As real as they get... (Watch My Back - Geoff Thompson)

Member Name: scor81

Product:	Watch My Back - Geoff Thompson
Date:	27/03/02 (136 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fast paced, hard hitting , Real

Disadvantages: not for everyone

This is, as far as I am aware, the first Geoff Thompson (GT) book to be reviewed on DooYoo, which would suggest to me that mot enough of you have read much - if any - of his work.

This book is tricky to categorise as it must be described as something between an auto biography and a dramitised insight into what must be one of the most difficult jobs anyone could wish for - Working on a club door.

It would be wrong to give away too much of the true story told by GT, so I wont go overboard with details.

The tale begins when GT is a small boy, being brought up by his parents in Coventry. His childhood is a gritty one, and his innocence is short lived. By the time he has reached manhood, he has been initiated into the dark world of 'watching backs' on club doors.

GT takes the reader by the hand, inviting you to share his world - and once your there you will learn a hell of a lot.

Graphic. That is the the easiest way to describe the picture painted by GT, as he gives a first hand account of almost 200 incidents - attacks, brawls, rows scraps and full on riots - all of which are the occupational hazards for the man in the black bow.

GT is a hard, hard man, let there be no doubt. This, I think is what makes this book so readable, enjoyable and gives it so much credibility. Yes it is shocking, and in some parts pretty sickening, but I promise you that this is a book that 90% of people will be able to relate to, in a big way.

My opinion is unbiased. Prior to spotting this book in my local WHSmiths one afternoon, I had never even heard of GT. Since reading 'Watch my back' I've read one other title written by GT. I'm no die hard marshall arts fan, and I'm certainly no 'Thug'!

This book also deals with two other very significant area's relevant to the subject.
Firstly, the Psychological aspect of working on doors. GT's style of writing used here could, I su
ppose, be described as somewhat simplistic. The book is very accesible - his approach is very straight to the point. Again, I would suppose this would be to ensure that everone is able to relate to this book. I'm not going to go into huge detail about how and why GT became a 'bouncer' and overcame his initial life long fear of violence.

The emotional influence of doorwork, and more so the disruptive effect on GT's homelife are focal points of this book. Inevitably, sacrifices have to be made - there is simply not enough time in GT's day to lead a balanced life.
This all makes for hugely entertaining reading - very involving.

There is, suprisingly, a plot to to this book - unusual for a biographical title. The ending is also conclusive enough to be satisftying.

I'll happily admit that GT is not the most gifted author in the world, so please dont buy this title expecting exceptional narrative's or any sort of fictional genius. That's not what its about. This is hard hitting stuff, and I'm sure that it will challenge most of your morals at some point, as it certainly made me question the choices I would have made, had I been in GT's situation.

Also, this book has some value as an instruction in self defence, and certainly will put you on the right track to incresing your mental 'toughness'.

I think we could all benefit from - and enjoy - reading this book... men/women and boys/girls alike. It is obviously aimed primarily at young males, but it is NOT written with any sexism or predjudice.

As the book progeresses - and it's not slow moving by the way! - you get a feel for the type of guy that GT really is, such i the personal touch that he puts into his books. You can understand him - see for yourself.

To summarise -
+
*Different
*Compelling to read
*Inspirational? - very much so!
*Shocking

-
*GT is no Tolkien

*May be too violent for some

This book is high calibre, quality stuff. Read it. Read it now...Grrrrrr!!!!!

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