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Papa Papa Blues : A Memoir of 80s to 90s Community Policing & Combat Sports: Balconies, Knives & Baseball Bats Paperback – April 21, 2023
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Get ready to step into the gritty world of 80s and 90s policing with C J Brett's captivating memoir, "Papa Papa Blues”.
Brett's memoir is packed with real-life accounts of the challenges and triumphs of police work.
His entry into the police force at the age of seventeen forms the backdrop of a journey into his mid-thirties, weaving through events from the police, his concurrent involvement in combat sports and martial arts, as well as touching on the world of private security and its development in the late 1980s and 1990s.
You’ll get a unique inside look at the intense adrenaline-evoking occurrences, rigorous training regime and consistency that took him through some of the toughest moments of those times.
With vivid storytelling and raw honesty, "Papa Papa Blues" is a must-read for anyone who loves police memoirs and combat sports.
- Print length206 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateApril 21, 2023
- Dimensions6 x 0.52 x 9 inches
- ISBN-101915944201
- ISBN-13978-1915944207
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Product details
- Publisher : FAADA
- Publication date : April 21, 2023
- Language : English
- Print length : 206 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1915944201
- ISBN-13 : 978-1915944207
- Item Weight : 13.1 ounces
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.52 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,699 in Baseball Biographies (Books)
- #3,589 in Law Enforcement Biographies
- #125,733 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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- MarkoReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars A page turner.
A very good read.
From the moment you start to take in the horror of the opening chapter you find yourself absorbed into a snap shot, a moment in time: delivered by a sharp, engaging, narrative that invites the reader to stay a while.
This is more than something that you will simply find visceral or ancient. The author provides a valuable insight by revealing a real heart, policing London in the late part of the twentieth century. Clearly the author cared, and delivered a strong service to London's public.
A social commentary? Most definitely. A discovery about the inner workings of the police and the mind of someone deeply involved in combat sports? Certainly.
His love of combat sports is very clear to imagine. The author clearly had discipline, judgement and humour and that diffused many a challenge in and out of the ring.
We miss these types of police officers and personalities today. We wonder where they are to be found within our nation's "modern" police service? I hope they get time to read a fascinating journal. Some might learn whilst others nod ascent.
We can't turn back time but after reading this you might want to.
MarkoA page turner.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2023
From the moment you start to take in the horror of the opening chapter you find yourself absorbed into a snap shot, a moment in time: delivered by a sharp, engaging, narrative that invites the reader to stay a while.
This is more than something that you will simply find visceral or ancient. The author provides a valuable insight by revealing a real heart, policing London in the late part of the twentieth century. Clearly the author cared, and delivered a strong service to London's public.
A social commentary? Most definitely. A discovery about the inner workings of the police and the mind of someone deeply involved in combat sports? Certainly.
His love of combat sports is very clear to imagine. The author clearly had discipline, judgement and humour and that diffused many a challenge in and out of the ring.
We miss these types of police officers and personalities today. We wonder where they are to be found within our nation's "modern" police service? I hope they get time to read a fascinating journal. Some might learn whilst others nod ascent.
We can't turn back time but after reading this you might want to.
Images in this review
- Alex C.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling read
In "Papa Papa Blues" by Chris Brett, I found myself completely engrossed from the moment I started reading. The seamless integration of martial arts and combat sports disciplines and the author's remarkable police career makes for a truly unique narrative. It not only offers a valuable glimpse into the world of the UK police during that era but also highlights the dedication and rewards of a committed martial artist. The underlying life lessons presented in the book are applicable to various walks of life, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and insightful story
- alan lartyReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 13, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic. South London. Policing, Martial Arts, Kick - Boxing.5 star*****Fab. A must. Read now
Bought this copy for a friend. I keep getting asked about it. Already had another copy of the book for myself, but didn't want to part with it. Would make a great gift for a Police Officer, anyone in the field of Boxing, Kick-boxing, Martial Arts etc. Anyone who has lived in the area of South London would relate to this great book, and anyone who comes from further afield would enjoy too. Many thanks to Amazon. I have bought so many copies for friends, I am actually losing track. Friends from all walks of life requesting that I order this for them. I hope copies are available in the future for me to order many more
- alansmurfReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Honest and open memoirs , very enjoyable and insightful.
I was lucky to have met CJ Brett in 1993 and his humour , knowledge and quick wit helped C Class through Hendon that year.
This book resonates with every police officer from that era and will make excellent reading for those thinking of joining the Metropolitan Police service now and in the future.
He shows the vulnerabilities and human side of what was like to Police in the "Good old days".
Well done Chris a great read and thank you for the memories.
Smurf
- MK, LondonReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 4, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Book - much enjoyed
Highly interesting and enjoyable read of a London policeman's time in Tottenham, Peckham and especially Deptford. Lots of good stories and anecdotes, and in a style that nicely flows. Ends around '97 when he takes a break to work security at the Regent Palace Hotel in Soho - before re-joining the Met. Lots of stuff about his martial arts fighting too - which came in handy when he took on criminals on the rough-and-tumble London streets. Would love to see a part two.