The Choirboys by Joseph Wambaugh

The book is a gritty, darkly humorous novel that delves into the lives of a group of Los Angeles police officers who regularly meet in MacArthur Park after hours to decompress from the stresses of their job. These informal gatherings, known as "choir practice," serve as a backdrop for the exploration of the officers' personal and professional challenges, revealing the psychological toll that policing takes on them. The narrative weaves together various incidents, from the mundane to the tragic, painting a complex picture of the men behind the badges as they grapple with the moral ambiguities and emotional burdens of law enforcement.

The 4766th greatest book of all time


Ranking Details:

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Total Points: 90

Since this book was first published in 1975, there is a penalty of 1.6%. The age adjusted score is 88.56.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.