Orange County Choppers: The Tale of the Teutuls

by Paul Teutul, Michael Teutul, Keith and Kent Zimmerman

Book Overview

The stars of Discovery Channel's top-rated American Chopper take to the page with this behind-the-scenes guide to their wildly popular television show on motorcycle building. Full color photos. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446528013
• ISBN13: 9780446528016
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Warner Books (NY)
• Length: 211 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.3" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

American Chopper

After watching the show since it was first on. It's safe to say that I love American Chopper and the Teutels. This book is a great look into the history of this family, and it's workers. If you like the show, you'll like the book.

The audio production brings their tale to life.

Paul Teutul Sr., Paul Teutul and Michael Teutul work with Keith and Kent Zimmerman in ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS, follows a dysfunctional family's family endeavors of producing artistic and striking 'choppers' in their shop, and receives the familiar and famous voice of Todd McLaren as it examines the Teutul's life story. You needn't have familiarity with the TV show to appreciate this autobiography of family members in conflict; but what does help is an affection and appreciation for 'chopper' bikes and family interactions, which spices the appealing story of a 'wild family' which comes together to produce outstanding bikes. The audio production brings their tale to life.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome book

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.

Very Interesting

I got this book because I watch the teutuls show every week. The book is very interesting. I give ever good insight in to why they are the way we see them on TV.

Surprisingly Candid

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.