Orange County Choppers: The Tale of the Teutuls (Hardcover)

by Paul Teutul (Author), Paul M. Teutul (Author), Michael Teutul (Author), Keith and Kent Zimmerman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Each week, millions of viewers tune into The Discovery Channel to watch their favorite dysfunctional American family, the Teutuls. The hit TV show American Chopper features Paul Teutul, Sr., and his sons Paul, Jr. and Mikey, along with a supporting cast of mechanics and friends. Together, they create some of the most incredible and outrageous motorcycles in the world. Now, in ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS, the Teutuls combine family history with a behind-the-scenes tour of their renowned motorcycle shop--and their new lives as household names. Hilarious and heartwarming, fans of the show and newcomers alike will delight in this truly authentic America success story.

About the Author
THE TEUTUL FAMILY lives in Orange County, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (October 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446528013
• ISBN-13: 978-0446528016
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #329,413 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Biography of the Entire Teutal Family!!, November 30, 2006

By	Collier H. Swecker (Birmingham, Alabama) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I found this book to be an excellent insight into the Teutuls. It was a refreshingly honest look at Paul Sr.'s drug riddled past and how he has battled those demons. The talks about the beginning of the iron works business and how exactly they began OCC. You get a good background of each of the Teutals, including Jr., Mikey, Paula Teutal (ex-wife and mom to his kids), Grandma Teutal. There are chapters by Rick Petko and Vinney that are interesting as well. I have, for some reason, always respected and found Paul Sr. to be an excellent manager of people and find it interesting that many people just see his argueing and screaming, but at the same time his workers seem to always respect him, which means that we are not seeing the other side of him on the TV show.

Excellent read if you like OCC or just enjoy the motorcycle industry!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Candid , February 15, 2007

By	Loves Books (Maryland USA) - See all my reviews

My husband has watched American Chopper from the start and although I'm not into motorcycles, I couldn't help but be drawn into the show over the years. Having seen the show that focused on the family history and past, I thought I knew their "story" pretty well.

To my surprise, that episode only scratched the surface. Most of the chapters are written by Paul Senior or Paulie/Junior, but there are a few chapters by Mikey, Paula (Senior's ex-wife and Mikey and Paulie's mother), a chapter about Senior's (step) mother, and Senior's other two children who don't regularly appear on the show, as well as Vinnie and Rick. I was very surprised at the level of honesty and rawness of what the family shared about their lives and feelings toward one another, the show, their lives, etc.

I always respected Senior's recovery from alcohol and drug abuse, but after reading this book, I have even more admiration for him. I don't think I fully comprehended the level and length of his addictions before reading the book. I gained a different perspective of Paulie and have a greater respect and appreciation for him as a result of reading the book.

This show is successful not only because of the beautiful and unique bikes they build, which are fascinating to watch being created - but because of the family drama and dynamics being played out before our eyes. I think one of the sweetest things I've ever seen on TV was the episode when Senior took Mikey to the dentist to have a tooth pulled and he walked in holding his hand. Yes, they yell and they fight, but there is a definite bond and love for each other that shines through. Watching the tensions, frustrations and arguments of the Teutuls probably makes most of America feel right at home, having some of the same situations within our own family. Sitcoms make you feel as if you've been left out of the Hallmark or Kodak life portrayed in their commercials - but American Chopper is a more accurate portrayal of most family lives I know.

If you like the show, you'll enjoy the behind the scenes and inner family story the book provides. Of all the reality shows on TV, I find this one the most authentic, with very real people doing what comes naturally. In the case of the Teutuls, they're just plain fascinating. I'm not sure when I've read an authorized book written by the subject that was so open, raw and ultimately revealing. Whether you watch the show for the bikes or the Teutuls, I think you'll find this a very readable and insightful book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, Awesome, Awesome book, March 31, 2007

By	Amy M. Peterson (Lakeview, Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are a fan of the OCC, this book is a must. It is funny, yet has it's serious moments. I have a totally new respect for Sr., as he goes into the history of his drug and alcohol abuse. What he has made of his life since becoming a Christian and being drug and alcohol clean is nothing short of a miracle. The book has some great pictures, and the boys have written chapters as well. You see the serious side of Paulie, and the silly side of Mikey. I also enjoyed the other employee's points of view and how they came to work for the OCC. Wouldn't it be great to meet them? I just want to shake their hand and tell them thank you for appreciating their fans.