What do you think?
Rate this book
One Thing Led to Another: The Real Story
Meet Mark 'Chopper' Read. You think you know him. His books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies in Australia. He's been the subject of an internationally successful film. His one-man shows have toured Australia to sell-out crowds. He's the most recognisable criminal brand name in Australia. But the truth is, you don't know him at all. The real Chopper has been an enigma - until now, that is. This is the definitive Chopper story. From his strange, tortured childhood to the formative years as a young gang member and developing criminal, to his decades in and out of prison in Victoria and Tasmania, to his friends and enemies, and his crimes and punishments, this book gives us the true stories that lie behind the Chopper myths, as well as the stories he's never revealed before.
- GenresCrime
323 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Mark Brandon Read
40 books45 followersMark Brandon "Chopper" Read is an Australian ex-criminal who wrote a series of semi-autobiographical and fictional crime novels.
--from wikipedia
--from wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 28, 2011
After hundreds of books, a blockbuster film and numerous Australian tours, ‘Chopper Read’ has become a household name and the most recognisable criminal name in Australia. In this latest instalment of his colourful life, Mark gives us the Real Chopper, the Chopper he wants his children to be able to read about and know the truth about their father’s life in this, the definitive Chopper story.
From his tortured childhood, to his teenage years as a young gang member and developing criminal, to his many years in and out of prison in Victoria and Tasmania. From his friends and lovers, to his enemies in the Melbourne underworld through to his various crimes and association with other criminals, this is the book to tell the true stories that lie behind the Chopper myths. A compelling and comprehensive look into the life of one of the most notorious criminals in Australia and a must read for all true crime fans.
From his tortured childhood, to his teenage years as a young gang member and developing criminal, to his many years in and out of prison in Victoria and Tasmania. From his friends and lovers, to his enemies in the Melbourne underworld through to his various crimes and association with other criminals, this is the book to tell the true stories that lie behind the Chopper myths. A compelling and comprehensive look into the life of one of the most notorious criminals in Australia and a must read for all true crime fans.
November 30, 2017
It is said that 2 things influence who we are, our physical being & self and the environmnet that we find oursleves in. The author wrote more than ten books about his life and admitted on more than one occasion that some components of all were based in fact and some other pieces in his made up world. This was his final book and was entitled The Real Story.
Yet, what remainded truth or fiction ? Elements of this book are contradicted by his own words in the last interview he gave, noteably the incident with Sammi. So to an extent he remains, to borrow words of another man, "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma".
Whatever was the case, he had a less than stable upbringing, was in all probability mis-diagnosed & medicated from an early age and found & surrounded himself in the violence $ unlawful acts.
Given that we take his stated purpose of writing the book to provide the real story for his then still young sons so that they would know myth from fiction, I can only hope that it achieved it’s stated purpose. Hence the rating of 4 stars from 3.
If you know nothing of the man, a man whom loomed large and burnt bright for a while in the Australian underword and media, you may find this an interesting read. So to, if you have read any of his past crime based books. He does not seek fame or recognition, nor redemption or forgiveness and I find myslef granting these wishes. I hope his sons and family gained what he wanted them too.
Yet, what remainded truth or fiction ? Elements of this book are contradicted by his own words in the last interview he gave, noteably the incident with Sammi. So to an extent he remains, to borrow words of another man, "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma".
Whatever was the case, he had a less than stable upbringing, was in all probability mis-diagnosed & medicated from an early age and found & surrounded himself in the violence $ unlawful acts.
Given that we take his stated purpose of writing the book to provide the real story for his then still young sons so that they would know myth from fiction, I can only hope that it achieved it’s stated purpose. Hence the rating of 4 stars from 3.
If you know nothing of the man, a man whom loomed large and burnt bright for a while in the Australian underword and media, you may find this an interesting read. So to, if you have read any of his past crime based books. He does not seek fame or recognition, nor redemption or forgiveness and I find myslef granting these wishes. I hope his sons and family gained what he wanted them too.
July 11, 2021
What a fascinating man. I listened to this on Audible with my husband while travelling around Queensland and it was a shame that it wasn’t read by him, but the narrator (Dan Wyllie) did an amazing job.
Chopper speaks matter-of-factly about his life, his killings and the violence that always surrounded him. His unusual childhood, his misdiagnosed mental health issues and the company he kept all played a part in his criminal career. But above all this, his good versus evil morals shine through. He didn’t hurt the average person, he stole from drug dealers, criminals and other stains on society. He wasn’t scared to go against the grain if it meant he was standing up for what he thought was right. A very complex man who thought things were really quite simple.
He wrote this book for his sons, so they might know him and his motivations. I hope they got some insight to this now legendary Aussie.
Chopper speaks matter-of-factly about his life, his killings and the violence that always surrounded him. His unusual childhood, his misdiagnosed mental health issues and the company he kept all played a part in his criminal career. But above all this, his good versus evil morals shine through. He didn’t hurt the average person, he stole from drug dealers, criminals and other stains on society. He wasn’t scared to go against the grain if it meant he was standing up for what he thought was right. A very complex man who thought things were really quite simple.
He wrote this book for his sons, so they might know him and his motivations. I hope they got some insight to this now legendary Aussie.
November 27, 2024
If there is a more egotistical author, I haven't read them.
Mark "Chopper" Read was a criminal, and president of the Chopper Read fan club. His stories are entertaining. Whether they are true or not, is beside the point.
Mark "Chopper" Read was a criminal, and president of the Chopper Read fan club. His stories are entertaining. Whether they are true or not, is beside the point.
February 9, 2021
Thanks Chopper, great insight.
October 4, 2012
I find this fello rather fascinating. Lots of tales to share, I'll keep reading every book he makes
April 10, 2013
It was entertaining, with a few new stories.
October 8, 2012
Some funny bits, pretty interesting read. It provides a good insight into Chop Chop's life.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews