Chopper

I have bought all of Choppers books after first seeing the movie about his life. Once I bought this book, his first book, I couldn't get enough of this mad mans writing and books.

A little after high school a close friend of mine had introduced me to a film called "Chopper" starring Eric Bana. This was my first experience with good ol' Chop Chop, and Eric Bana as well.

I was completely intrigued and hysterical by Mark Brandon Read aka Chopper's funny yet crazy demeanor, and Eric's great acting chops. Little did I know Chopper had put out quite a few books, and even more since then. And Eric..well I'm sure everyone knows who he is at this point heh.

I picked up this book after getting slightly bored while reading Dante's Divine Comedy, not to say I didn't like it. Just wasn't in that kind of mood at the moment. Anyhow, this book is not for the faint of heart. Chopper talks about funny stories, crazy ones, murders, robberies and in pretty graphic detail. I had read on Amazon a few sample pages of the book and was completely over taken just as I was with the film, his humor mixed with sociopath-type tendencies and sadism were just enthralling. I could see some people getting turned off by this type of writing or humor, but this man really has a soft warm side littered through out his book as well. Albeit some of it is hidden behind Aussie slang you may have to Google ;).

One of my favorite stories talks of a hit put out on our friend Chopper. For the first and probably last time Chopper had been tripped up, and caught by a would be gangster looking for the bounty on Chop's head. Eventually Chopper get's thrown into said "gangster's" trunk and I believe he had said Dean Martin was blaring on the radio. Anyhow, eventually Chopper talks about how this was the only time he was scared enough to relieve himself on his person, and that he could never hear Deano sing again without thinking of this moment. He then goes into great detail about how he yuks it up with the gangster, who is trying to make him dig his own grave mind you...He then proceeds to fake not being able to dig very will with the restraints on and bare handed. Eventually Chopper has a small pick axe type tool and is now cuff-less, which was the gangster's very big mistake. Well with one blink of the eye or turn of the head by the gangster, Chopper proceeds to pay him back in spades. He also gets away with the gangster's car and lived to fight another day.

If my little snippet of information from this book doesn't sound like your cup of tea, it most likely isn't. Chopper proclaims to be semi-illiterate and doesn't have much of an education. But boy does he have personality, charm, and a violent streak that would make any fan of the movie, or even gangster films/books blush.

I whole heatedly recommend this book for those who don't mind a little violence with their humor, and can take some of it for what it's worth. Most likely a yarn.

Stories: A
Writing: A
Overall: A

I watched the film and wanted more of the story. Quite a compelling read. I highly recommend it. (Note: this is not a spoiler...RIP, Mark Brandon Read. He passed away nearly two years ago.)

Was interesting, and entertaining, truely a peak into insanity.

It was a good read. If you like down and dirty books you will like this one. Give it to a friend when you're done. I have all my friends reading the chopper books.

Just got this one today in the mail. The book is in new condition. Didn't know there are some pictures included in the book - nice bonus! Can't wait to read this one - the first book from Chopper Read - saw the movie Chopper and liked it, so I wanted to read to the book. Shipped from UK and got it surprisingly fast and the shipping was only a dollar more than from the States. Cheers, mates!

So many years back, I came across a movie called "Chopper". It's about a guy, in Austrailia, who goes around killing/beating up & shooting drug dealers because he believes that the police want him too. Messed up movie & more messed up book. Believe it or not Mark "Chopper" Read is a best selling author with a more than checkered past. Though this is the only book in the series that I've read, I can imagine that the others are entertaining too. The bopok basically gives you a glimps into his life, & whilke blended with humor it can be pretty graphic violent as well. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then give the book a shot you're sure to love it.

So many years back, I came across a movie called "Chopper". It's about a guy, in Austrailia, who goes around killing/beating up & shooting drug dealers because he believes that the police want him too. Messed up movie & more messed up book. Believe it or not Mark "Chopper" Read is a best selling author with a more than checkered past. Though this is the only book in the series that I've read, I can imagine that the others are entertaining too. The bopok basically gives you a glimps into his life, & whilke blended with humor it can be pretty graphic violent as well. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then give the book a shot you're sure to love it.