivating and read like gripping fiction. Too bad that is exactly what it was.
February 11, 2024
Very good read, hense the 4 stars. The only downside was to go to his website to learn more to find out that a lot of it is not what actually happened.
May 5, 2024
Fake story. So sad…
May 19, 2024
Great read. Should be movie
June 19, 2007
this review first appeared on [http://intraspace.blogspot.com]
as far as dramatic christian stories about conversion go, this would have to be near perfect in terms of the formula: really bad person (in this case, a kung fu expert who uses his skills to maim and kill people for money and retribution) goes to prison and then finds jesus.
i don't mean to come across as cynical in this - 'taming the tiger' really does have all the ingredients of a storming good christian story of redemption. truth betters fiction in a number of episodes in the book. we get to hear all about tony's rigorous training in china as a child, rising to be become a world kung fu champion, then a bodyguard, losing the love of his life and becoming angry. using his abilities in the service of the underbelly of the world. before the cypriot police catch up with him and throw him into one of the worst prisons of the world. he becomes a christian there and returns to england (where he was born). he gets married to a nice christian girl and then winds up in prison again after accidentally killing a woman in a road accident. that stint in prison gives him a chance for more self-examination, not to mention an opportunity to demonstrate good overcoming evil in the prison environment.
potentially open to criticism for being sensationalist (for the writing style as much as the content), 'taming the tiger' is well worth a read - very entertaining and easy reading.
as far as dramatic christian stories about conversion go, this would have to be near perfect in terms of the formula: really bad person (in this case, a kung fu expert who uses his skills to maim and kill people for money and retribution) goes to prison and then finds jesus.
i don't mean to come across as cynical in this - 'taming the tiger' really does have all the ingredients of a storming good christian story of redemption. truth betters fiction in a number of episodes in the book. we get to hear all about tony's rigorous training in china as a child, rising to be become a world kung fu champion, then a bodyguard, losing the love of his life and becoming angry. using his abilities in the service of the underbelly of the world. before the cypriot police catch up with him and throw him into one of the worst prisons of the world. he becomes a christian there and returns to england (where he was born). he gets married to a nice christian girl and then winds up in prison again after accidentally killing a woman in a road accident. that stint in prison gives him a chance for more self-examination, not to mention an opportunity to demonstrate good overcoming evil in the prison environment.
potentially open to criticism for being sensationalist (for the writing style as much as the content), 'taming the tiger' is well worth a read - very entertaining and easy reading.
February 19, 2013
Handling: Fruktan fanns inte i Tony Anthonys värld. Som trefaldig världsmästare inom Kung Fu var han självsäker, mäktig och fruktad. En lovande karriär inom säkerhetsbranschen hade precis påbörjats och han reste världen runt för att beskydda några av världens rikaste och mäktigaste människor.
Den här tempofyllda och mycket fängslande boken är berättelsen om Tonys sanna och oerhört gripande livshistoria om hur en ”upplyst lärling” förvandlades till en blodtörstig och våldsam man.
I det mest kompakta mörker i Nicosias centralfängelse kunde allt ha varit förlorat, om det inte varit för besöket av en främling ...
Mina tankar: Det här är en bok jag har läst flera gånger men ändå aldrig kan få nog av. Jag älskar den, rakt igenom och på alla sätt man möjligen kan älska en historia. Kanske är det för att det är en verklig händelse eller så är det bara för att jag är en sådan "sucker" när det gäller historier som går från mörker till ljus. Att läsa om folk som suttit i den värsta skiten och sedan tagit sig upp igen och det är verkligen vad man får göra i den här boken. Man får följa Tonys liv, hans hemska barndom, hans brutala liv som säkerhetsvakt och sedan hans uppvaknande och omvändelse. En otroligt bra bok och helt klart läsvärd. Du kommer att sitta fastklistrad tills den är slut, det kan jag lova dig!
Den här tempofyllda och mycket fängslande boken är berättelsen om Tonys sanna och oerhört gripande livshistoria om hur en ”upplyst lärling” förvandlades till en blodtörstig och våldsam man.
I det mest kompakta mörker i Nicosias centralfängelse kunde allt ha varit förlorat, om det inte varit för besöket av en främling ...
Mina tankar: Det här är en bok jag har läst flera gånger men ändå aldrig kan få nog av. Jag älskar den, rakt igenom och på alla sätt man möjligen kan älska en historia. Kanske är det för att det är en verklig händelse eller så är det bara för att jag är en sådan "sucker" när det gäller historier som går från mörker till ljus. Att läsa om folk som suttit i den värsta skiten och sedan tagit sig upp igen och det är verkligen vad man får göra i den här boken. Man får följa Tonys liv, hans hemska barndom, hans brutala liv som säkerhetsvakt och sedan hans uppvaknande och omvändelse. En otroligt bra bok och helt klart läsvärd. Du kommer att sitta fastklistrad tills den är slut, det kan jag lova dig!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews