BARNHART, Mo. – Former Rep. Jeff Roorda’s book launched 3 weeks ago and has received glowing reviews in hand with strong sales.
The book, Ferghanistan: The War on Police, is summarized by Roorda as the “untold story of Ferguson, Missouri.”
“Sales have been brisk,” said Roorda. “Just last week, I was at a police conference in Florida where many books were also sold.”
Roorda, and now the book, have taken a controversial role in the ongoing dialogue to emerge out of the death of Michael Brown last August, as Roorda entered the spotlight as the spokesman for the Fraternal Order of Police in St. Louis. Roorda is also a retired police officer.
The book includes exclusive interviews with Officer Darren Wilson, as well as interviews with three other Ferguson-involved police officers who were shot themselves in the aftermath of Brown’s death.
In the book’s first week on Amazon, it was number 1 in new releases in the Government/Social Policy category of books. Ferghanistan has sold particularly well in the St. Louis market.
Roorda is donating a portion of each book’s sale to Wilson and recently gave the officer a check.
“I gave Darren Wilson a check just last week; he was very appreciative,” Roorda said.
Overall, reviewers are pleased with the book, which has a 4.5 star rating, and how it shines another light on the situation which has captured the nation’s attention.
“Absolutely stunning book! Well-written, poignant, and sure to be controversial. A great read! Highly recommend this book!” wrote Amazon reviewer Gabrial Crocker.
Reviewers were quick to laud the book as well-written and good for anyone interested in the overall situation.
“Jeff Roorda makes a powerful argument for law enforcement, who have been unjustly vilified since the ‘hands up, don’t shoot’ lie swept the nation. Highly recommended for those who are interested in truth and justice AND for those who refuse to accept the exoneration of Darren Wilson,” wrote Teresa, another reviewer.
Roorda is continuing his media appearances in conjunction with the book and is slated to appear with FOX News’ Megyn Kelly Wednesday night to discuss the shooting in Chicago.
“It’s a good opportunity for the book to get more publicity,” said Roorda. “It’s exciting, it’s a different experience and not at all what you’d expect as you go through the process.
Roorda will be back in Missouri’s capital city this weekend for a book signing, which will be at the Fraternal Order of Police, 715 Jefferson Street, on Saturday, November 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Listed for $16.99 at his website – thewaronpolice.com, the book is also available on Kindle Unlimited, a book subscription service by Amazon.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.