Rating:  Summary: Book Too Preachy Yet Still Amusing Review: Okay, I agree with O'Reilly on most of his political views (and anyone who doesn't recognize him as pretty conservative is nuts). That doesn't change the fact that he is, without a doubt, one of the most pompous people on television. His book reveals him to be every bit as arrogant and overbearing as he appears on his television show. I was hoping for a scathing indictment of American politics and instead received a preachy instruction manual for how to live my life. Just because he's reached an impressive level of success doesn't mean that he knows what's best for the rest of us. And the way he constantly plugs his book as being great for kids... give me a break! Most kids don't want to read this kind of stuff, and even if they did, not all of O'Reilly's advice carries a responsible message for youngsters. Despite the fact that I found this book extremely annoying at times, I still found at least some of it quite amusing. O'Reilly's celebrity stories are particularly entertaining and his chapters on the "good, bad, and ridiculous" factors were hilarious, even though I didn't agree with all of his categorizations. I wouldn't recommend buying this book, but it is worth reading if you can borrow it from a friend or receive it as a gift.
Rating:  Summary: Wonderful! Review: Even if you don't agree with him, you must admit that Bill O'Reilly is one of the best reporters on television. Not only is his show good, but his book is fabulous. It gives great insight to American politics. Regardless of your political affiliation, this book will make you think about America today.
Rating:  Summary: Love the guy, love the show, like the book Review: O'Reilly's book summarizes, for me, what I like best, and dislike worst, about him.The book is "pithy," as O'Reilly would say, and is peppered with snippets from viewer mail, on-air interviews, and related factoids. It moves right along, and I read it the first time in one sitting. Pithy can be good (keeps your attention, makes for a fun read), but it also allows O'Reilly to get away with some stuff that Arthel Neville (his once-a-week conscience on the show) would embrace with glee. For example, the chapter on religion is an embarrassing interlude -- kind of like hearing someone you really respect say he believes in astrology. I'm sure O'Reilly has deeply-held personal beliefs, and he's obviously a smart guy, so how did this lightweight chapter make it in the final cut? I like O'Reilly's up-front, no-favorites style; I dislike what I see as occasional hypocrisy, or an abandonment of consistent principles at times (the "drug war"). I also greatly enjoyed O'Reilly's stories about being an up-and-coming journalist, and the various weaselly people he has encountered. If you like the show, get the book. If you appreciate an objective (i.e., goes after hypocritical "liberals" and "conservatives" equally as fiercely) voice, get the book. If you don't want to read something that will probably make you hopping mad at times -- well, there's always Harry Potter.
Rating:  Summary: Easy, but shallow Review: I like O'Reilly. His politics may not always parallel mine, and his view of society may be a bit shallow; but he is not blind. He is truthful and will always detest corruption and graft whatever its origin maybe. No matter what the topic, O'Reilly's thought process is clear and focused. The book itself is very fast-paced and very easy to read. This certainly adds to the book's attractiveness as a weekend read. O'Reilly covers a lot of ground here. Politics, sex, religion, children, the media.... He certainly does not stick to any topics to the point of repetition. Unfortunately, I feel this book doesn't serve a purpose. One cannot help but feeling that Fox News was quick to cash in on the sensational popularity of "The Factor." This book is very short and can be read in a few hours. However, the book is incredibly shallow at times. It seemed that one afternoon back in March, O'Reilly became interested in religion -- so he wrote a chapter on it that day. Then the next day, maybe he had a twitch to talk about politics. Another chapter down. The book follows no clear, linear path. It's all random thoughts, interspersed by senseless "This Just In" interruptions. For instance, O'Reilly elaborates way too much on his family and his past. Acknowledging your parents is a wonderful thing to do, but O'Reilly doesn't seem to notice he is obsessed his parents. He strains to present his family as normal and caring. But why would anyone devote so much ink in such a short book to their guardians? Does he think that his readers truly care deeply about his family? The parents would have been fine to bring up in the "Parenting Factor" and the "Child Factor," but he constantly kicks the dead horse long after the flies have settled in. Come on O'Reilly. TV commercials are bad enough at interrupting engaging interviews. But this was your chance to go beyond the TV show and truly invoke some truly advanced discussion. We are all adults reading this book, so why go soft on the critical thinking? The book is a fun, quick read, but something that will quickly drift from your mind.
Rating:  Summary: Long on ego, short on substance Review: After reading "The O'Reilly Factor" I realized just how far I've lowered my standards. I tune into the televised factor a couple of times a week for a more honest approach to issues. But after reading this book, I was shaken by the fact that the flow of ideas in America have become so restricted and sterile and the major outlets for information have become so corrupt by the politically correct left that Bill O'Reilly's show and book seem revolutionary by comparison. While the first few chapters are ok, the truth is, his ideas, format, and approach are far from revolutionary. Bill O'Reilly offers rather mundane observations that run from the truly obtuse found in the chapters on parents, dating, sex, the spouse, the child etc., to the silly as evidenced by the drug and alcohol , the job, and race chapters. And what can be only categorized as the "who cares" chapters found in "the bad" and "the good" sections are nothing short of throw away filler. O'Reilly fans like facts. The fact is Bill O'Reilly is only slightly brighter than the talking heads found on all of the other media outlets. A sad state of affairs indeed. O'Reilly didn't really even try to put together anything worthy of note in this book. A stream of consciousness format is utilized that wouldn't challenge even a high school sophomore. Like his show, he delves into too many topics --many of which are tedious and lack evidence or fact. He offers insight into child rearing based solely on his experience then transitions into a chapter to brag about his dating exploits. I admire an egocentric personality if they have the intellect to back it up. Bill O'Reilly is far from an intellectual. Instead of an honest leap into a few important issues that may yield some insightful payoff, O'Reilly offers the reader a wide range of topical ramblings which leaves you with the same emptiness you would have if you were to do your weekly shopping at a 7-11. I suspect even Bill would be bored by these observations if he didn't actually write them. While I have found there are still some great thinkers out there authoring books, periodicals, and the occasional essay, sadly they are becoming as rare as personal rights and responsibilities in America. While I think Bill O'Reilly really believes he is trying to seek truth even if his method is shallow -even somewhat satirical, very little of an honest search is reflected in this book. If you are looking for light hearted fare then so be it, though P.J. O'Rourke is a far superior satirist. For serious, thoughtful writing on the state of America, look elsewhere.
Rating:  Summary: Weak Review: Right up front, I have to admit that I love the O'Reilly Factor TV show on FOX. I think Bill O'Reilly has one of the best news talk shows on the air. Based on my enthusiasm for his show, I rushed right out to buy his book. I was hoping to gleen some brilliant insights directly from O'Reilly himself. Unfortunately, his book offers few insights and little substance. There are no profound revelations to be found here. Reading the book is just like listening to one of your friends spout his opinion on a variety of subjects. If you like Bill O'Reilly, I'd stick with his TV show and skip his book.
Rating:  Summary: Preceptive, Insightful & Soberingly Honest ... Review: O'Reilly writes like he speaks with preception, insight and honesty. He says the things we know are true yet would never dream of saying out loud. Gave the book to my husband for Christmas, and we both enjoyed reading it. Topics like family, parenting, children, money and success. Although we agreed with most of his view points, sadly many are unaccepted in todays world. He speaks of helping out our parents as they age, an admiral quality that few families support. Assisted living sites are sprouting all around this country. Also suggests that grown children should not seek revenge against their parents which we also believe to be sound advice. However, we have personally witnessed many young people do just that. Children that have grown up with every possible advantage in education and creature comforts. Children that grew up and were aided by willing attorneys that could not wait to extract a pound of flesh from unsuspecting parents that truly did the best that they could. We agree with O'Reilly but found some of what he had to say a bit outdated. Sound advice that the younger generations does not seem to subscribe. The book is direct and very well written, it is interesting and well thought out. Makes for deeper thinking and great sharing. My husband and I discussed many issues that O'Reilly writes about and for this alone it was well worth the purchase. We need more people like Bill O'Reilly, people who are honest and outspoken yet have no interest in hurting anyone!
Rating:  Summary: O'Reilly Still Amazes Me Review: O'Reilly is a sarcastic, egotistical brute. He's also the best on-air personality today. His no-nonsense interview style is also evident in his book. Whether on agrees with him or not, you will find the book extremely entertaining, funny, and intriguing at the same time. There are literally thousands of "stories" that the networks don't cover on the evening news. O'Reilly does an excellent job of bringing some of these to light, while at the same time incorporating his biography to form a fascinating book.
Rating:  Summary: Easy reading Review: This book is easy reading to cater to youngsters and oldsters who try to understand the government. I enjoyed it and appreciate O'Reilly because he tries to be unbiased in a very biased political environment. I hope that old and young read this book and do something about our society.
Rating:  Summary: I confess, I'm an O'Reilly addict.... Review: ...so how could I not read his latest and greatest? It's very well done, esp. if you want an overview of O'Reilly's perspective on everything in life. He has a great writing style I think, very much like the way he speaks on his show. He fancies himself to be an "independent", but I do think he has right leanings which is fine by me. Buy this book and read it in a day. Help out Bill who doesn't want to lose his high ranking on the bestseller's list. ;)
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