Rating:  Summary: Typical O'Reilly, but you know something... Review: He is usually leaning to the right side of a problem. Although I may not agree with some of his statements (although I agree with most of them), one has to give him credit for having studied the facts and giving pointed well thought out arguments for his ideas. One has to admire the way in which he has ducked any issue and all though his show is not a totally level playing field (it is his show), he at least asks the hard questions that most people want answered. His book is the same way, offering his ideas on current issues in a manner that is easy to understand, thought provoking, and sometimes frustrating to read. What's more refreshing is he actually seems to want dissenting viewpoints to discuss, rather than easy, yes-men type interviews. Good job Mr. O'Reilly on transforming the way we expect to hear about current issues.
Rating:  Summary: The Raw True Review: To be Totally honest I do not agree with half the things said within the book, however I do respect the fact that O'reillly did not hold back as to how he felt about different issues in America society. I found my self laughing at the Ridiculous notes and just enjoying every word that was said. I can't help but wonder how it would be to actually meet O'Reilly, so he could tell me how he became so opinionated about everything. Yet even with that this is a book that I would read over and over again because it's funny, but at the same time insightful as to the issues that really matter today.
Rating:  Summary: O'Reilly is Allrighty Review: I enjoyed reading The O'Reilly Factor because it was unlike any political book I have ever read: there was humor, irony, and simplicity. The book addresses the idea that the individual is capable of achievement through discipline, determination, awareness of what's going on in America, and facing the truth. Out of all the chapters, I focused on three I thought are important: The Money factor, the Media factor, the Politics factor. He implies that one can learn to use the media to protect oneself from being controlled. O'Reilly gives us a important point: "The only reason a news source is on the air is because you keep them on the air by turning them on your TV." (p.41) The individual has some power in controlling the media. He advises the reader that "You and your family have to learn how to use the media, or they will use you" (p.39) Another implication he makes is the American government does not spend consciously, but the individual must. The power and glorification of money is making this country regressive. He sarcastically states, "Throwing our tax dollars away has become the new national pastime, replacing baseball!" (p.19) The government in his opinion spends taxpayers' money in wasteful programs. "Money spent wisely can buy you personal freedom. With enough money you can ignore unreasonable demands and avoid humiliating financial situations: They won't be able to control your life, (p.21)" he states. Lastly, he implies that the individual is capable of being politically aware to the extent that Washington will not fool him/her with their deceit. The reputation tagged on to politicians have contributed to the political ignorance that the masses reveal. He says that many of us are too lazy to research the latest corruption going on in Washington. Politicians want to keep us entertained and gratified so that we would not look into their dirty business. According to O'Reilly the individual can achieve through awareness of the current events in America, but when most people discover the amount of corruption in Washington, they become cynical. This cynicism can prevent the individual from achieving any real change in Washington corruption. When faced with the truth, many find it an obstacle to achieve. On the whole, I recommend this book because of Bill O'Reilly's way of informing the reader in a personalized way. Whoever reads this book will feel as if O'Reilly is talking to them. The book is geared toward aiding the individual through advice and motivation. It encourages the individual that whatever his/her situation he/she is able to achieve by working on valuable characteristics, such as determination and discipline. It makes the individual aware of himself/herself and the forces around him/her that influence him/her
Rating:  Summary: O'Reilly should just stick to television Review: As a regular viewer of "The O'Reilly Factor," I appreciate Bill's no-nonsense, direct style. He's one of the best interviewers on television, and I enjoy watching him. Reading his book, however, was a waste of my time. In this book, Bill is preachy and unimaginative. He advises us not to disclose our sex life to the world. He tells parents to discipline their children. He reminds us that materialism can be bad. He rarely stays on a topic for more than a page, and he writes at a third-grade level (if you have ever read any of his weekly columns, you'll understand). In short, save your money.
Rating:  Summary: O'Reilly Breaks It Down Review: No matter what your political stance is, The O'Reilly factor displays some of the most inept attitudes in American society today. Through tales of his own personal experience, O'Reilly connects to all hard working American citizens. He analyzes and discusses all matters of American attitudes, showing "the real deal" in politics and how in some connection it affects us all in everything we do. A truly good read, even if you're not interested in politics.
Rating:  Summary: "Here A Friend There A Friend"? Review: Bill: I am always amazed with your argumentive state of mind, and your abilities to calm them when you have pushed someone to the limit. now for review, I found the book to be interesting, although at sometimes somewhat boring, because you "after all" could have made alot of unmade points about your charactors that were left undone. lora-- Parkersburg, WV
Rating:  Summary: interesting insights Review: Mr. O'Reilly has written a short treatise on his attitude on life. If you have considered reading this book then you are already familiar with the host of FOX News's "O'Reilly Factor". I doubt there is anyone who agrees exactly with everything that Bill O'Reilly has to say on his show. Likewise, I doubt that there is anyone who has read this book that agrees with everything that he has written. O'Reilly's eclectic assortment of personal beliefs challenges stereo-typing his placement in the political spectrum. The result is you find yourself alternately spewing praise and venom at his opinions. Actually, I didn't spew forth too much venom but I did have to disagree a number of times with the author. What I had the hardest time with were not his views on politics but on marriage and friendship. I had to double check the biographical data because I wasn't sure Mr. O'Reilly was married (he is-or was, at least at the time he wrote this book). His strong advocacy of regular nights out with the boys caught me a bit off guard. Having read through all of his ideas, the reader concludes with the sections on the ridiculous, the bad, and the good in America. These observations are pretty entertaining as well. O'Reilly detests the Clintons which will be hard to swallow if you're on the opposite side of the fence. However, if you don't agree with him on anything else in the book, his observations on the Impeached One are worth the whole book. I enjoyed it. My guess is you will too.
Rating:  Summary: Love Him, but he bothers me so....... Review: I started watching the O'Reilly Factor a couple years ago by pure accident. I was bored one day and was just flipping channels and I came across, what seemed at first, a totally zany, radical conservative who was arguing with some NAACP leader. It caught my attention and I watched again and again and realized that many things he said I agreed with and what I didn't agree with, I found equally entertaining. His program is heavily opinionated and thats what I love about it. So when I heard he had a book out I picked it up. Although I enjoyed reading it, I didn't love it. I liked it because it was thoughtful, almost too much. He writes down every single thought that came across his mind. So much that the book doesn't seem to have a beginning, middle, or end. "The O'Reilly Factor: The Good, The Bad, And The Completely Ridiculous" is one different idea after another after another. Some ideas seem to be thrown in out of nowhere. "The O'Reilly Factor: The Good..." is basically a collection of essays on what ticks this guy off. I also didn't love the 'preachy' tone he takes throughout the book. Mr. O'Reilly can easily slip into this on his show, but it's more entertaining than annoying. In the book he dances on the line between opinion and lecture. Aside from my few quams, I'm glad I read it. It's quick and easy read, Mr. O'Reilly can be very humorous when he wants to, and I share similar values with the man. I recomend this book to those who are fans of the show. For those who aren't or don't like Bill O'Reilly, I'd be surprised if your not nauseous after the first ten pages.
Rating:  Summary: This straight to the fact book stimulates the mind! Review: In his first nonfiction book, Bill O'Reilly lets out all of his views on many topics. His outlook is sometimes controversial, but everything he says in "The O'Reilly Factor" (which is also the name of his television show on the Fox News Channel) is well-thought out and intelligent. I highly recommend this book and his second book "The No-Spin Zone".
Rating:  Summary: Balancing Act Review: I think Bill is a master at balancing what he wants to say with what he has to say in order to keep a large following. He knows his inconsistencies are just that, but he has obviously read "The 48 Laws of Power" so he knows that if he admits he's libertarian he'll lose the audience that he's desperately trying to wean. Bill should read "The Illuminati Manifesto" asap.
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