Rating:  Summary: A Shot Across the Bow of Intellectual Snobs... Review: Those of us who regularly watch O'Reilly's program quickly learn he takes no prisoners... from either side of the isle. To the point and ready to throw the "B.S." flag, Bill cuts through the intellectual elite smokescreen that permeates our country. His book is a bright light in an otherwise dreary list of currently available literary drivel. I would make this book mandatory reading for all high school and college students, with an accompanying paper assignment of why you agree or disagree. O'Reilly makes you think.
Rating:  Summary: Wow! Review: I found the book very interesting and enjoyable. It is the best book I ever read. I highly recommend this book and have had many of my friends read it too. If you're a teen this is the book for you believe me! This book can change your life! It is truly a great book!
Rating:  Summary: a biting indictment of American hypocrisy Review: I confess to only having seen one or two episodes of his show. I didn't see enough to know whether he was a conservative or liberal and just happened to pick up this book while at my local Borders. I have to say, he had me in stitches with his expose of ridiculous goings on in our government, schools and cities. Though I don't always agree with him (although I did lots of the time), I always respected his arguments. Plus, he's really funny. How can you not laugh while he lambasts Leonard DiCaprio and adds, "I found myself rooting for the iceberg." In one of the closing chapters after he's finished going over all the "bad" people, he lists all the people he actually likes. I immediately sided with him when he proclaimed Dave Barry the funniest writer in America. Now I'm a diehard OReilly fan. Unlike many books in this vein, he doesn't come off as such an egomanical lunatic. He includes lots of good chapters that describe his Catholic school upbringing and his dating escapades. He makes so many great points and is so "un" politically correct, that I'd recommend this book to almost anyone. In the worst case scenario, you'd just agree to disagree, but he'll make you sweat to defend your position. I'm a new fan (and I'm not a conservative).
Rating:  Summary: A revealing look at Bill O'Reilly's views.... Review: Bill O'Reilly has written a substantive work filled with his opinions on real-life issues. After reading his well thought out book, I had a more informed view of who Mr. O'Reilly really is as a person. I read his book in one sitting so I could put the pieces of the puzzle into one complete picture. What I discovered did surprise me. I don't make a habit of watching TV too much, but I do enjoy the playfulness with which Mr. O'Reilly baits his viewers into watching his show. I always wait to see what his viewers have said. For some reason, showing those e-mails intrigues me. So, I am very aware of The O'Reilly Factor and watch it when I can. I am sometimes amazed at what some viewers will say. Well, after reading his book, I think I now understand both sides. It really is just a difference in belief systems. Well, O'Reilly does get people a bit riled up with some of his views. O'Reilly says what he believes to be true and that can be very threatening to some individuals who may be used to the watered down approach on other channels. I suggest you read his book for no other reason than to find out what goes on in the Media. You will never look into the face of a reporter again in the same way. Suddenly you understand the way they are treated and when they look less than happy, you will know why. While reading, you will start to wonder if the people sent to torment these reporters are on some special mission from the depths of evil. O'Reilly explains how some reporters have had to denounce the very foundation of broadcast journalism, that being "freedom of speech." After twenty-five years of reporting, his controversial style is loved or loathed. He does seem to relish a good heated debate and always challenges the prevailing wisdom when it goes against his sense of justice and truth. With this fearless approach, he has brought awareness to government corruption, political hypocrisy, and the true state of America as he sees it. His goal in writing about American life is to show you what you are up against, to discuss personal relationships, and to reveal what is happening in America today. He has views on class warfare, money, sex, Media, drugs, alcohol, employment, parenting, dating, marriage, child raising, celebrity watching, politics, race, religion, success, friendship, the ridiculous, the bad, and finally and refreshingly, the good in American life. He illustrates his "Talking Points" with stories from his own life, work experiences, quotes, viewers letters, frightening realities, stunning statistics and his great wit and lol humor. As the Anchorman of The O'Reilly Factor, he is known for having a firm grasp of the issues, for asking direct questions, and for seeking out the truth! While I found a large quantity of worldly wisdom/truth in his writing, I also found a great deal of opinion and fatherly type advice. His thought provoking questions will open your mind and make you analyze America and your own life. He encourages you to think for yourself, but also makes sure you know what page he is on. This is a great book to read if you enjoy comparing your own belief system to others. I came away believing more strongly than ever in my own convictions. His views on dating, parenting, and child raising were very revealing. I agreed with half, I disagreed with half. Those are deep personal issues which are often determined by your own religion. Needless to say, there was plenty of truth there as well. I do believe his Catholic background has greatly influenced him on many issues. You will read about his opinions on everything from rice cakes to Santa Claus, from tattoos to sushi, and from phone solicitations to abortion. Through his life, he has picked up on worldly wisdom, how to get by in the workplace and how to avoid vicious, sneaky, bloodthirsty people! I agree with avoiding those types, Yikes! You will also find the answers to the following questions: 1. Why doesn't O'Reilly want to call Dr. Laura? 2. What should every parent teach their child? 3. What should Americans be focusing on? 4. How do you know when you have succeeded? 5. What declined with the rise of the TV? 6. Which habits will make you indispensable? 7. How can you protect yourself from the Media? 8. What is more important than your salary? 9. What is the average income? 10. What does O'Reilly think of God and religion in general? There are some facts too revealing for me to mention, more celebrities names than I care to discuss, and enough arguments for sanity to keep you from thinking the world has gone insane. I agreed that it takes more faith not to believe in a God than it does to believe in God. That the more mistakes you make, the tougher your life will be and that computers are the future. I don't think any one person has all the answers, but you have to give this to O'Reilly...he tries to discuss every major issue in American life. If you want to know what O'Reilly believes, Boy! Are you in for a treat! Just in time for Halloween! Don't let anyone trick you...this is a must read! The ability to focus attention on important things is a defining characteristic of intelligence. -Robert J. Shiller
Rating:  Summary: The Straight Shooter Review: Bill O'Reilly has hit the big time. And he did it without compromising himself. He does not kiss political rear ends, and in fact there are a number of people who simply refuse to go on his show, because they know he will ask questions that they will not want to answer. Mr. O'Reilly does a pretty good job of keeping anyone who wants to put him in a box on their toes. He's not Republican, and he's not Democratic, though an equal number of people it seems, write him to let him know that they detest him for being on the opposite side of the fence from them, no matter which side they stand on. This book is a short read, but a good one. It talks about his life, and what he feels he has learned from it. He tells you about the people he's met, and what he thinks of them and why. He talks about a number of issues that parents should be talking to their kids about. Don't let this book pass you by. There's a reason it's still on the bestseller list. People addicted to CNN need this fresh look at the world, and life in general. I may not agree with Mr. O'Reilly on a lot of things, but I respect him. After reading this book, you will too.
Rating:  Summary: You're kidding, right? Review: That this compost disguised as reasoned opinion could sell a single copy says more about this country than it ever could about its egomaniacal author. The victim of an apparently incomplete education and a profound lack of manners and compassion, Bill O'Reilly is all spout and no kettle. A shock? Hardly ...
Rating:  Summary: A coward in the end?? Review: Mr. O'Reilly is currently riding high with the number one cable news show (although still behind professional wrestling) and now a best selling book. It would seem his tremendous appeal is due to his oh so earnest attack dog style. The competition just doesn't seem to have either the guts or the brains to drag the truth out of the intellectually corrupt and phony politicians who control so much of our lives and wallets. Mr. O'Reilly delights himself and us by skillfully attacking and artfully exposing Democrats and Republicans with equal fury. At the end of his TV show he beams widely while conferring upon himself the highest possible praise by reading letters from Democrats who accuse him of being a Republican, and then by reading letters from Democrats who accuse him of being Republican. Through some neurotic osmotic reaction all this makes Mr. O'Reilly appear to be a heroic superman fighting for truth and justice against partisan Democrats and Republicans. The more his audience is confused about if he is a Democrat or Republican the more we are convinced that he is a wonderfully admirable straight shooter. In the end we fall deeply in love with him because he not only seeks out the truth for us but then also trusts us to make up our own mind about if we want to vote for Democrats or Republicans. Sadly for us though we don't make up our minds. We voted 49 million for Gore and 49 Million for Bush. The two were exact opposites and despite all of O'Reilly's truth telling they still appeared to be the same. We always split about evenly because the media cowardly treats them evenly. Does anybody believe 49 million to 49 million is a coincidence?? O'Reilly, most importantly, is a liar. He won't tell us what he is, and why; so in the end we learn nothing important from him. We learn from O'Reilly, and to a lesser extent from the media in general, that both political parties are about equal and we then vote accordingly. We learn that partisanship is bad even though that is exactly and precisely what democracy and the voting booth require most. Rather than reading O'Reilly's book which might be called: How to confuse yourself about if you are a Democrat or Republican why not read a serious classic called "Understanding The Difference Between Democrats and Republicans. It will actually help you vote consistently and with assurance for one party rather than flip back and forth between two opposite parties depending on whether you like Gore kissing his wife more than Bush kissing Oprah.
Rating:  Summary: Gossip, self-help and 6'4'' of egolatry Review: Factor in : Gossip, self-help and 6'4'' of egolatry. If you like it or if you need it you're going to find it on the book. You can think about the book as an eight hour long O'Reilly show without guests. I read it thinking that as it comes from a journalist it would have some interesting information. Instead it's opinionated. I'm happy I could borrow it for free from the library. I would hate have spent my money on it. Anything good? Well, I kind of like the way he ridicules the SUVs. Leonardo Alves - December 2000
Rating:  Summary: I expected to like this book & expectations exceeded Review: Although I like the show the O'Reilly Factor and therefore expected to enjoy this book, I was surprised to discover the book was even better than I thought. O'Reilly does a great job of exposing hypocracy in America and he makes insightful observations about such issues as to whether there is a class system in this country. For example, while Clinton was renting out the Lincoln bedroom, Ted Kennedy was renting out the Kennedy Compound for six figure contributions. However, the Kennedy guests would spend the day there but, O'Reilly points out that the contributors were not the Kennedy type of people (class system), so they were then taken to hotels for the night. I really have the feeling that O'Reilly is sincere and not full of himself, as he often comes off. He made observations about religion and I found him to be on target. Each chapter are his views and comments on a specific topic, such as race, religion, class, celebrities, success, etc. In his chapter on success, he aptly defines success as being respected, not financially prosperous. I like that type of thinking. His often irreverent comments are his way of stating sincere, deeply felt beliefs. Having read this book, I like Bill O'Reilly, as a person, even better than I previously did.
Rating:  Summary: Bill in his element.....alone Review: This is the perfect medium for a host who can't seem to let his guests finish a sentence. Define "interview," Bill. From the Rupert Murdoch (I hate Clinton so much we won't even pretend to be objective) channel, comes the single most aggravating newstalk hack on television, a man who can't wait long enough to express his own vitriolic opinion to hear the substance of what anyone else is trying to communicate. God help the poor souls here who think this guy is some kind of enlightened journalist. If you want a thoughtful collection of off-camera, observant, reasoned essays by a truly intelligent and respected journalist, expressed in more than sound-byte snips, pick up Ted Koppel's book. This one is trash.
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