Rating:  Summary: Entertaining Review: Some of O'Reilly's points are very well-made, and his point of view is interesting on some topics. The verbiage and writing style throughout the book are a bit simple (which may appeal to some). Overall, I enjoyed the book. The book seems to be a autobiography as much as anything else. Take out all the anecdotes and O'Reilly's "I had it so tough" life stories, and the book would be much shorter. Perhaps, however, this gives perspective to his ideas. I enjoyed Larry Elder's book more-"Ten Things You Can't Say in America" (though it's a bit more scholary).
Rating:  Summary: Some Real Gems Review: Amongst the Ridiculous Notes, the This Just in Facts, the Backup Stats, and Talking Points there are some real gems on everything in American society, from rice cakes to SUV's. A delightful read. Very eye opening. Whether you agree or disagree, it forces you to think, think, think.
Rating:  Summary: The Good, Bad, and Not Really Ugly Side of Bill O'Reilly Review: I have to preface this review by saying that I do agree with the majority of Bill O'Reilly's populist views within this book. With that said, I'll state that some points he hit right on target, but at other times the words kind of seemed flat or felt just like a television personality putting thoughts on paper. With that said, I would have to say that the O'Reilly factor book is a great recommendation for anyone who enjoys watching the daily Fox program. While not entirely memorable, this book does have a few great sections. For example, the "Friend Factor" chapter was refrshing (it's good to see someone still has some old fashioned values with regards to friendships these days) and his opinions on the existing class prejudice in our society were well stated and not too often heard. I would classify this as a great first attempt, but I will be curious to see the next O'Reilly factor book, if there is one. Let's see if he cleans up his format just a little and makes it more intuitive for the reader.
Rating:  Summary: O'Reilly speaks the truth (as he sees it)... Review: Considering the fact that I am a big fan of his TV show, it is no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. O'Reilly sounds off on many of the topics which he considers important in today's America. For example, some of the chapters are called: The Race Factor, The Spouse Factor, The Class Factor, etc.I found quite enlightening O'Reilly's views on class and money. I think that most readers would find something to think about in this book. Regardless of your politics (and, after reading this book, I am no longer sure that O'Reilly is a Republican), you will most likely enjoy this entertaining book.
Rating:  Summary: Good toptics and good advice Review: Since there are already close to 200 reviews I am not going to reiterate what most of people have pointed out already. It was a good read and made me think about many different topics about life. The book is very witty and made me laugh throughout the book. Alhtough I was not a fan of his TV show, I really enjoyed this book. I thought this book was a lot clearer and less annoying than the TV show, which tend to be more or less talking-head-argument show.
Rating:  Summary: Entertaining... Review: Bill O'Reilly's book is pretty similar to his television show. Many of the points he makes seem to be pretty much common sense, but of course there are many people in America that seem to lack that basic virtue. Most of the book is entertaining and good but the chapter on the Child Factor is excellent and should be required reading for all people who intend to have children or do have them!
Rating:  Summary: Enjoyable, interesting, but philosophically hollow Review: I found this book to be very interesting, but more for entertainment than philosophical enlightenment. I agree with many of the opinions/statements of the author, but I was disappointed to find no philosophical justification for the opinions/statements/arguments presented. Mr. O'Reilly talked about problems and solutions, but no where (that I realized, anyway) did he delve into the (philosophical) causes of the problems or the philosophical/moral justification for his proposed solutions. In other words, what leads an individual to behave in a manner that causes problems for others and what mindset has led us as a populace to allow the creation of the government institutions (solutions?) that we have today? I also found his argument for adopting a religion to be a bit silly - somewhat of a default resignation attitude. To be as strongly opinionated as Mr. O'Reilly seems to be (in my opinion, a compliment), I found his presented attitude about religion a bit surprising. Mr. O'Reilly did, at least, present empirical evidence to support his opinion that the solution to the drug (and related crime) problem is coerced drug rehabilitation. Before reading this, I was staunchly in favor of the legalization of drugs. After reading this, I must say that my thoughts on the matter are (at least) once again open to further consideration of the approach Mr. O'Reilly supports - especially, as a pre-cursor to legalization. He discussed how the coerced rehabilitiation approach has been shown to be greatly successful in Alabama (of all places, my home state) and stated that the current "War on Drugs" is a wasteful farce - I agree. Mr. O'Reilly does not claim to be a conservative or liberal and says that folks can't seem to successfully label him either way. After reading his book I can understand that. I find myself in a similar situation - I like to think of my self as a radical. There are more choices than conservatism and liberalism. Mr. O'Reilly seems to try to address things from a "common sense" approach. I find that a "common sense" approach is insufficient for a successul life. I urge Mr. O'Reilly (and others like him - in his profession and elsewhere in the media) to take the time to consciously define their philosophy and make that philosophy known to those viewing/hearing/reading their material by using it to justify their arguments. I believe this would lead to their being much more productive and persuasive in their endeavors.
Rating:  Summary: 4 Books Every Democrat Needs To Read Review: I once was a Democrat. Not proud of it. Just honest (albeit, anonymous!) Nevertheless, I'm not alone. There are a lot of (shy) honest ex-Democrats out here buying revolutionary manifestos incognito via Amazon.com. Thank God Al Gore invented the Internet! That said, I want to recommend four books for my fellow stealth ex-Dems: #1 -- "The O'Reilly Factor" by Bill O'Reilly -- will you agree with everything? Come on! Of course not. But it's funny, it's provocative, and it's a quick read. A "no spin zone" extraordinaire! #2 -- "New Century, New Deal: How To Turn Your Wages Into Wealth Through Social Security Choice" by Wade Dokken -- I haven't seen Dokken on the Factor yet. But I'm sure I will soon. Dokken is a the CEO of a $40 billion financial services company and a lifelong Democrat with a picture of himself and Hillary in his office (and reprinted in the book). But he's sounding a major warning to fellow Dems: "Wake up and smell the Starbucks!" All Americans -- including Democrats and Independents -- want more control over our money and our lives. Top priorities: tax cuts and Social Security privatization (now supported by 70% of Americans, according to another Democrat, pollster John Zogby). This book may emerge as the manifesto of a new demographic group -- "New Investor Class Democrats." A funny and provocative read. #3 -- "The Next Deal" by Andrei Cherny -- Cherny used to be a speechwriter for Al Gore, for crying out loud, but now he's suddenly discovered America is going through a "Choice Revolution" and want the freedom to choose how to invest their payroll taxes for retirement, the freedom to choose their own doctors on Medicare, the freedom to choose schools that really will teach their kids. Duh! But, hey, it wasn't long ago that I woke up either. Welcome aboard, Andrei! #4 -- "Rules For Revolutionaries: The Capitalist Manifesto for Creating and Marketing New Products and Services" by Guy Kawasaki -- This book has been out for awhile. But every fellow Democrat should read it. Why? Because it's full of political theory. Hell no! Precisely because it's about marketing and business and moving new ideas in the marketplace. Kawasaki was the marketing genius behind Apple computers in the 80s. His motto: "Create like a god. Command like a king. Work like a slave." Good advice for the entire Democratic leadership -- be creative...stop thinking old school...be decisive...work hard to regain the trust and support of the American people -- and particularly the emerging New Investor Class of 80 million Americans who own stocks and bonds and are increasingly turned off by all the populist crap Al Gore spread around last year! The "party of the people" are losing people like me -- and unless they "rethink their drink," they're going to be washed out to sea. Read 'em and reap.
Rating:  Summary: O'Reilly says it like it is! Review: O'Reilly says it the way it should be said! He writes this book just like he is on TV. His down-to-earth perspective on politics, culture and life is right on they money. I think it is a MUST read if you want to know what is REALLY going on in America culture and politics. If you like his TV show, you WILL LIKE this book. It is only his TV show, but in a book version.
Rating:  Summary: Disappointing, lost the intellectual audience. Review: Like many, I watch O'Rielly's show for the inciteful and sometimes entertaining argumentative stance that he takes towards the completely "ridiculous". I enjoy this because this because there is no other television interview show that puts the interviewee on the spot and held accountable for thier position (ala King). Hoping for the same from the book, I was disappointing. O'Rielly came up short in every account in his "Factors". A book is the place where an author is supposed to go into detail with facts and figures, instead he was even more general than his tirades in a 30 second spot on television. A better title would have been "The Common Sense Factor". Ultimatly, this book has the reading level of the 6th grade with national information readily found in your local-rural newspaper. However, I believe O'Rielly did gain a new audience for his show by releasing this simple effort. Unfortunately, he may have lost others that demand more substance in thier political, social, and economic commentary.
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