Rachel the Book Harlot

 WARNING: SERIES SPOILERS

Welcome to the clubhouse..."Go inside the clubhouse and behind the scenes of the #1 smash hit FX television show Sons of Anarchy with this official book, the only one officially sanctioned by the show's creator and FX, which offers the definitive insider's guide to all seven seasons, including the series' memorable final episode.

Sons of Anarchy: The Official Collector's Edition is an awesome tribute to the Teller-Morrow family. Inside you'll find:

An introduction by and interviews with Kurt Sutter, series creator on how the show came to be. Revealing interviews with the cast, including Charlie Hunnam (Jax), Katey Sagal (Gemma), Maggie Siff (Tara), Ryan Hurst (Opie), Theo Rossi (Juice), Kurt Sutter (Otto), and more "Creating the Chaos:" an all-access tour of the sets, the bikes, the tattoos, and much more. The actors' most memorable scenes and moments, in their own words. An oral history of the pivotal Season 6 finale "A Mother's Work". A look back at Season 7, the series' end and the Teller family legacy. Complete with a deluxe package, and hundreds of striking full-color photographs throughout, Sons of Anarchy: The Official Collector's Edition is the must-have book for any Sons of Anarchy fan."

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Anyone who is a die-hard fan of Sons of Anarchy knows how committed Kurt Sutter, show creator and writer, was to the show and to its fans. When a few distributors mistakenly shipped pre-orders of the collector's edition book one week before the series finale was to air, Mr. Sutter took to Twitter to issue a personal apology to fans in true Kurt Sutter style: 

FAN APOLOGY

It has been brought to my attention that our SOA Collector's Edition Book has been sent out a week early by some distributors and book outlets. This book contains details about the final episode of the series. This, my friends is a storyteller's worst nightmare. I wanted this book to be a compliment to the show. It contains personal messages and photos from the cast, in-depth behind the scenes information and detailed breakdown of episodes. It's a smart, well-conceived book that I was very excited for the fans to have. AFTER the motherfucking finale. There are a thousand fucking people I can blame. And I assure you, by the time I am done, my fucking basket will be filled with heads of incompetent cunts. But as far as the fans go, the burden is on me. I fucked up. It was my idea for the book, so ultimately, I am to blame. So if you received a book, I apologize. I ask that you not share your wrath or pain or opinion in social media so as to not spoil the experience of others. There is no excuse for utter ineptitude. It pains me that this will be the parting memory of some fans. I hope you all tune in for the finale. It plays much better than it reads.

Sincerely

ks

This same passion and commitment is truly apparent within the pages of the SOA Collector's Edition. According to Sutter, he wanted to give fans "something all encompassing. A potluck feast you could sink your voracious teeth into." And both he and Tara Bennett deliver. This book is absolutely gorgeous. It's filled with stunning photography:

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There is information ranging from the inception and evolution of the story, including research into MC history and culture (yes, Jax's white kicks are actually part of modern biker culture!), to the thought processes behind set designs and music selection. But for me, the biggest treat was the insight provided by Kurt Sutter, Charlie Hunnam (Jax), Maggie Siff (Tara), and the rest of the cast into the minds of the characters--especially as related to Jax and Jax's journey. While I loved the behind the scenes "making of" information, what I loved most was reading about the story dynamics and the perspective of the characters as they faced their most poignant, life-changing moments. It was such a wonderful reminder of the reason I fell in love with this show to begin with: the well-written, complex characters. 

This book is a true love letter to both show and fans. The blurb does not lie: it's a must-have for Sons of Anarchy fans.

Final Rating: 5 Stars