What do you think?
Rate this book
The Build: Designing My Life of Choppers, Family, and Faith
A behind-the-scenes look at reality series American Chopper from Paul Teute Jr., including a photos from his life, as well as spectacular shots and the backstory of his most famous bikes.
Paul Teutul Jr. may be the world’s most creative builder of custom “chopper” motorcycles. His talents wowed millions during the ten-year run of the popular TV series American Chopper and American Senior vs. Junior . So did painful battles with his father, which culminated in 2008 when Paul’s father fired him.
Told with “Paulie’s” plainspoken candor, The Build reveals his life behind the scenes in a reality show made famous by incredible bikes, hilarious pranks, and memorable arguments. You’ll also learn the details of his youth growing up in a conflicted family, the tensions at Orange County Choppers, his relationship with brother Mikey and other employees at OCC, and his courtship and marriage to his wife, Rachael. And for the first time, Paul explains the role God has played in his life and how faith has kept him steady in the rocky relationship with his father.
In The Build are Paul’s insights on how he created some of his more memorable designs, including the Black Widow, 9/11 Memorial, Cadillac, and build-off bikes. Paul also reveals the one feature he determines first that drives the distinctive look of each of his creations. Whether you’re a fan of American Chopper or just someone who loves motorcycles, the visual arts, or an inside look into a memorable story, you’ll be inspired by Paul’s intriguing journey.
Paul Teutul Jr. may be the world’s most creative builder of custom “chopper” motorcycles. His talents wowed millions during the ten-year run of the popular TV series American Chopper and American Senior vs. Junior . So did painful battles with his father, which culminated in 2008 when Paul’s father fired him.
Told with “Paulie’s” plainspoken candor, The Build reveals his life behind the scenes in a reality show made famous by incredible bikes, hilarious pranks, and memorable arguments. You’ll also learn the details of his youth growing up in a conflicted family, the tensions at Orange County Choppers, his relationship with brother Mikey and other employees at OCC, and his courtship and marriage to his wife, Rachael. And for the first time, Paul explains the role God has played in his life and how faith has kept him steady in the rocky relationship with his father.
In The Build are Paul’s insights on how he created some of his more memorable designs, including the Black Widow, 9/11 Memorial, Cadillac, and build-off bikes. Paul also reveals the one feature he determines first that drives the distinctive look of each of his creations. Whether you’re a fan of American Chopper or just someone who loves motorcycles, the visual arts, or an inside look into a memorable story, you’ll be inspired by Paul’s intriguing journey.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published November 7, 2017
18 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 5, 2017
I've seen a few of the TV shows talked about in this book, and I love motorcycles and choppers, so getting this book was a nice change for me. It was interesting reading about Paul's challenging life growing up and I related to it so much it was amazing at times. I too, grew up with a self-employed father in business with a drinking problem, riding snowmobiles in the winter and motorcycles in summer. I went through many similar struggles as Paul did with his father trying to control him as he was growing up and not encouraging him to continue his education because of the family business being there. Paul's faith instilled in him by his mother made a large difference in his life though. The TV show revealed the battling between father and son, long after his father had found sobriety, but the book shares the reasons behind it and why Paul Jr. chose to make a different way of living to raise his son in to break the cycle. You also get to learn a bit about the rest of the family that didn't show up on camera. An advance copy was provided by Blogging For Books for an impartial review.
January 8, 2018
Title: The Build
Author: Paul Teutul Jr.
The book was about: This book was about the behind the scenes story of America Chopper. Paul Teutul Jr (Jr) retells his story about being a custom “chopper” motorcycle builder, where he got his start, how the show came to be and the aftermath of those experiences. Jr. throughout the book talks about his faith, his relationship with his father and his business.
I loved: I loved the stories of how American Chopper show was started, why he and his father have such a volatile story/past and enjoyed the discussions of his faith.
Reading this book made me wonder about: Where do him and his father stand on a regular basis. The book sets up like this: here’s our history, my father was horrible in XYZ areas, but he taught me a lot. My Father is horrible in ABC areas, but he showed me these positive things. My father did this and he is so bad but I guess there is a positive. This was frustrating as the book continued. This would be my only negative of the book. Otherwise I read it quickly and generally enjoyed it.
Overall, the book was: I give the book 3 stars out of 5!
I received a review copy from the publisher via Blogging for Books.
Author: Paul Teutul Jr.
The book was about: This book was about the behind the scenes story of America Chopper. Paul Teutul Jr (Jr) retells his story about being a custom “chopper” motorcycle builder, where he got his start, how the show came to be and the aftermath of those experiences. Jr. throughout the book talks about his faith, his relationship with his father and his business.
I loved: I loved the stories of how American Chopper show was started, why he and his father have such a volatile story/past and enjoyed the discussions of his faith.
Reading this book made me wonder about: Where do him and his father stand on a regular basis. The book sets up like this: here’s our history, my father was horrible in XYZ areas, but he taught me a lot. My Father is horrible in ABC areas, but he showed me these positive things. My father did this and he is so bad but I guess there is a positive. This was frustrating as the book continued. This would be my only negative of the book. Otherwise I read it quickly and generally enjoyed it.
Overall, the book was: I give the book 3 stars out of 5!
I received a review copy from the publisher via Blogging for Books.
November 13, 2017
"The Build" by Paul Teutul Jr. this is his book about his whole life not just about his life with Orange County Choppers. I will admit I have no idea why I chose this book to read but I am glad I did. I was never a big fan of Orange County Choppers as I used to think the drama on the show was faked as no-one would be that verbal abusive on camera. Well thanks to reading this book I found out I was wrong. Paul Jr is really honest about everything that happened in his life including the verbal and emotional abuse his dad put him thru all his life. However he writes about it while still keeping a level of respect for his dad that most would never give their abuser. He also talks about his faith in Christ and how that has changed his life and his attitude toward life. I recommend this book not just for Orange County Chopper fans but anyone as it is not so much about that but about a Christian man coming from an abusive home and following the Lord.
I was given this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review and not required to give a positive review.
I was given this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review and not required to give a positive review.
July 2, 2020
I have been a fan of American Chopper for years, so I wanted to take a chance on The Build. Paul Jr. poured out his heart in this great biography. I had a feeling the shouting patches on the show American Choppers was real and not staged. That is what sets American Chopper apart from other reality TV shows.
I was really impressed with how candid Paul Jr. was in this book. He pulled no punches, pun intended. Paul Jr. literally refused to cater to his dad's bantering. I realize there are two sides to an argument. And I know Paul Jr. is not completely innocent, but at least he told the courage to write such a candid book.
I enjoyed reading about Paul Jr's life in The Build. He opened up a lot about demons that has existed in his life. I was impressed how Paul Jr. decided to break the chain of verbal abuse and alcoholism in his family. For that reason, I absolutely loved this book.
I was really impressed with how candid Paul Jr. was in this book. He pulled no punches, pun intended. Paul Jr. literally refused to cater to his dad's bantering. I realize there are two sides to an argument. And I know Paul Jr. is not completely innocent, but at least he told the courage to write such a candid book.
I enjoyed reading about Paul Jr's life in The Build. He opened up a lot about demons that has existed in his life. I was impressed how Paul Jr. decided to break the chain of verbal abuse and alcoholism in his family. For that reason, I absolutely loved this book.
October 17, 2017
The Build takes you behind the scenes of the popular American Chopper and American Chopper Senior vs. Junior told by Paul Teutul Jr. In this book, Paul Jr. shares all the ups and downs that came with being on the popular reality television show along with all the behind the scenes family drama that the cameras did not capture. A story told from the heart of one of the most creative custom motorcycle builders and how faith got him through it. An outstanding read with insights and tidbits of what it is like to start from nothing and build an amazing one of a kind motorcycle. This book is full of drama, faith, family, and heartache. Overall, a great read.
January 15, 2021
A VERY FASCINATING STORY OF THE MAN THAT HAD HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS FATHER PLAYED OUT IN FRONT OF A TELEVISION AUDIENCE. AN INTRIGUING STORY OF STRUGGLE YET HOW FAITH AND A LOVING WIFE CAME TO HIS RESCUE AND CONTINUES TO HELP HIM AS HE WORKS THROUGH THIS COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS DAD (AND ESPECIALLY NOW THAT HE IS A FATHER ON A YOUNG SON). I NEVER CAUGHT THE TV SERIES SO IT WAS ALL NEW NEWS TO ME THAT THEY WERE SO POPULAR. NOT MUCH OF A MOTOCYCLE GUY BUT THE BOOK HAD GREAT PICTURES AND LOTS OF DETAIL OF WHAT WENT INTO BUILDING THESE CUSTOM BIKES. WORTH RECOMMENDING TO ANY PERSON FOR SURE.
February 19, 2018
I have watched Paul Teutul, Jr. on American Chopper a few times. At the point of watching, I would never have thought he was a Christian. To see this book, sparked my interest. Paul shares many intimate things regarding his family and growing up. This book would help many who have estranged relationships; who need closure and healing to move forward in their lives. Paul’s testimony is inspiring and most certainly encouraging to begin being a better person instead of holding unforgiveness in your heart. I would highly recommend others read this book.
August 16, 2025
I read this book for an editor course I am taking. While this is not my normal type of book to read as of recent years, it was a good book to read for sure. I enjoyed that we could take a look at his life as a whole, and not just why he was filming the show. Knowing what he went through and seeing how he turned out was a big part of what I liked about the book. I think the name "The Build" is because he built bikes, but also how he built himself to be the man he is today even with all the challenges that he faced.
November 14, 2017
For the most part I enjoyed it. It was short, about 2.5 hrs from start to finish. As a fan of the show, I enjoyed learning about some of the “behind-the-scenes” details that we didn’t get to see. However, if you watched the show there’s not a lot new. A good portion of the book was spent describing some of the major builds such as the black widow bike, fire bike, Cadillac build-off etc. Overall, it was fine. Interesting that I just came out once they announced the show was coming back
December 17, 2017
It was an easy fast read. If you are a fan of the show, then you should read the book. It's basically a behind the scenes look at the life of Paul Jr from his perspective. He spent most of the book bashing his father, deservedly so. I was hoping for more of his conversion story or more glory for the Lord, but I'm thankful Paul has came to a saving knowledge and has broken the curse of bad relationships for his son.
March 10, 2018
Since I had a bit of problem with the batching of this book I started to read it ahead but this book was honestly not interesting at all I wish I hadn't picked it because there were other books I could have read instead of this one. But there was one thing about it that I really liked and it was the fact that this united me and my dad in a sense because he is a mechanic and I'm not really into cars but this made us have somethings to talk about which I really appreciate.
January 22, 2019
This was a great quick read. Was a fan of the show, but the constant bickering between Sr. and Jr. bothered me and got tiresome. Was great to read how Jr. dealt with this and the struggles he had with Sr. When watching the show back in the day, I always thought Sr. was a jerk to Jr. and Mikey. Was glad to hear of Jr.'s faith and how he relied on it to get through some tough times. Also enjoyed the pics of the bikes.
November 16, 2017
I received a complimentary copy.
A look into the life of a tv famous celebrity. The author is sharing all the drama and details from life on and off screen. It is great if you like to follow this kind of thing or you are a fan of the show. There is a blend of stories and it will be a hit or miss with readers.
A look into the life of a tv famous celebrity. The author is sharing all the drama and details from life on and off screen. It is great if you like to follow this kind of thing or you are a fan of the show. There is a blend of stories and it will be a hit or miss with readers.
January 28, 2023
My family were huge fans of the American Chopper TV show so I was very interested in reading this book. It was a quick read, very concise and not a bit technical. I always felt bad for Paul Jr. for the way his dad treated him but didn’t realize the extent. I’m happy Jr. has found a way to deal with his father and lead a happy productive life.
May 25, 2023
Father/son relationship should be special and respectful to both. How do you honor your father when he has no respect for his son? Did God have no respect for Jesus? Of course he did! He expects fathers to love there son and sons to love their fathers. We all can better our relationships because all things are possible with God!
June 11, 2018
Great look inside the show
I'm big fan of the show. Reading Paul's point about the relationship is pretty interesting and adds dimension to the story. Paul Jr deserves lots of credit for his respectful attitude.
I'm big fan of the show. Reading Paul's point about the relationship is pretty interesting and adds dimension to the story. Paul Jr deserves lots of credit for his respectful attitude.
June 7, 2018
Getting the “STORY”
If you tuned into American Chopper...you will love this read. You get the story behind the show and what was expected of the reality stars.
If you tuned into American Chopper...you will love this read. You get the story behind the show and what was expected of the reality stars.
July 15, 2018
Plain and simple, if you like the show you will like the book!
July 24, 2018
Great
Great book really enjoyed the inside look of the selection and font with his father. Also enjoyed the openness of his story telling
Great book really enjoyed the inside look of the selection and font with his father. Also enjoyed the openness of his story telling
August 13, 2018
.
Very good very interesting and something different
Recommend this book
Would like Paul Snr to do a book in response and give his side of the story
Very good very interesting and something different
Recommend this book
Would like Paul Snr to do a book in response and give his side of the story
June 9, 2019
Audio
November 5, 2020
Really good insight into some of the behind the scenes activities that went on during American Chopper. The onscreen and offscreen turmoil was interesting as well as all the production and thoughts that go into the show and the bikes. Really good read.
January 5, 2022
A very easy read that tells the story of Paul's journey to fame. I really related to his Rollercoaster of a relationship with the Christian faith.
March 18, 2024
An enjoyable read, gives a real insight into the show and the creative process.
December 27, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Blogging For Books/Waterbrook Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Normally when reading a warts-and-all memoir like this one, I would not be prompted to wonder if the author was really honoring God as he is commanded to do, but since this author is presenting himself as a Christian, that thought came to mind given the way the book dealt frequently with the dysfunctional dynamic between the author and his father. To my surprise, the author himself directly addressed this subject at the end of the book and dealt with it in a thoughtful manner. As someone whose relationship with my own father was certainly complicated, I have often pondered whether my own candor about my childhood and my father's issues as a father when I was small was honoring him even after he died. As someone who was a casual fan at best of the American Choppers series of which the author was a part in that I've seen a few episodes, I enjoyed this film based mostly on my fondness for the Christian reality television memoir subgenre that this book is a part of [1].
This memoir itself takes a while to get going, but it fortunately is a fast read. The author feels it necessary to write a large amount about his family background and upbringing which can be pretty unpleasant to read. This is especially true with the author's admissions about his drug addictions during his youth and his comments about his father's continual verbal abuse. Once the author starts talking about his native creative streak that led him to help his family prosper in creating custom choppers, the book starts taking off, as the author comments on his design philosophy and his willingness to build long-term reputation with short-term costs. The author's discussion of how he met his wife is somewhat entertaining and a sign of his growing realization about the need to live in a godly fashion even if it requires dealing with some awkwardness. The author also gives some discussion about the nuts and bolts of reality television as it related to his show and the unscripted nature of their many on-camera fights, which tended to increase the interest of the show to Discovery and many viewers who found it necessary to take sides. The author discusses the positive sides of fame with all of the famous people he got to know as well as the downsides of fame in losing privacy and having to deal with somewhat overly friendly fans who transgress the boundaries of politeness.
There are many ways in which this book has a somewhat odd subtitle in light of its contents. The author spends a lot of time talking about choppers, family, and faith, but much of that process does not seem to have been designed by the author himself but rather was something that was accidental for him. The author does not talk about having found his creative tendency as an aspect of divine providence that illustrates the imago dei, but he does not strike me as someone who has deeply read such matters of divine providence as his book would seem to indicate. The author strikes one as someone who tries to live as best as they know how to read without being a particularly intellectual person, despite a great deal of artistic and design talents. Overall this book was a fine read and it includes a large number of pages so that one can see some of the author's notable designs, including Spiderman and 9/11 themed motorcycles and ones honoring the Armed Forces as well as other vehicles like the Comanche helicopter. Those who enjoy reading about dysfunctional families, the design and building of custom motorcycles, or a gradual path from addiction to faith will find much to appreciate here.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
Normally when reading a warts-and-all memoir like this one, I would not be prompted to wonder if the author was really honoring God as he is commanded to do, but since this author is presenting himself as a Christian, that thought came to mind given the way the book dealt frequently with the dysfunctional dynamic between the author and his father. To my surprise, the author himself directly addressed this subject at the end of the book and dealt with it in a thoughtful manner. As someone whose relationship with my own father was certainly complicated, I have often pondered whether my own candor about my childhood and my father's issues as a father when I was small was honoring him even after he died. As someone who was a casual fan at best of the American Choppers series of which the author was a part in that I've seen a few episodes, I enjoyed this film based mostly on my fondness for the Christian reality television memoir subgenre that this book is a part of [1].
This memoir itself takes a while to get going, but it fortunately is a fast read. The author feels it necessary to write a large amount about his family background and upbringing which can be pretty unpleasant to read. This is especially true with the author's admissions about his drug addictions during his youth and his comments about his father's continual verbal abuse. Once the author starts talking about his native creative streak that led him to help his family prosper in creating custom choppers, the book starts taking off, as the author comments on his design philosophy and his willingness to build long-term reputation with short-term costs. The author's discussion of how he met his wife is somewhat entertaining and a sign of his growing realization about the need to live in a godly fashion even if it requires dealing with some awkwardness. The author also gives some discussion about the nuts and bolts of reality television as it related to his show and the unscripted nature of their many on-camera fights, which tended to increase the interest of the show to Discovery and many viewers who found it necessary to take sides. The author discusses the positive sides of fame with all of the famous people he got to know as well as the downsides of fame in losing privacy and having to deal with somewhat overly friendly fans who transgress the boundaries of politeness.
There are many ways in which this book has a somewhat odd subtitle in light of its contents. The author spends a lot of time talking about choppers, family, and faith, but much of that process does not seem to have been designed by the author himself but rather was something that was accidental for him. The author does not talk about having found his creative tendency as an aspect of divine providence that illustrates the imago dei, but he does not strike me as someone who has deeply read such matters of divine providence as his book would seem to indicate. The author strikes one as someone who tries to live as best as they know how to read without being a particularly intellectual person, despite a great deal of artistic and design talents. Overall this book was a fine read and it includes a large number of pages so that one can see some of the author's notable designs, including Spiderman and 9/11 themed motorcycles and ones honoring the Armed Forces as well as other vehicles like the Comanche helicopter. Those who enjoy reading about dysfunctional families, the design and building of custom motorcycles, or a gradual path from addiction to faith will find much to appreciate here.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews