The Real Chopper


Book Description

Criminal, murderer, raconteur, author . . . mythmaker? Mark Brandon 'Chopper' Read is undoubtedly Australia's best-known criminal. Author of many bestselling books about the underworld he inhabited, and subject of a smash-hit film, his story has become part of the country's culture. And Read certainly knew how to spin a yarn. Adam Shand – bestselling author of Big Shots: Carl Williams and the Gangland Murders – disentangles the persona of 'Chopper' from Mark Read, the man. Chopper took over Read's life, made him famous but then refused to let him go. From Read's religious upbringing and youthful escapades to his 23 years in jail and later careers in the spotlight, Shand delves into Read's life to reveal the truth for the first time. With unparalleled access to lovers, friends and enemies, Shand learns that 'Uncle Chop Chop', Australia's favourite stand-over man, was much more than the 'earless monster' he created.




The Chopper


Book Description

The chopper is quintessentially American and, since Easy Rider, has embodied the American dream. This book tells the true story of the most rebellious of all motorcycles. The chopper is a quintessentially American invention, rivaling jazz and abstract exp




One Thing Led to Another


Book Description

Never get too close to anyone, because you might have to kill them. 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. Toe-cutter. Blowtorch aficionado. Killer. Husband. Father. Children's author. Stand-up comedian. 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.




The Popcorn Gangster: Chopper 10.5


Book Description

'What if there was an author who wrote about crime and therefore relied upon death to earn a living.' Buried bodies, buried guns, buried money and buried truths. Only one man who's been on the inside tells it like it is about the Australian hit men, bikie wars and drug syndicates. While his peers suffered violent deaths, Chopper outlived them all to give the real story. This is the life of the standover man who went from ex-con to national icon. The Popcorn Gangster tells of the psychology of fear and the Calabrian contract straight from former street fighter and now bestselling author, Mark Brandon 'Chopper' Read.




The Real Chopper


Book Description

Criminal, murderer, raconteur, author . . . mythmaker? Mark Brandon 'Chopper' Read is undoubtedly Australia's best - known criminal. Author of many bestselling books about the underworld he inhabited, and subject of a smash - hit film, his story has become part of the country's culture. And Read certainly knew how to spin a yarn. Adam Shand - bestselling author ofBig Shots: Carl Williams and the Gangland Murders - disentangles the persona of 'Chopper' from Mark Read, the man. Chopper took over Read's life, made him famous but then refused to let him go. From Read's religious upbringing and youthful escapades to his 23 years in jail and later careers in the spotlight, Shand delves into Read's life to reveal the truth for the first time. With unparalleled access to lovers, friends and enemies, Shand learns that 'Uncle Chop Chop', Australia's favourite stand - over man, was much more than the 'earless monster' he created."




One Thing Led to Another


Book Description

Never get too close to anyone, because you might have to kill them. 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. Toe-cutter. Blowtorch aficionado. Killer. Husband. Father. Children's author. Stand-up comedian. 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. One Thing Led To Another is the real story of the man behind the tattoos, the scars and the most famous missing ears in Australia. It is an utterly compelling insight into our most notorious, most recognisable and most fascinating criminal.




Chopper


Book Description

Bullied at school and growing up dreaming of revenge, Mark "Chopper" Read determined to be the toughest in any company. He became a crime commando who terrorized drug dealers, pimps, thieves, and armed robbers on the streets and in jail--but boasts never to have hurt an innocent member of the public. His story is one of violence, betrayal by trusted friends, and murder. To read his book is to read a legend who has become one of Australia's--and now the world's--most unlikely literary success stories.




Taking Fire


Book Description

Taking Fire is the incredible memoir by one of the most decorated chopper pilots to emerge from the Vietnam War. Nicknamed "Mini-Man" for his diminutive stature, a mere five-foot-three and 125 pounds in his flight boots, chopper pilot Ron Alexander proved to be a giant in the eyes of the men he rescued from the jungles and paddies of Vietnam. With an unswerving concern for every American soldier trapped by enemy fire, and a fearlessness that became legendary, Ron Alexander earned enough official praise to become the second most decorated helicopter pilot of the Vietnam era. Yet, for Ron, the real reward came from plucking his fellow soldiers from harm's way, giving them another chance to get home alive. In Taking Fire, Alexander and acclaimed military writer Charles Sasser transport you right into the cramped cockpit of a Huey on patrol, offering a bird's eye view of the Vietnam conflict. Packed with riveting action and gritty "you-are-there" dialogue, this outstanding book celebrates the everyday heroism of the chopper pilots of Vietnam.




No Tears for a Tough Guy: Chopper 6


Book Description

'I've known a hundred good street fighters and a thousand not so good ones. But in a lifetime I've met only a handful of freak street fighters, the best of the best. They all died young. The freaks always do.' For more than 25 years Mark Brandon 'Chopper' Read preyed on Australia's underbelly. Chopper was the criminal all other criminals feared, a toecutter who extorted protection money from rich drug dealers while holding them at gunpoint. An ex-convict, rapper and bestselling author, Chopper is one of Australia's most controversial public figures. In No Tears for a Tough Guy, Chopper once again presents a selection of his short stories featuring his trademark style and the authenticity that only comes from real life experience. Featuring his stories 'A Great Day for a Shoot 'em Up', 'Taking Care of Business' and 'No Tears for a Tough Guy', this collection gives an even greater insight into the mind of the most infamous criminal in Australia.




How to Shoot Friends and Influence People: Chopper 3


Book Description

'Crims and screws agree on one thing: that the people who run prisons wouldn't know if a tram was up them unless you rang the bell.' How to Shoot Friends and Influence People, Mark Brandon 'Chopper' Read's third book, was written behind bars as Chopper faced life in prison for a shooting he claimed he didn't commit. For this book, Chopper obtained confidential and extensive prison files relating to him under the Freedom of Information Act. These included psychological assessments, plus prison classification and discipline records. They provide a fascinating insight into how this maverick criminal dealt with the prison system over two decades. Featuring the infamous story of Tanya and Eddy, Chopper's coming-of-age yarn from his 18th birthday, plus reflections on the end of his long-term relationship and what it's like to be the most famous author-in-residence at Risdon Prison, this third volume of his memoirs contains more tales of the criminal underworld told in Chopper's unique style.