An Irish cop patrols the streets of New York City- sounds like a novel set in the late 19th century. But the book I'm going to introduce you to today is set a century later, when a Dublin born Irishman, Luke Waters, joins the NYPD.
Table of Contents
An Irish Man in the NYPD
This autobiography recounts Luke's arrival in NYC as an illegal immigrant in the 1980's, the granting of his green card through the Donnelly Visa program, and his decision to join the most famous police force in the world.
This book piqued my interest since I worked on bed pan alley (1st avenue) in NYC in the early 1990's, when Luke Waters joined the NYPD.
I was thrilled when Simon and Schuster contacted me to host a giveaway for this newly released book.
But before I share the details of how to enter our little sweepstakes, let's learn a little more about NYPD GREEN.....
An Irish-Born Detective’s Twenty Years on the Mean Streets of New York
After spending a few years serving drinks at Manhattan bars (overstaying his visa and skirting the law along the way), Luke decided to finally see his dream through.
He eventually got a US passport (with the help of the Donnelly visa program), and in August 1993 he joined the ranks of New York’s finest.
Moving swiftly from the “Pickpocket squad” to the Narcotics division and finally to Homicide, Luke served as a detective in one of the toughest places in the world, The Bronx. Here, he would see the best and the worst of what the NYPD and New York had to offer: from the heroism of fellow detectives and the utter selflessness of so many in the aftermath of 9/11, to the ravages of crack cocaine, drug warfare, gang violence, and terrorism alerts.
Throw in a hearty dose of dark Irish humor and you’ve got just another day in the life of a detective in one of the toughest (and most beloved) cities in the world.
The American Dream
But NYPD GREEN is more than an account of NYPD life on the beat - it’s also a compelling portrait of personal success and a stirring example of the American dream at work.
Waters shows how he worked his way up the ladder, beginning as an illegal immigrant then putting in time doing grunt work as an NYPD rookie, before finally achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a homicide detective.
NYPD GREEN is a rollicking ride through New York City’s criminal underbelly and a no-holds-barred insider account of the NYPD like you’ve never seen it before. Throughout it all, Waters’ love for New York City and detective work shines through.
The story of an Irishman made good, of the American dream, NYPD GREEN also pays tribute to one of the hardest jobs there is.
About Luke Waters
Now retired, Luke Waters resided in Queens and Putnam County; he is a decorated officer who received 18 medals from the New York Police Department. He received commendation from the FBI, and in 2012 was awarded the Detective of the Month award.
Luke Waters came from modest beginnings in Finglas on Dublin’s Northside, but nevertheless dreamed of becoming a detective.
He initially planned on following in his grandfather’s and brother’s footsteps by joining the Irish police force, An Garda Siochana, but in 1985, America beckoned. After some time as a barman, he enrolled in the NYPD, working his way from rookie through Narcotics before becoming a homicide detective.
Waters retired from the NYPD in 2011 and now lives in County Cavan with his wife and three children.
Where To Buy NYPD Green
Today, January 12th, 2016 marks the U.S. release for this gritty autobiography.
The publisher, Simon & Schuster, has provided a long list of retailers where you can purchase it. Just click here for the complete list.
The Prize
Three lucky readers will each win a copy of Luke Water's book "NYPD GREEN: A Memoir."
Simon & Schuster graciously sponsored these prizes. A big thank you to them for being so generous to Irish American Mom's readers.
The Giveaway
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Wednesday, January 20th, 2016.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration for your entry why not tell us if you enjoy cop dramas and detective stories.
Three winning comments will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published or shared, just used to contact our lucky contestants.
Winners will be announced on Wednesday January 20th, 2016, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes entries by clicking here.
Winners Chosen
Our three lucky winners have been chosen using the Pickgiveaway Winner Plug-in for Wordpress blogs.
They are .....
Kathleen Kelly
Michael Byrne
Ceceil
I'll send an e-mail to notify the winners, and thanks to everyone for entering and supporting this giveaway.
And a big thank you to Simon and Schuster for sponsoring the prizes.
If you're interested in other books set in Ireland or featuring the Irish in America, here are a few more recommendations to check out...
Dermot O'Hara Detective Series
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
A little note from Irish American Mom: Dialogue in this book is unrestricted, realistic, on-the-beat, cop lingo, complete with true-to-life expletives.
Images published courtesy of Simon & Schuster.
Here are some more ramblings you might find interesting....
nicole
love to win to give to BF, who is an ofcr, as the book sounds really inetresting!
Lou Judsonu
I love crime fiction, real history, and everything Irish. What's not to love here? Thanks for the offer!
JB Green
Sounds like a brilliant read! Thanks!!
Maureen
I would love to own this book ?, thank you. Maureen
Amy
I read a lot of Irish crime fiction. This sounds like a great book!
Barb
I would love to read this memoir, it sounds even better than crime fiction.
Thank you!
Deborah Egizii
Look forward to reading this book!
Maureen
Love to own this book ?, thank you. Maureen
Courtney
I love reading detective stories and this looks like a fantastic read.
Julianne
It's nice to know the American Dream can come true. It's easy to get jaded, and I was born here! This sounds like a fascinating read from a true hero--both personally and professionally! Thanks for bringing us the giveaway!
Barbara
County Cavan is dear to my heart, although I've never been there, my maternal great-grandmother was from there. So while this book is about an immigrant from Ireland working for the NYPD I'd be intrigued to see the personality who chose to live in Cavan.
Patricia
Irish and NYPD, it doesn't get any better than that! (Okay, well maybe to win a copy of the book! 🙂 )
Michael Byrne
From an Irish/American (Tuam/Boston) man I'd love this read. NYPD and Irish humor to boot, sounds like a grand read!
Catherine Rapplee
Would love to read this book. God Bless the NYPD!
Jean
I would love to read this book!
Suzanne
This sounds like a great read, largely because it will be a true story rather than fiction. I'd love to win it.
Sharon
I love crime novels, especially true stories. Sounds like a great read.
Kathleen
My brother was a warrant detective in the NYPD around the same time. He never speaks about the job so it would be an interesting read.
Susan Smith
Italian by birth, but Irish would have been pretty darned good, as well. Enchanted by all things Irish, lover of New York, I hope to win this book, but if not, I'll surely read it.
Mary Ann
This book sounds like a winner! Thank you.
Alan
Looking forward to reading this one.
Sharon Pierce Degraffenreid
I would love to read about an Irish NYPD. My brother is a retired Buffalo PD. I have read Delaney, McCourt, Tobin - to name a few - would love to add this to my collection! We believe our mother's family is from the small contingent of Fitzpatrick's who moved to Cavan. Thanks Mariead!
Linda
I love reading your blog and enjoy learning from it. Thanks for the giveaway. This books sounds like it will be hard to put down.
Ceceil
Reading of Irish who have come to the us is great. Love it when they do well. But why do so many stop in NY when there is Georgia and Florida? Thanks for your many articles.
Bernadette
Would love to read this!
MARGIT OBRIEN
Your mention of author A. O'Connor has me back in Ireland. Great read and recommended. Always looking for a good read Thanks for sharing.
Colleen Diffely-Sullivan
Nothing better than a good Irish nonfiction read!
KATHLEEN KELLY
My husband loves police stories of any kind. Both his dad and brother served as officers, one in NYC and the other on Long Island. It would be great to win the giveaway, but will purchase as a gift if my luck isn't with me. Thank you for the opportunity.
Irishnannie
My Dad (1904-1995) God rest him, had the same career as Luke, subsequent to his arrival in America from Cobh in Co. Cork. I knew how much my Dad always tried to help me & keep me safe.
God bless Luke & his Family!
Thank you, M !
Brenda Bergin
Irish senior here who would adore to Read this book.
Lisa
Sounds fascinating!
Debbie C
Perfect for my dad, an Irish retired NYSP officer who grew up in the Bronx. Buying even if I don't win. Thanks for the recommendation.