In "The Passing of the Night," Risner poignantly recounts how he came to terms with his own plight, trusted in himself and refused to be broken, though he felt devastated and demoralized. But his extraordinary memoir does not describe a superman; he was a man who knew his limits and had the courage to face up to them and so became a model to us all.

"Somebody asked me why I was writing this book and my honest answer is this: I believe that today's young people are searching for a dragon to slay. I want to help them find the right dragon. I want our young people to be proud of the things that count. I want to show that the smartest and the bravest rely on their faith in God and our way of life. I hope to show how that faith has been tried by fire - and never failed. I would like to say, Don't ever be ashamed of your faith, nor of your wonderful heritage. Be proud of those things which make America great and which can, with our help, be even greater."