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The Job: True Tales from the Life of a New York City Cop
"How ya doin?"
With these four syllables, delivered in an unmistakably authentic New York accent, Steve Osborne has riveted thousands of people through the legendary storytelling outfit The Moth (and over a million times on their website) with his hilarious, profane, and touching tales from his twenty years served as an NYPD street cop. Steve Osborne is the real deal, people, the tough streetwise New York cop of your dreams, one with a big big heart. Kojak? NYPD Blue? Law & Order? Fuggedaboutem! The Job blows them out of the water with this unputdownable book.
Steve Osborne has seen a thing or two in his twenty years in the NYPD—some harmless things, some definitely not. In "Stakeout," Steve and his partner mistake a Manhattan dentist for an armed robbery suspect and reduce the man down to a puddle of snot and tears when questioning him. In "Mug Shot," the mother of a suspected criminal makes a strange request and provides a sobering reminder of the humanity at stake in his profession. And in "Home," the image of his family provides the adrenaline he needs to fight for his life when assaulted by two armed and violent crackheads. From his days as a rookie cop to the time spent patrolling in the Anti-Crime Unit—and his visceral, harrowing recollections of working during 9/11—Steve Osborne's stories capture both the absurdity of police work and the bravery of those who do it. His stories will speak to those nostalgic for the New York City of the 1980s and '90s, a bygone era of when the city was a crazier, more dangerous (and possibly more interesting) place.
Includes two live stories from The Moth—Hot Dogs and Dentist
Stories from The Moth courtesy of The Moth.
With these four syllables, delivered in an unmistakably authentic New York accent, Steve Osborne has riveted thousands of people through the legendary storytelling outfit The Moth (and over a million times on their website) with his hilarious, profane, and touching tales from his twenty years served as an NYPD street cop. Steve Osborne is the real deal, people, the tough streetwise New York cop of your dreams, one with a big big heart. Kojak? NYPD Blue? Law & Order? Fuggedaboutem! The Job blows them out of the water with this unputdownable book.
Steve Osborne has seen a thing or two in his twenty years in the NYPD—some harmless things, some definitely not. In "Stakeout," Steve and his partner mistake a Manhattan dentist for an armed robbery suspect and reduce the man down to a puddle of snot and tears when questioning him. In "Mug Shot," the mother of a suspected criminal makes a strange request and provides a sobering reminder of the humanity at stake in his profession. And in "Home," the image of his family provides the adrenaline he needs to fight for his life when assaulted by two armed and violent crackheads. From his days as a rookie cop to the time spent patrolling in the Anti-Crime Unit—and his visceral, harrowing recollections of working during 9/11—Steve Osborne's stories capture both the absurdity of police work and the bravery of those who do it. His stories will speak to those nostalgic for the New York City of the 1980s and '90s, a bygone era of when the city was a crazier, more dangerous (and possibly more interesting) place.
Includes two live stories from The Moth—Hot Dogs and Dentist
Stories from The Moth courtesy of The Moth.
10 pages, Audio CD
First published April 21, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
April 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I was a cop for thirty-one years so I might be coming at this book differently than most readers, though this book has been well received and deservedly so. The book is comprised of vignettes, short stories of events that occurred in the author's career as a cop in New York. The voice is smooth and natural and most of all believable. What makes this book stand out among the many others on this topic is the sincerity, the honest and unflinching. I highly recommend this book.
David Putnam author of The Bruno Johnson series.
David Putnam author of The Bruno Johnson series.
November 17, 2015
Actual rating: 2.5 stars.
I read an enthusiastic review of this book in the New Yorker and decided to buy a copy. Note to self: be more skeptical of New Yorker reviews.
This is a collection of cop stories, told by a cop. I gather that many were originally oral presentations, and perhaps they worked better that way. In print, the stories are repetitive, long-winded, and shallow. A few of them conveyed some of what it is to be a big city cop; most, though, were more about protecting said cop's ego.
Steve Osborne's stories don't come close to telling us what it is like to be a cop. He doesn't address even a single one of the many acknowledged issues we're all aware of: bad cops, corruption, racism, quotas, falsification of evidence, brutality. In his stories, the cops are all good guys and everyone else -- especially minorities -- is a perp. Anyone who hates cops is a "liberal."
Apart from admitting that he loved his wife's little dog and that being a cop put a strain on his marriage, Osborne is remarkably unreflective. There are no lessons here, and not much honesty.
I was disappointed.
I read an enthusiastic review of this book in the New Yorker and decided to buy a copy. Note to self: be more skeptical of New Yorker reviews.
This is a collection of cop stories, told by a cop. I gather that many were originally oral presentations, and perhaps they worked better that way. In print, the stories are repetitive, long-winded, and shallow. A few of them conveyed some of what it is to be a big city cop; most, though, were more about protecting said cop's ego.
Steve Osborne's stories don't come close to telling us what it is like to be a cop. He doesn't address even a single one of the many acknowledged issues we're all aware of: bad cops, corruption, racism, quotas, falsification of evidence, brutality. In his stories, the cops are all good guys and everyone else -- especially minorities -- is a perp. Anyone who hates cops is a "liberal."
Apart from admitting that he loved his wife's little dog and that being a cop put a strain on his marriage, Osborne is remarkably unreflective. There are no lessons here, and not much honesty.
I was disappointed.
November 9, 2015
Gritty, often darkly humorous stories from a New York City cop. I briefly dated one of New York's finest and I can attest that Osborne fits the mold. These guys are tough. They do an incredibly dangerous, difficult and essential job. And most of them do it well.
I recently read Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, a superb and moving story about death row inmates and America's incarceration epidemic. I agree with Bryan Stevenson that we jail too many people, that incarceration has become the go-to substitute for mental health facilities and drug treatment programs. And there is no doubt in my mind that the harshest penalties are meted out on people of color--too often unfairly. But I was born and raised in New York City. I spent most of my life there and lived through the crime waves of the 70s and 80s. So I know that there is another side to the story. Guys like Steve Osborne were on the front lines of a war zone.
There will always be cops who turn bad, who snap, or make the wrong decision in a crisis. Nowadays we civilians get to watch them on video. But before you judge too harshly consider reading this book. It short, the stories are dramatic, moving and often quite funny. There are no policy prescriptions here, but you'll get a real sense what life is like for city police and how hard it is for cops to do their jobs and yet stay human, faced day after day with the ugliest side life--and death.
Content warning: R for graphic violence, scenes of death, extreme language.
I recently read Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, a superb and moving story about death row inmates and America's incarceration epidemic. I agree with Bryan Stevenson that we jail too many people, that incarceration has become the go-to substitute for mental health facilities and drug treatment programs. And there is no doubt in my mind that the harshest penalties are meted out on people of color--too often unfairly. But I was born and raised in New York City. I spent most of my life there and lived through the crime waves of the 70s and 80s. So I know that there is another side to the story. Guys like Steve Osborne were on the front lines of a war zone.
There will always be cops who turn bad, who snap, or make the wrong decision in a crisis. Nowadays we civilians get to watch them on video. But before you judge too harshly consider reading this book. It short, the stories are dramatic, moving and often quite funny. There are no policy prescriptions here, but you'll get a real sense what life is like for city police and how hard it is for cops to do their jobs and yet stay human, faced day after day with the ugliest side life--and death.
Content warning: R for graphic violence, scenes of death, extreme language.
March 11, 2015
When I first heard we'd be publishing this book, I had no idea it would be so timely. With NYC cops in the news so frequently now, Steve Osborne is the perfect voice to welcome us, hilariously, heartily, and sometimes harshly into the reality of the street beat. His life is not one of mayoral disputes, union negotiations, or media controversies; it's a life of stories, simple stories of humans he must hear and help. Now retired, Osborne works wonders retelling those stories he lived, and in doing so does his duty as a writer as well as he did as a cop. - JG, marketer
November 8, 2019
Anyone who is a cop, married to a cop or has a family memeber whose a police officer should read this book! I am married to a cop so this book interested me. Osborne does a great job detailing his time spent with the NYPD. His stories made me laugh and cry. He does such a good job describing his experiences especially 9/11-get the tissues! My police officer of 33 yrs husband now Police Chief of a very busy urban town in NJ is not a big reader at all. I told him this one is a must read! I look forward to more of Osborne's storys.
May 5, 2015
This guy really wants us to know a few things:
- he's not a "librul"
- he's not a sensitive kind of of guy (but he really is)
- cops are all really good guys
- he gets a tingling in his "ball bag" whenever he's onto a good case
- he loves the term "ball bag"
The repetitiveness and simplicity (of his writing) were tiring, but as a spoken storyteller he's much more compelling. I powered through the book but it's pretty sub-par. Skip the book and listen to him speak instead.
- he's not a "librul"
- he's not a sensitive kind of of guy (but he really is)
- cops are all really good guys
- he gets a tingling in his "ball bag" whenever he's onto a good case
- he loves the term "ball bag"
The repetitiveness and simplicity (of his writing) were tiring, but as a spoken storyteller he's much more compelling. I powered through the book but it's pretty sub-par. Skip the book and listen to him speak instead.
August 6, 2015
Ugh, this book. If homophobia, racism, classism and a healthy dose of sexism don't bother you; you may enjoy this insight-less memoir of a NYC cop. If they do bother you, the author will chalk it up to your being a "liberal".
May 25, 2015
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. I think it enhanced the book because I could hear the stories read in the author's own thick New York accent. Once you hear him talk there is no mistaking that he was a NYC cop! The stories were good - reminiscent of NYPD Blue - and brutally honest. The stories in this book are not described through rose colored glasses. I haven't head the F-bomb dropped so many times in one book! But I expected as much.
Some stories were more interesting that others, but they all held my attention and even had me held in slight suspense a few times. Surprisingly, the most powerful stories were not the ones about police work, but the personal stories the author shared about his dad's death and his dog, and being a cop during 9/11. I was seriously crying during the dad and dog stories. But it's not all emotional, I chuckled several times throughout the book, too.
The main reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 is the editing. I realize that the author is not a writer, but a retired cop just telling about his life. However the editing could have been a LOT better. He switches from past to present tense during his stories and it was very noticeable. I also think some of the descriptions could have been toned down. For example he describes his cop intuition as a tingling in his "ball sac" and then repeats that phrase many times. I seriously would have been fine had he just alluded to it instead. I'm no prude, but it was a bit much. I mentioned the cussing, which was excessive. Cussing doesn't bother me at all, but he cussed a LOT. It was almost overused to the point where it was distracting.
Would i recommend you read this book? Yes, as long as you aren't expecting a literary masterpiece I think most people will find it an interesting read. With all the drama and protests surrounding police in the news lately it's interesting hearing stories from a police perspective. I think a lot of people don't realize how hated cops are in some areas. Will this book magically change the views people have? Probably not, but it will at least spark some thoughts, or at the very least entertain you for a little while.
Spoiler below:
The story about his dog is about the dog being killed in a car accident. It is extremely difficult to read without crying. But the story showed a softer, more emotional side to the author and was very touching. Just warning any animal lovers out there!
Some stories were more interesting that others, but they all held my attention and even had me held in slight suspense a few times. Surprisingly, the most powerful stories were not the ones about police work, but the personal stories the author shared about his dad's death and his dog, and being a cop during 9/11. I was seriously crying during the dad and dog stories. But it's not all emotional, I chuckled several times throughout the book, too.
The main reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 is the editing. I realize that the author is not a writer, but a retired cop just telling about his life. However the editing could have been a LOT better. He switches from past to present tense during his stories and it was very noticeable. I also think some of the descriptions could have been toned down. For example he describes his cop intuition as a tingling in his "ball sac" and then repeats that phrase many times. I seriously would have been fine had he just alluded to it instead. I'm no prude, but it was a bit much. I mentioned the cussing, which was excessive. Cussing doesn't bother me at all, but he cussed a LOT. It was almost overused to the point where it was distracting.
Would i recommend you read this book? Yes, as long as you aren't expecting a literary masterpiece I think most people will find it an interesting read. With all the drama and protests surrounding police in the news lately it's interesting hearing stories from a police perspective. I think a lot of people don't realize how hated cops are in some areas. Will this book magically change the views people have? Probably not, but it will at least spark some thoughts, or at the very least entertain you for a little while.
Spoiler below:
The story about his dog is about the dog being killed in a car accident. It is extremely difficult to read without crying. But the story showed a softer, more emotional side to the author and was very touching. Just warning any animal lovers out there!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2015
I enjoyed these essays written by a retired NYC policeman. They felt true and they made me want to know the author better. I'd never really though about a cop loving his job, that he might become an adrenaline junkie. The only cops I've met are fictional.....I felt like I met Steve Osborne.
December 7, 2018
NYC couldn't be more different than my hometown of 1,000 people in Minnesota. In my town most days, the cops most important job is probably catching a stray dog. The author tells some pretty interesting stories and he writes like a guy you are just kicking back and having a beer with and listening to his stories. If anyone thinks they want to be a cop from watching shows on TV, this book will set them straight, as he tells us quite a few times that real life is not like the shows on TV.
July 15, 2022
What a wild slice of life this book portrays! I was surprised to see it was published so recently because it read like one of the cop shows I watched with my grandmother in the 80's. Not for the sensitive...the language is coarse and unforgiving. The author admits he's been hardened by all he's seen over his twenty years as a police officer and that's apparent in the stories he tells. But still there's a strong sense of humanity and sense of humor as he relates his experiences.
June 17, 2015
I love the Moth podcast and police stories, so a book of stories from a veteran NYC cop who’s appeared on the Moth seems like a sandwich made of peanut butter and even more peanut butter: right up my alley. (Jelly, you have always been a waste of time, and one day, a hard rain’s gonna fall, and not the kind that’s an oddly late-in-the-game vehicle for Christian Slater.)
There’s definitely a difference between telling a story and writing one, though, and the Moth format (usually combining several different stories by different people) also allows for a diversity of voices and subjects that isn’t present in this book. Osborne doesn’t claim to be a well-established writer (in fact, he even repeats that claim several times, as if to show that he’s also new to the world of editing), and there are more sentences ending in exclamation marks than you’d expect in a non-self-published book. That doesn’t mean that these stories aren’t entertaining, because they have their moments, just that they may be better suited to the stage than the page. (With rhymes like that, I’m clearly better suited to never being allowed to express an opinion in any medium.)
The biggest issue here is the cultural shift that’s occurred from Osborne’s time on the force during the crime-heavy, New Crack-era, Wild West NYC of the 1980s and early 1990s and today, particularly in light of the police stories that have dominated the media for the past year. Like every police officer in a 1980s movie, Osborne wanted to be out where the action was, not stuck behind a desk, and it’s hard to read about an officer calling himself a “cowboy” or joking about how he should have shot two robbers he was locked in a life-or-death struggle with. Those ideas would have played perfectly in Death Wish or Cobra, where someone like Sly could shoot up an entire grocery store and make it all okay by quipping, “I don’t shop here,” but today, this just seems a bit outdated and insensitive.
Osborne’s occasional jokes about his disagreements with “liberals��� (a term and comedic vein that also feels at least three decades out of place) suggest he’s more than prepared for this sort of namby-pamby second-guessing of his stories, but I think he’s missing the point that there’s a difference between portraying yourself as a cowboy and being a jerk. A story about struggling with two suspects with a gun who are trying to kill you? I’m in. Needless asides in that story about how the world didn’t need those people in it, or seemingly blaming a victim for speaking up for her sister against an abusive husband? I’ve got to be at least somewhat morally conflicted there, which is a shame, because that’s an otherwise compelling story. Those detractions aren’t too frequent or prevalent, but they’re there just often enough to make me uncomfortable.
There’s definitely a difference between telling a story and writing one, though, and the Moth format (usually combining several different stories by different people) also allows for a diversity of voices and subjects that isn’t present in this book. Osborne doesn’t claim to be a well-established writer (in fact, he even repeats that claim several times, as if to show that he’s also new to the world of editing), and there are more sentences ending in exclamation marks than you’d expect in a non-self-published book. That doesn’t mean that these stories aren’t entertaining, because they have their moments, just that they may be better suited to the stage than the page. (With rhymes like that, I’m clearly better suited to never being allowed to express an opinion in any medium.)
The biggest issue here is the cultural shift that’s occurred from Osborne’s time on the force during the crime-heavy, New Crack-era, Wild West NYC of the 1980s and early 1990s and today, particularly in light of the police stories that have dominated the media for the past year. Like every police officer in a 1980s movie, Osborne wanted to be out where the action was, not stuck behind a desk, and it’s hard to read about an officer calling himself a “cowboy” or joking about how he should have shot two robbers he was locked in a life-or-death struggle with. Those ideas would have played perfectly in Death Wish or Cobra, where someone like Sly could shoot up an entire grocery store and make it all okay by quipping, “I don’t shop here,” but today, this just seems a bit outdated and insensitive.
Osborne’s occasional jokes about his disagreements with “liberals��� (a term and comedic vein that also feels at least three decades out of place) suggest he’s more than prepared for this sort of namby-pamby second-guessing of his stories, but I think he’s missing the point that there’s a difference between portraying yourself as a cowboy and being a jerk. A story about struggling with two suspects with a gun who are trying to kill you? I’m in. Needless asides in that story about how the world didn’t need those people in it, or seemingly blaming a victim for speaking up for her sister against an abusive husband? I’ve got to be at least somewhat morally conflicted there, which is a shame, because that’s an otherwise compelling story. Those detractions aren’t too frequent or prevalent, but they’re there just often enough to make me uncomfortable.
March 3, 2016
I appreciate police officers who defend citizens more than I could ever explain. Accordingly I loved some of his stories and think I got a better understanding of how much it takes to be a cop especially in the NYPD. I also couldn't help but cry during his 9/11 recap chapter. I was however disturbed by how often he spoke about checking out women on the job. Even when he was answering a rape call he talked about how hot the other woman with the victim was and that she might also be a pole dancer. Kind of made me nauseated. Especially while simultaneously mentioning his wife throughout. He also talked about going looking for people to arrest. I'm not sure what the goal of a police department is but I guess I never thought of the police as actively hoping someone is doing something wrong. It felt gross whenever he said it. Overall I appreciate the insanely difficult work he did and I'm glad I got to read about it but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't like me or my political views too much. Such is life.
August 28, 2015
Perhaps many cops, mainly those in large cities, have stories to tell about experiences such as these. The good, the bad and the ugly. But they are not conveyed to a broad audience. No (maybe few) recorders exist in local bars where cops may gather. With this book, though, we have a cop who is articulate enough to not just tell, but write. And emotionally moving and gripping his stories are. Certainly not like what's depicted on TV cop shows or in the movies. I'm struck by the many times he was required to make split-second decisions; wrong decision confronting a "perp" with a gun and you're dead (or fired, demoted or castigated in the media). Although he's most often hard-nosed, at other times he's compassionate, like the time he violates department rules and turns over dead druggie mug shot to his grieving mother. She has no recent photos of him, yet even with numbers across his chest it will likely be displayed on her dresser between Jesus and Mary.
February 16, 2016
This is another memoir in which I liked the stories, I just didn't really care for the guy telling them.
As one might expect from a NYC cop, there is a lot of tough-guy posturing here, and it all gets tiresome after awhile. Osborne is constantly throwing in little jabs at liberals (or who he perceives as liberal) that consistently fall flat. People who do stupid shit like vandalizing police cars are "liberals?" Please. I'd imagine they are just apolitical hooligans, like most of the other violent criminals in this book. When Osborne cuts the bravado and just tells a story, or even just lets a little humanity shine in (his grief over a fatally wounded puppy is heartrending), this becomes a much better book.
As one might expect from a NYC cop, there is a lot of tough-guy posturing here, and it all gets tiresome after awhile. Osborne is constantly throwing in little jabs at liberals (or who he perceives as liberal) that consistently fall flat. People who do stupid shit like vandalizing police cars are "liberals?" Please. I'd imagine they are just apolitical hooligans, like most of the other violent criminals in this book. When Osborne cuts the bravado and just tells a story, or even just lets a little humanity shine in (his grief over a fatally wounded puppy is heartrending), this becomes a much better book.
January 21, 2017
Repetitive remarks, vulgar language, poor writing. Skip this one!
February 28, 2024
Once after a long day of working his gritty job in New York City law enforcement (there were many long days), Lieutenant Steve Osborne came home to find his wife waiting at the door with a look that said, they needed to talk.
He immediately worried they were headed for a fight or worst case, talk of divorce. However, turns out his true love had another d-word in mind.
“Want a dog and I want one now!” she said.
Thus the couple adopt their beloved 5-pounder they named Griffin. It’s a sweet story in a book of hard ones, a respite amid a life often given to stress.
Osborne worked in the mostly pre-millennial years when New York City was truly the Big Rotten Apple. Having lived in New Jersey then, I remember visiting the City during that time to step off the train and finding the city smelled like a giant garbage can. The doings on the street weren’t much better.
THE JOB chronicles the crimes and tribulations one might find while wearing the badge in those days. Street fights and death notifications. And though the Job may toughen a person, there are moments that make it worthwhile.
One of those moments comes near the end of Osborne’s career. On a day his unit was set to close a major case, a larger issue arose: Two airplanes had flown into the World Trade Center.
Suddenly, Osborne found himself doing recovery in the weeks following the attack. For relief, McDonald’s was providing free burgers and fries to responders. Inside a bag given to Osborne, he found a homemade card, clearly in a child’s hand, written, “Thank you. You’re my hero.”
Amid the chaos of that scene, Osborne reflects that even then the world can offer sweetness.
“A happy meal, and a homemade card from some five-year-old kid that I’d never met, broke through and made me feel like a human being again.”
He immediately worried they were headed for a fight or worst case, talk of divorce. However, turns out his true love had another d-word in mind.
“Want a dog and I want one now!” she said.
Thus the couple adopt their beloved 5-pounder they named Griffin. It’s a sweet story in a book of hard ones, a respite amid a life often given to stress.
Osborne worked in the mostly pre-millennial years when New York City was truly the Big Rotten Apple. Having lived in New Jersey then, I remember visiting the City during that time to step off the train and finding the city smelled like a giant garbage can. The doings on the street weren’t much better.
THE JOB chronicles the crimes and tribulations one might find while wearing the badge in those days. Street fights and death notifications. And though the Job may toughen a person, there are moments that make it worthwhile.
One of those moments comes near the end of Osborne’s career. On a day his unit was set to close a major case, a larger issue arose: Two airplanes had flown into the World Trade Center.
Suddenly, Osborne found himself doing recovery in the weeks following the attack. For relief, McDonald’s was providing free burgers and fries to responders. Inside a bag given to Osborne, he found a homemade card, clearly in a child’s hand, written, “Thank you. You’re my hero.”
Amid the chaos of that scene, Osborne reflects that even then the world can offer sweetness.
“A happy meal, and a homemade card from some five-year-old kid that I’d never met, broke through and made me feel like a human being again.”
August 1, 2017
This book felt like standing in line in some small pizza shop and overhearing one of its regulars, the one who is slightly too old to be doing their bit on the ladies so they do their bit on the guy who ladles the sauce. And you know you don't want to hear what he is saying because he gave you that great, heartwarming "how-you-doin!" and you don't want to spoil the good feeling by hating him. But he talks so loudly. And he talks so much. And he talks with so much confidence that he discovered the answer to this or that major political or philosophical question through a story he has to tell that involves him telling someone something. Ugh. You just want your stupid pizza already and you're avoiding eye contact because you know you will overhear him checking out another woman, and there it is, that cringe worthy gorging himself with the sight. Ugh, why don't these people have any self awareness whatsoever? To think that the know-it-alls and busy-bodies and goodly-eyes and bust-em-uppers are our police. Oh, mercy! The appetite is gone!
December 6, 2017
I read the audio book which was read by the author so that adds a little something extra. He says in the intro that he is a cop, not a writer, and that shows, more in some places than others, but the stories are interesting. I bet this guy is never at a loss at a party for a good story to share. Some of the stories are more entertaining than others, some are touching, and it's a bit repetitive in some places but overall it was a decent read. Kind of made me miss living in New York.
September 6, 2021
This collection of true stories from the author's job as a New York City police officer was so fascinating. The stories are both funny and touching, and since they were originally written to be performed live by the author, the audiobook is definitely the best way to consume them. This book appealed to the same part of my personality that loves Law and Order: SVU.
December 9, 2016
Definitely some good stuff here and I particularly liked the personal stories like about his Dad dying, 9/11, and adopting a tiny little dog, but with the state of law enforcement as it is today, with videotapes of black men getting gunned down left and right on video with very infrequent consequences for the officers involved it's hard for me to enjoy his unapologetically hard-ass attitude towards crime, and the language he uses towards the perps. I believe Osborne was probably a great cop who was really dedicated to the well being of the city he worked in, and I totally respect him having policed New York during the crack epidemic, but given today's political climate it's pretty impossible for me to get into a (nonfiction) pro cop narrative.
May 18, 2015
This is one of those books like Bossypants or Yes, Please, that you need to listen to the author rather than read it for yourself. Osborne's classic NYPD accent adds so much to the telling. In fact, most of the book grew out of Osborne's storytelling on The Moth.
http://themoth.org/posts/storytellers...
Rather than read the book, go to The Moth and have a listen if you can't download on Audible for find the CD at your library.
I love this guy. I wish he were my neighbor so that we could go to the corner bar or sit on my porch with a brewski and listen to his stories.
http://themoth.org/posts/storytellers...
Rather than read the book, go to The Moth and have a listen if you can't download on Audible for find the CD at your library.
I love this guy. I wish he were my neighbor so that we could go to the corner bar or sit on my porch with a brewski and listen to his stories.
July 27, 2015
This is awful. I can't believe one man can spend this much time talking about his own balls. This guy is the poster child for our problems with policing today. He thinks "perps" have magic powers that protect them from physical violence, including cops hitting them intentionally with cars. He "drags" a rape victim back to the scene of the rape to catch the rapist. He tells his readers that the victim of a brutal and horrific stabbing will think twice before she opens her mouth again to get involved in her sister and brother-in-law's arguments. What fucking planet am I on?
June 10, 2016
A Staten Island mamaluke cop writes about "the job" in a way that I find both familiar, engaging and off-putting. Many of the stories here are compelling enough but his incessant comments about "liberals" and "whores" are grating (to say nothing about his homophobia and glorification of "manly violence"). Some reviews have mentioned how similar these stories are but I'll cut him some slack there. There's an authenticity in its repetitiveness--can you imagine how many times the cops at the bar he describes repeat the same story?
August 2, 2016
I felt bad for not liking this book when it was so sincere. I'm sure the author was a good cop, but the writing is really amateurish. Perhaps, if you had never seen "Cops" on television or "Law and Order" or any one of the thousands of cop dramas. . . .or read Joseph Wambaugh....never mind. There's just not an original thought or idea expressed here. And it's all delivered with a flurry of " you're not going to believe what happened next" when it's all pretty predictable.
May 24, 2017
Not a very good book. The events were kind of interesting just very ehh.
April 7, 2015
What a great read. I'm not much of a non fiction reader but this is a winner. Each chapter is a complete story and even though some of the chapters are sad subjects he interjects humor into all the situations. I enjoyed his writing style and would like to see additional books. Well done Mr. Osborn
July 6, 2015
Heard a good review so listened to this book. Osborne somehow made it on the Moth radio hour. Not sure why. he tries to humanize police work but to be amusing but his rants against "liberals" and constant references to his "nutsack" just made him seem ignorant and not particularly likable. Lots of swagger but not a lot of substance
December 10, 2014
I would like to give this one 3.5 stars. I love the idea of this book, and some of the stories are good. But there is a lot of repetitiveness here, and you get tired of seeing some of the same phrases over and over. A decent read, but not my favorite.
June 13, 2015
taking off a star for the dog dying (so unnecessary to include) and for the constant reference to liberals, which seems to be code for Satan worshipers. I'm a liberal who likes cops just fine thank you.
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