Review of Twisted But True
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Review of Twisted But True
[Following is a volunteer review of "Twisted But True" by Darren Burch.]
Have you ever wondered whether everything you see depicted in movies and TV shows about police work is real? The variegated crimes, high-speed car chases, shoot-outs, and tedious interview sessions. Well, they are true, and even more. Do you know that maintaining law and order goes beyond a show of force by the police? That there is a humane and compassionate side to it? Then you are in for a thrill with this book.
Twisted but True tales by Darren Burch narrates snippets from his activities as a police officer; a career spanning 28 years. Each chapter has a catchy title that serves to whet the mind for the episode about to be recounted. The "twist" which closes each chapter gives a positive, humourous, and/or earthly outlook on the event recapitulated. Burch's motive for joining the police stemmed from his desire to save lives and make a difference. He calls it "a sense of community". This, he also tried to impart to his loved ones.
Burch's delivery is laced with light-hearted humor and some self-depreciation. His style is easy-going so comprehension was not difficult, and it was quite an enjoyable read. Burch spares us the boredom of the intricacies involved in the job. He spices up his tales, giving a certain finesse by including anecdotes from his family life. I loved the way he displayed compassion and understanding of the workings of the mind when handling issues. I am glad that he was a recipient of such compassion and additional appreciation at a time he needed it. Burch's service to the community goes beyond maintaining law and order, it extends to putting smiles on faces.
I do like the inclusion of photographs. This gives a touch of reality to the surreal atmosphere created. I got to catch a glimpse of the "small-sized" Burch, who as far as I was concerned, performed feats that belied his physical stature. It is not news that police officers go through trauma and stress in the course of carrying out their duties. Burch and some of his fellow officers found succor from the stress by playing practical jokes and pranks on each other, and the rest of the team. Though unconventional, it seemed to work just fine for them at a time when little was known about PTSD.
Part of what made policing worthwhile is having dependable and smart partners, who would always watch your back. Burch had them in the persons of Bill, Jerri, and Ong. These partnerships evolved into lifelong friendships. Burch made inferences about the importance of mentorship in the robust career development of rookie cops. This mentorship he infers is not a formal relationship, but rather guidance, a helping hand, kind words, and gestures from more experienced officers; it goes a long way to boost the confidence and ease acclimatization of the rookies. Burch's commitment to his chosen line of work is evident despite personal tragedies, unpleasant situations, and lack of appreciation in some instances.
This book appears to be professionally well-edited. I noticed very few errors hence my reading experience was enjoyable. The graphic content was clothed with light-hearted humor thereby reducing whatever distaste I may have felt. I cannot categorically pick on anything that ruined my pleasure in reading this book. I hereby rate Twisted but True 5 out of 5 stars.
I would have loved to recommend this book to all, but given the profanities and graphics content, I recommend it to adults.
******
Twisted But True
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Have you ever wondered whether everything you see depicted in movies and TV shows about police work is real? The variegated crimes, high-speed car chases, shoot-outs, and tedious interview sessions. Well, they are true, and even more. Do you know that maintaining law and order goes beyond a show of force by the police? That there is a humane and compassionate side to it? Then you are in for a thrill with this book.
Twisted but True tales by Darren Burch narrates snippets from his activities as a police officer; a career spanning 28 years. Each chapter has a catchy title that serves to whet the mind for the episode about to be recounted. The "twist" which closes each chapter gives a positive, humourous, and/or earthly outlook on the event recapitulated. Burch's motive for joining the police stemmed from his desire to save lives and make a difference. He calls it "a sense of community". This, he also tried to impart to his loved ones.
Burch's delivery is laced with light-hearted humor and some self-depreciation. His style is easy-going so comprehension was not difficult, and it was quite an enjoyable read. Burch spares us the boredom of the intricacies involved in the job. He spices up his tales, giving a certain finesse by including anecdotes from his family life. I loved the way he displayed compassion and understanding of the workings of the mind when handling issues. I am glad that he was a recipient of such compassion and additional appreciation at a time he needed it. Burch's service to the community goes beyond maintaining law and order, it extends to putting smiles on faces.
I do like the inclusion of photographs. This gives a touch of reality to the surreal atmosphere created. I got to catch a glimpse of the "small-sized" Burch, who as far as I was concerned, performed feats that belied his physical stature. It is not news that police officers go through trauma and stress in the course of carrying out their duties. Burch and some of his fellow officers found succor from the stress by playing practical jokes and pranks on each other, and the rest of the team. Though unconventional, it seemed to work just fine for them at a time when little was known about PTSD.
Part of what made policing worthwhile is having dependable and smart partners, who would always watch your back. Burch had them in the persons of Bill, Jerri, and Ong. These partnerships evolved into lifelong friendships. Burch made inferences about the importance of mentorship in the robust career development of rookie cops. This mentorship he infers is not a formal relationship, but rather guidance, a helping hand, kind words, and gestures from more experienced officers; it goes a long way to boost the confidence and ease acclimatization of the rookies. Burch's commitment to his chosen line of work is evident despite personal tragedies, unpleasant situations, and lack of appreciation in some instances.
This book appears to be professionally well-edited. I noticed very few errors hence my reading experience was enjoyable. The graphic content was clothed with light-hearted humor thereby reducing whatever distaste I may have felt. I cannot categorically pick on anything that ruined my pleasure in reading this book. I hereby rate Twisted but True 5 out of 5 stars.
I would have loved to recommend this book to all, but given the profanities and graphics content, I recommend it to adults.
******
Twisted But True
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Not Dead Yet by Mark Fletcher
