Review of The Blue View

[Pablo Josue Mendia]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Blue View" by Rodney Muterspaw.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The Blue View: The Uncut Journal of an Ohio Police Chief by Rodney Muterspaw is a memoir that gives his perspective on law enforcement through the lens of Muterspaw’s notes and reflections. The book spans his career from his time at the D. Russell Lee Police Academy (1989-1990) through his years as a patrol officer (1990-2000) and supervisor at the Middletown Police Department (2000-2015), up to his tenure as Chief of Police (2015-2020), and finally his retirement and subsequent career in real estate.

The memoir has eleven chapters, each with thoughts and notes separated by bullet points. Some bullet points are as short as a sentence, while others are up to three pages long. Through Muterspaw’s three decades of note-taking, readers dive into his personal life, familial life (including his wife, daughters, son, and twin granddaughters), work ethic, morals, politics, beliefs, pet peeves, goals, motivations, and desire to make Middletown safe. In addition, most chapters do not indicate what that chapter contains. Instead, most titles refer to one bullet point in the chapter, giving readers new experiences and events as they navigate the rest of the bullet points.

Moreover, you will read about what bothered Muterspaw (like silly police rules and certain types of criminals) and what did not bother him (like name callings and certain harmless crimes). As readers navigate each bullet point, they will also learn things outside Muterspaw’s control (when he was a patrol officer) and things within his control (when he became Chief of Police). In addition, this memoir gives us countless accounts of arrests (including people he knew), pranks between officers, stories of redemption, tragedies that happened in Middletown, the traumas that prevented him from enjoying quotidian things, human injustices, and much more.

I liked learning cop terms, like ‘getting fleeced’ (buying fake drugs) and ‘Signal 10’ (help me now!). I also enjoyed learning what Muterspaw could and could not control as he moved up the ranks, which makes readers empathize with his struggles and the injustices he saw in Middletown. In addition, the book contains profanity but not enough to be considered excessive or offensive. Readers will also see how Muterspaw learns from his past mistakes, matures, and cultivates more empathy over the years. In addition, readers will understand why Muterspaw believes we should trade passion for compassion.

Lastly, I must note that the book’s bullet point format may not be suitable for those who prefer linear and chronological memoirs. For example, I could not determine how many police partners Muterspaw had (and for how long) during his patrol days. Despite my dislike and its bullet point format, Muterspaw’s perspectives, feelings, and experiences are worth reading.

The book is over 600,000 words long, and the grammar errors do not detract from the reading experience. However, I deducted a star because the book contained more than ten grammar or spelling errors. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to memoir fans, readers who want to learn about police life, and people who love insights into a person’s psychology and evolution over the years.

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The Blue View
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[himanshu Choudhary 1]

The Blue View is a memoir by Rodney Muterspaw, a former police chief, offering an insider's perspective on the life and challenges faced by law enforcement officers. The memoir covers topics like emotional toll, societal complexities, and leadership challenges. Muterspaw's writing is accessible to both law enforcement and non-law enforcement professionals, emphasizing the humanity of officers and the controversies of policing. The book is praised for its authenticity and humanizing nature, offering a balanced view of the profession, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects.

[Aqib Bhatti]

I think this is an engaging and candid memoir that offers an unfiltered look into the life of a police chief in Ohio. Through a series of journal entries, reflects on his career, the challenges of law enforcement, and his personal experiences with humor, honesty, and a deep sense of duty.The book has been praised for its raw authenticity, as it doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of policing. It also provides a unique perspective on the personal toll and the complex emotions involved in such a demanding profession.

[Enkay Favour]

The Blue View: The Uncut Journal of an Ohio Police Chief by Rodney Muterspaw offers an intimate and unfiltered glimpse into the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer. Through its unconventional bullet-point format, it captures the complexities of a police career, from personal reflections and career milestones to the gritty realities of police work. This memoir stands out for its raw honesty and insight into both the challenges and triumphs of a life in law enforcement.

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

This book gives a deep insight into the career and life of a policeman. It covers so many personal and professional aspects. The content is interesting, however I am wondering if the book offers an enjoyable read with the bullet points mentioned in the review.

[Emmanuel olowolayemo]

"The Blue View: The Uncut Journal of an Ohio Police Chief" by Rodney Muterspaw offers an introspective look at his law enforcement career through a unique bullet-point format. Spanning from his early days at the police academy to his tenure as Chief, the memoir reveals his personal and professional experiences, challenges, and growth. It includes stories of arrests, pranks, and personal reflections, highlighting Muterspaw’s evolving perspectives on empathy and police work. Despite some grammar issues and a non-linear structure that might not suit all readers, the book provides valuable insights into police life and the author’s journey, earning a 4-star rating.

[Emmanuel olowolayemo]

**The Blue View: The Uncut Journal of an Ohio Police Chief** by Rodney Muterspaw is a memoir detailing his 30-year career in law enforcement, from academy days to his tenure as Chief of Police. Presented in a bullet-point format, the book offers fragmented but vivid insights into his personal and professional life, including his frustrations, achievements, and evolving perspectives on policing. Despite some grammar errors and a non-linear structure, it provides a compelling look at his growth and experiences, making it a valuable read for those interested in police work and personal development.

[Emmanuel Chima 3]

*The Blue View*, highlighting both the unique bullet-point format and the depth of insight into the author’s experiences and personal growth. It seems like a compelling read for anyone interested in law enforcement or memoirs that delve into a person's evolution over time. I’m intrigued by the mix of humor, tragedy, and reflection presented in the book.

[Nuella Joseph]

"The Blue View" sounds like a compelling and honest memoir that offers a unique glimpse into the life and career of a police chief. The bullet point format seems unconventional but might add an interesting, candid touch to the storytelling. Despite a few grammatical errors, the book appears to provide valuable insights into the challenges and nuances of law enforcement. I'm intrigued by Muterspaw's perspective and his reflections on compassion in policing.