Blackjack and Jive-Five [Paperback]

Larry Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 3, 2002

Blackjack and Jive-Five is a humorous, bittersweet, adventure-filled story of heroes and villains, of laughter and despair——of a white police sergeant and his primarily black police unit dealing with internal acculturation phenomenon while also performing traditional police functions. This book boldly and constructively addresses one of the most controversial social issues of Twentieth Century America. Blackjack and Jive-Five chronicles a determined, positive response to cultural confrontation, organizational attitudes, and discrimination.

The true story of Blackjack and Jive-Five, though generously filled with humor and human drama, immerses readers into the day-to-day pressures experienced by a unit of black cops and their white sergeant confronting a white-dominated police culture. Go to a different kind of "office" with these exceptional street cops——to a cluttered vacant lot where they plan their "capers." Accompany the officers as they carry out their plans and return to the "office" with them for joyful celebration and critique. More importantly, know and feel the hearts and minds of a group of street cops also dealing with severe social circumstances. Readers of Blackjack and Jive-Five truly become part of a very special, history-making police unit—excitedly, joyfully, although sometimes painfully so.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

"Blackjack and Jive-Five" was many things. It was a police sergeant and a dozen or so police patrolmen—depending upon what time you happened to be counting. It was a work group, it was a social group, and it was a time. It remains, however, an entity in my mind that is timeless. It is a bittersweet memory; nevertheless, it is something that lives on and on. Whether or not it means as much to others as it does to me, I may never know. But it definitely was the most significant happening, time, place and human interaction of my life. It brought me the absolute extremes of feeling and emotion; it was the highest highs and the lowest lows. There was never mediocrity. "Blackjack and Jive-Five" was not my doing. It was the doing of a group of men who needed a place to show what they could do. I only provided the arena for the game to be played. In returning to that arena to tell our marvelous story, I have found my pulse and nerves soaring with excitement, followed at times by the pain and disappointment that often shadowed such excitement during the days of "Blackjack and Jive-Five". But there was always the next wonderful peak to look forward to. Telling this story has been a trip so worthy of the re-taking. Indeed, it foretells and builds anticipation for peaks yet to come. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Inside Flap

"Blackjack" caught on among the whispering parts of the police culture. The "Jive-Five" part of my squad's name came from the police patrolman's locker room. What else should a bunch of jive-assed dudes working District Five be called? Indeed! "Blackjack and Jive-Five!" It had quite a ring to it! It stung a bit at first. But my officers and I decided we could live with it - even become proud of it. And so we did. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: 1st Book Library (December 3, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140338438X
• ISBN-13: 978-1403384386
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,512,264 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very exciting!, March 4, 2003

By 

Cathy Sparks (Murrieta, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blackjack and Jive-Five (Paperback)

I heard my friends talking about this one. I finally tracked one down and really enjoyed it. Very, very exciting and a fast read. I'd like to read more from this author.
If you haven't read it yet, you've got to get this book. You'll be talking about it at work for weeks.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining and heartfelt book., September 2, 2009

By 

V.C. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blackjack and Jive-Five (Hardcover)

I was given this book by the author himself a few years ago. I used to be a script reader and read his script from the book. (Enjoyed the script.) I never got around to reading the book until recently now that things are a little more settled in my life. It's a great book! Larry Murphy really tells the story well. I was laughing so much with all the funny, crazy stuff they said and did. I felt all the emotions. It was almost like being there with them. That's how well Larry tells the story. I would love it if his story got made into a movie. It really needs to be seen. If I had the power, I would make it happen. Kudos to Blackjack and Jive-Five!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Blackjack and Jive Five, March 13, 2003

By 

MARGARET A. RODGERS (OAKLAND, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blackjack and Jive-Five (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and well written. And I thought the characters were interesting and well developed which makes me want to continue reading to see what happens with them. I found myself reading continually and when I put the book down, I was anxious to get back to it. I enjoyed also that it takes place in the city where I live. The descriptions were well done & certainly recognizable to me. I would definately read more from this author.