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87th out of 1,336 books
—
4,912 voters
Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever
A riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and the first work of history from mega-bestselling author Bill O'Reilly
The anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts one of the most dramatic stories in American history—how one gunshot changed the country forever. In the spring of 1865, the bloody saga of America'
...moreHardcover, 315 pages
Published
September 27th 2011
by Henry Holt and Co.
(first published January 1st 2011)
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Just for the record - Bill O'Reilly is a conceited ass. His book jacket description of himself (gag) almost made me not read the book, but alas, it's this month's bookclub choice, and since I attend every book club without fail I did indeed give in to peer pressure.
Other than being terribly sad and kindof a downer obviously, it wasn't that bad. Lots of interesting details were included I'd never heard of before, and the novel form made it easier to read even if they did wildly speculate some of...more
Other than being terribly sad and kindof a downer obviously, it wasn't that bad. Lots of interesting details were included I'd never heard of before, and the novel form made it easier to read even if they did wildly speculate some of...more
LOVED this book! I don't love that a great man was killed, but I love the way this book was put together. It did feel like a suspense novel...but full of history and truths that I have never heard about.
I liked how the chapters headed with the date and the time, and switched back and forth between Pres. Lincoln and JW Booth. I feel it gave both sides very well. You could almost understand the feelings Booth had and his reasoning for what he did, in his mind anyway.
I was doing very well just rea...more
I liked how the chapters headed with the date and the time, and switched back and forth between Pres. Lincoln and JW Booth. I feel it gave both sides very well. You could almost understand the feelings Booth had and his reasoning for what he did, in his mind anyway.
I was doing very well just rea...more
6 likes · like · see review
The assassination of President Lincoln is one of those historical events that makes me cringe every time I think of it because of the tragic consequences. Lincoln would have been a far better man to handle reconstruction than Andrew Johnson by virtue of the fact that Lincoln had fought so hard to preserve the Union and Johnson nothing. Lincoln was already on record as desiring to give the states relatively easy terms to rejoin the Union and likely had a million more ideas in his head that would...more
5 likes · like · see review
Feb 26, 2012
Stephanie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Bill O'Reilly fans
Recommended to Stephanie by:
Book Club
You know what my biggest problem with this book is? Bill O'Reilly. I just can't get past the fact that a pompous, bombastic talk show host gets to write a best-selling historical non-fiction book when there are real historians (you know, the kind with Ph.D.s that know how to use footnotes) that can't even find jobs.
To be fair, it's very readable. O'Reilly and his co-author (who, alas, no one will remember) write in a very engaging manner. They do fall into the trap of over-speculating, saying t...more
To be fair, it's very readable. O'Reilly and his co-author (who, alas, no one will remember) write in a very engaging manner. They do fall into the trap of over-speculating, saying t...more
40 likes · like · see review
this book was very intriguing. i could not put it down. historical narrative that seriously reads like fiction. but -it's not! i particularly liked the pace of the book as each chapter revealed the timeline laid out before you. you literally feel that you are witnessing history as it is happening. this book chronicles one of the darkest times in our nation's history- the civil war and the disturbing emotions among the north and the south as they battle to the bloody end. i had no idea that gener...more
Nov 28, 2011
Christina
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction-history,
audiobook
The only things I remember about the Lincoln assassination were that he was shot in the back of the head at the theater by John Wilkes Booth, so this was an educational as well as an entertaining read.
The book begins at towards the end of the civil war and so the battle scenes were a real attention grabber. Things get a bit dull during the build up to the assassination, but are absolutely heart stopping during the murder and aftermath.
I had some problems with the writing style. I really liked t...more
The book begins at towards the end of the civil war and so the battle scenes were a real attention grabber. Things get a bit dull during the build up to the assassination, but are absolutely heart stopping during the murder and aftermath.
I had some problems with the writing style. I really liked t...more
When I walked into the theater to see the movie "Secretariat", I already knew Secretariat had won the Triple Crown. Still, my anxiety (and my pulse) increased during every race scene, and I cheered every victory. I chalk that up to terrific storytelling and a great director. And that's the same way I felt about this book.
Obviously, I knew what was going to happen before I read page one, but I found myself hoping someone would stop arrogant and narcissistic John Wilkes Booth before he could carry...more
Obviously, I knew what was going to happen before I read page one, but I found myself hoping someone would stop arrogant and narcissistic John Wilkes Booth before he could carry...more
28 likes · like · see review
I loved this book. I cannot get enough from authors who write good historical narratives. Reading a book by Bill O'Reilly I wasn't sure what to expect. The real question is what part did Martin Dugard the co author play in the writing of this book? Whatever, the books writing reads like a story. This book does not bore you on dates, military battles, who is my right or left flank. No the reader is thrust into the last few months of the Civil War. The fall of Richmond and the surrender of Lee. Wh...more
3 likes · like · see review
Clooney, Pitt or DiCaprio? Well, who will it be? Consider: John Wilkes was a handsome, well-recognized, full-of-himself actor. And according to O'Reilly, he was angry and looking for more fame. So he assassinates a sitting US president. It's too good to be fiction. And history belongs to the best story-teller.
5 likes · like · see review
The detail regarding the battles and troop movement during the last few weeks of the Civil War was very interesting. Juxtaposed was the planning made by Booth to assasinate Lincoln and other leaders. Impressive research by the author(s).
Not a bad book, historical account of Lincoln's assignation in story form. It is as if you are the eye witness to the planning and the carrying out the assignation and the ultimate capture of those involved. Well done.
One of the best books I've ever read. Of course I am prejudice. I love Abraham Lincoln. I love everything about the man. What a great human being.
Oh and I like Bill O'Reilly too.
Oh and I like Bill O'Reilly too.
In the spring of 1865, after a long day of meetings, Abraham Lincoln alongside his wife Mary, took to the theater. While Lincoln knew that he had a lot of enemies and had even thought there was a good chance he would be assassinated, he had no idea that his life was about to end.
John Wilkes Booth was an anchor and charismatic ladies man as well as an impenitent racist. His hatred for Lincoln burned so strong it was obsession. He stressed over the details for months... working out accomplices in...more
John Wilkes Booth was an anchor and charismatic ladies man as well as an impenitent racist. His hatred for Lincoln burned so strong it was obsession. He stressed over the details for months... working out accomplices in...more
This is a very easy to read book about the end of the Civil War, Lincoln's assassination by John Wilkes Booth, and the subsequent manhunt, capture, and punishment of the accomplices in the assassination of Lincoln and the attempted assassinations of William Seward and Andrew Johnson.
Note that a lot of space in the beginning of the book is meant to describe the actions before the assassination, so this isn't wholly dedicated to the assassination. It felt a bit unnecessary and light at the beginni...more
Note that a lot of space in the beginning of the book is meant to describe the actions before the assassination, so this isn't wholly dedicated to the assassination. It felt a bit unnecessary and light at the beginni...more
I will admit that I am not a fan of Mr. O'Reilly, however I decided to read this book based on my love of history (and in the Civil War era in particular) and after a recommendation from my mother. I was so glad I did. O'Reilly and his co-author, Martin Dugard, took information from historical record and presented it in a way that would appeal to any reader--even those who are not particularly interested in history. Instead of reading like a history book, this had the feeling of a mystery novel...more
A riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and the first work of history from mega-bestselling author Bill O'Reilly
The anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts one of the most dramatic stories in American history—how one gunshot changed the country forever. In the spring of 1865, the bloody saga of America's Civil War finally comes to an end after a series of increasingly harrowing battles. President Abraham Lincoln's generous
I read the book Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly.
Mr. O'Reilly wrote this book because he wanted to inform readers about the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln. He wanted to tell the people that want to know more about this sad situation in America's history.
The theme of the book is that you should treat everyone fairly but keep an eye open for people that do not like your thoughts. This is the theme because Lincoln treated everyone fairly but as we all know there are people that have t...more
Mr. O'Reilly wrote this book because he wanted to inform readers about the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln. He wanted to tell the people that want to know more about this sad situation in America's history.
The theme of the book is that you should treat everyone fairly but keep an eye open for people that do not like your thoughts. This is the theme because Lincoln treated everyone fairly but as we all know there are people that have t...more
On April 14, 1865 Abraham Lincoln became the first U.S. President to be assassinated. His murder came at the end of the bloody four-year civil war. As with the Kennedy assassination Lincoln’s murder was a key moment in American history that O’Reilly and Dugard have written about in a quick, dramatic way that would appeal to fiction readers. This will not interest academics or readers that have read earlier books on Lincoln. There were many inaccuracies in this book that I found distracting and i...more
People automatically want to cringe when they hear this book was written by Bill O'Reilly. And to be honest, I wasn't so sure about it myself. But politics aside, O'Reilly is a fantastic historian. He was a history professor for years, so he knows his subject.
That being said, this book was captivating! I might be slightly bias considering I have my masters in history with a concentration on the Civil War. But you don't have to be a history lover to find this entertaining. O'Reilly prefaces the...more
That being said, this book was captivating! I might be slightly bias considering I have my masters in history with a concentration on the Civil War. But you don't have to be a history lover to find this entertaining. O'Reilly prefaces the...more
I enjoyed reading this book which was both an entertaining and educational read. The book read and moved along as a novel. Even though the outcome is known, the story put together reads like a thriller and this book easily becomes tough to put down.
The authors were able to vividly bring to life this sad and tragic piece of American history. I felt as if I were somehow transported back in time to be present and witness first hand all the events as they played out. It is 150 plus years since this...more
The authors were able to vividly bring to life this sad and tragic piece of American history. I felt as if I were somehow transported back in time to be present and witness first hand all the events as they played out. It is 150 plus years since this...more
I should probably admit my bias on the outset: although I align myself often with republicans and conservatives, I am not an O'Reilly fan. And, as some one who got a BA in history, I am not a fan of narrative non-fiction. I much prefer non-fiction with footnotes and sources so you can clearly see what is verified and what is supposition.
Killing Lincoln tells the story of the assassination of Lincoln. I knew vague details of the assassination before reading (who and where) and found the full sto...more
Killing Lincoln tells the story of the assassination of Lincoln. I knew vague details of the assassination before reading (who and where) and found the full sto...more
All the books I have read since January of 2012 have been audio books from either audible.com or WMA format books, downloaded from my local library. I have read one book per week since then. Prior to that, I was not a book reader. I don't know why - my hands would start to tingle - my mind would start to wander - and then I would lose interest. So, I just didn't read. Thank goodness for the wonderful people who narrate audio books and bring them to life. It is well known that the book is much mo...more
Borrowing from historical documents, soldier and general memoirs, as well as biographies, Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard focus Killing Lincoln on the final fourteen days leading to President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, and the manhunt that followed. It’s a compilation non-fiction work, written with the flourish of an intense thriller.
The final nine days of the Civil War follow Confederate General Robert E. Lee chasing supplies and reinforcements for h...more
The final nine days of the Civil War follow Confederate General Robert E. Lee chasing supplies and reinforcements for h...more
I was really reluctant to give this book to my hubby for Christmas, but am glad that I did... We live in a Republican/Democrat marriage, and I thought, 'A Bill O'Reilly book will only cause trouble'
If you are avoiding this book for 'political reasons' as I was, you need not worry-- this book is strictly about Lincoln, and presenting the story of end of the Civil War and his assassination in a 'thriller format'.
While much of the dialog must have come from the author's imagination, I have to say t...more
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I don't often give books five stars, but I found it hard to criticize this book. I received this as a Christmas present from my mother-in-law and she couldn't have picked anything I would have enjoyed more. The book was thoroughly researched and well-written. It did present some interesting theories about a wider conspiracy than history normally reports, but it wasn't overly conspiratorial.
I enjoyed the description of Lee's desperate attempt to avoid Grant's army as he fled Petersberg, VA and t...more
I enjoyed the description of Lee's desperate attempt to avoid Grant's army as he fled Petersberg, VA and t...more
Killing Lincoln’s greatest strength is at the same time its greatest weakness. No dry history here. The book reads like a well written novel gripping the reader’s attention. But, in choosing this format, the authors Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard have sacrificed the accuracy expected by those seeking only fact as opposed to what might have been said or done. The book provides dialogue and detail that can’t possibly be known such as when the conspirators secretly met at the Herndon House. The va...more
1 like · like · see review
Jonathan Pozzi
Ms. P.
English 10 H
1/9/13
Killing Lincoln Book Review
Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard, was by far the best book I've ever read. When it comes to reading in general, it is one of my least favorite things to do, but as far as books go, I actually really enjoyed Killing Lincoln. I definitely give it five stars, and for multiple reasons.
*****I love how the writing style, produced by O'Reilly and Dugard, made me feel like I was back in the 1800's, as if all the action...more
Ms. P.
English 10 H
1/9/13
Killing Lincoln Book Review
Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard, was by far the best book I've ever read. When it comes to reading in general, it is one of my least favorite things to do, but as far as books go, I actually really enjoyed Killing Lincoln. I definitely give it five stars, and for multiple reasons.
*****I love how the writing style, produced by O'Reilly and Dugard, made me feel like I was back in the 1800's, as if all the action...more
An easy read that sheds light on a lot of the events leading up to the assassination of Lincoln. I have seen some reviews that say it has a lot of factual errors, but when I researched this some more (http://www.salon.com/2011/11/12/fords...) there were a few but they are minor issues that don't take away from the story much. For example, it says in the book that Lincoln was in the oval office, but the oval office wasn't built until 1909. Yes, a mistake, but not something that ruins the book. If...more
I really tried too hard to like this book because I was determined not to be prejudiced because I find Bill O'Reilly to be such a jackass......Unfortunately he proved me right with this book. It can't really be considered a scholarly work on the topic because of all the fantasy situations he continually puts into the minds of the reader...."Lincoln felt the breeze on his forehead...." "Booth thought this....Booth thought that.." Mary Todd Lincoln is portrayed as simply being a dumb cow. It just...more
4 likes · like · see review
I read some of the Goodreads' reviews for this book and honestly, some of them are just stupid commentaries on Bill O'Reilly, the TV talk show host. I already know who Bill O'Reilly is and didn't want anyone to opine - just tell me what you thought of the book, for Pete's sake.
Yes, Bill O'Reilly has written books and no, I hadn't read any of them. This one was on loan to me by a friend and I wasn't inspired to read it until after I saw the movie, "Lincoln." I agree with the reviews that describ...more
Yes, Bill O'Reilly has written books and no, I hadn't read any of them. This one was on loan to me by a friend and I wasn't inspired to read it until after I saw the movie, "Lincoln." I agree with the reviews that describ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Did O'Reilly do a good job? | 42 | 174 | Apr 19, 2013 05:29am | |
| Bookworm Bitches : July 2012: Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever | 22 | 164 | Mar 27, 2013 10:09am | |
| A Novel Idea Book...: Comments from 3/14/13 Discussion | 1 | 4 | Mar 15, 2013 07:32am | |
| A Novel Idea Book...: Publishers Weekly Review | 1 | 1 | Mar 12, 2013 12:32pm | |
| A Novel Idea Book...: Kirkus Review | 1 | 2 | Mar 05, 2013 10:16am | |
| A Novel Idea Book...: Bill O'Reilly Announces Plan for Next Book 'Killing Jesus' | 1 | 4 | Feb 21, 2013 11:25am | |
| A Novel Idea Book...: Ford’s Theatre historical review of Bill O’Reilly’s ‘Lincoln’ book | 1 | 7 | Feb 19, 2013 12:15pm |
Bill O'Reilly is an American television/radio host, author, syndicated columnist, and political commentator. He is the host of the cable news program The O'Reilly Factor. Prior to hosting The O'Reilly Factor, he served as anchor of the entertainment program, Inside Edition.
O'Reilly also hosts The Radio Factor, a radio program syndicated by Westwood One, and he has written seven books.
http://us.mac...more
More about Bill O'Reilly...
O'Reilly also hosts The Radio Factor, a radio program syndicated by Westwood One, and he has written seven books.
http://us.mac...more
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“In reference to the search for Lincoln's killers as it took to the Maryland swamps:
"The method of searching the swamps is simple yet arduous. First, the troops assemble on the edge of bogs with names like Allen’s Creek, Scrub Swamp, and Atchall’s Swamp, standing at loose attention in the shade of a thick forest of beech, dogwood, and gum trees. Then they form two lines and march straight forward, from one side to the other. As absurd as it seems to the soldiers, marching headlong into cold mucky water, there is no other way of locating Booth and Herold. Incredibly, eighty-seven of these brave men will drown in their painstaking weeklong search for the killers.”
—
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"The method of searching the swamps is simple yet arduous. First, the troops assemble on the edge of bogs with names like Allen’s Creek, Scrub Swamp, and Atchall’s Swamp, standing at loose attention in the shade of a thick forest of beech, dogwood, and gum trees. Then they form two lines and march straight forward, from one side to the other. As absurd as it seems to the soldiers, marching headlong into cold mucky water, there is no other way of locating Booth and Herold. Incredibly, eighty-seven of these brave men will drown in their painstaking weeklong search for the killers.”
May 10, 2013 01:31pm
May 13, 2013 04:00pm