Tom Clancy: The Bear and the Dragon

(Penguin $54.95)

Review: Gilbert Wong

ack Ryan is back, though a little late for Father's Day.

It isn't easy being president of the world's last superpower, but somebody's got to do it.

Someone's lobbing rocket-propelled grenades at ex-KGB guys. Could it be the Mafia or is the mention of Dragon in the title a clue?

And is it only coincidence that another book arrives the same day by another author, a China expert whose previous titles include The Dragon and the Bear?

Clancy's image on the back cover gives off the genuine secret squirrel vibe, eyes hidden behind marine aviator Raybans, USS Iowa baseball cap, flight jockey jacket and khakis.

Don't mess with this guy, hoo boy ...