True Blue: Police Stories by Those Who Have Lived Them 
asked by kmf on November 19, 2006 10:31 AM
After September 11, 2001 Las Vegas Police Sergeant Randy Sutton began soliciting writing from law enforcement officers-his goal being to bridge the gap between the police and those they serve, with a book that offers a broad and thoughtful look at the many facets of police life. Hundreds of active and former officers responded from all over the United States: men and women from big cities and small towns, some who had written professionally, but most for the first time. Sutton culled the selections into five categories: The Beat, Line of Duty, War Stories, Officer Down, and Ground Zero. The result is True Blue, a collection of funny, charming, exciting, haunting stories about murder investigations, missing children, bungling burglars, car chases, lonely and desperate shut-ins, routine traffic stops, officers killed in the line of duty, and the life-changing events of September 11. Here, officers reveal their emotions-fear and pride, joy and disgust, shame and love-as they recount the defining moments of their careers. In these stories, the heart and soul behind the badge shines through in unexpected ways. True Blue will change the way we think about the deeply human realm of police service.
Reviews
After reading each of the stories in this great collection of true police stories I was anxious to see what the next offered. The book is very difficult to put down.
I thought the officers told their stories very honestly and openly. Excellent read!
I thought the officers told their stories very honestly and openly. Excellent read!
reviewed by john316 on November 22, 2006 3:52 PM
The author reveals in the begining of the book why he wrote it, to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the general public after 9/11. He lives up to this statement. After reading True Blue I have even more respect and admiration for what law enforcement officers must face each day on the job. The most important discovery upon reading this book is you will see police officers are "humanbeings" with feelings. Some of the stories made me laugh while others made me cry. I look forward to the publishing of "A Cops Life" in August of 06. Everyone should read this book!
reviewed by astrofizzy on November 29, 2006 5:46 PM
Like many story collections, this one is truly a mixed bag. Among the highlights are some delightfully funny annecdotes of crimes gone wrong and some heartwarming stories of police at their very best. However, there are also stories that are criminally mundane, and others so syrupy sweet they border on offensive. The extensive section of 9/11 stories is overkill. There is little there that hasn't already been said many times over, with the common theme being that we owe a debt of gratitude to those gave the ultimate service to their country that day. A noble point, but one that has been made repeatedly. Sutton offers nothing new about 9/11, its heroes or its victims.
reviewed by bestseller on November 29, 2006 6:42 PM
Ever wonder what a police officer is thinking in any given situation? Randy Sutton compiles a wide array of varying views from police officers around the U.S.
In their words, they describe situations that are funny, harrowing, heart wrenching, loving and more. You won't want to put the book down, but will need to in order to open a new tissue box.
Bravo to Randy Sutton for a wonderful collaberation of gifted story tellers and writers. Proceeds benefit families of 9/11 victims.
In their words, they describe situations that are funny, harrowing, heart wrenching, loving and more. You won't want to put the book down, but will need to in order to open a new tissue box.
Bravo to Randy Sutton for a wonderful collaberation of gifted story tellers and writers. Proceeds benefit families of 9/11 victims.
reviewed by runaway on November 29, 2006 7:15 PM
This could be the best book I have ever read. Ok, I don't read much for enjoyment, I read mostly for knowledge, but I really enjoyed this book. While reading this book I experienced and (almost) expressed every emotion. I laughed, I cried (on the inside), and I got angry. If you want to know what it's like to be a police officer, I mean the real nitty gritty, or if you already know what it's like and want some stories to share at "choir practice," you should read this book.
reviewed by jbritt on November 29, 2006 7:16 PM
