Never Let Them See You Cry

Although this was Edna's second book about her escapades as police reporter in Miami, it was my first time reading her material. It definitely confirmed for me that investigation and police reporting is what I want to do. I generally agree with Ms. Buchanan's title "Never Let Them See You Cry," because in general, a woman has to be tough in this field. But I've also discovered a softer approach can sometimes elicit just as much information. You get really attached to police officers when you're on the beat (even though, as Buchanan did, I constantly had to write about them getting in trouble) and it's hard to keep objective when officers are hurt. But reporters are human too, and Buchanan and all other reporters can only make sure we get all sides of an issue and strive to be fair. Buchanan's description of the gruesome and the day-to-day humdrum of a newsroom is very well described in this book. Her descriptions of how police departments can cover up incidents for a long time is very accurate, as is her description of police informants to the press.

Edna Buchanan's "Never Let Them See You Cry" is a fast-paced account of the author's life as a crime reporter at the Miami Herald. Buchanan weaves into her book many compelling anecdotes about her days on the job. Some stories are heartwarming, such as those contained in a chapter on good samaritans who came to the aid of fellow citizens in need. Others are horrifying, making the reader involuntarily shake his or her head at the inhumanity and senseless loss that occurs every day in this crime-ridden city. Although at times the writing is trite (Buchanan's constant use of certain phrases quickly becomes cliche), the author displays a true passion for her work and packs several concise stories into a fascinating and eye-opening piece of true-crime prose.