Broke : The Plan to Restore our Trust, Truth and Treasure

Broke : The Plan to Restore our Trust, Truth and Treasure

4.07 of 5 stars 4.07  ·  rating details  ·  1,168 ratings  ·  140 reviews
THE FACTS.

THE FUTURE.

THE FIGHT TO FIX AMERICA—

BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.

In the words of Harvard historian Niall Ferguson, the United States is “an empire on the edge of chaos.” Why? Glenn Beck thinks the answer is pretty simple: Because we’ve turned our backs on the Constitution.

Yes, our country is financially broke, but that’s just a side effect of our broken spirit, our broke...more
Hardcover, 406 pages
Published October 26th 2010 by Threshold Editions (first published 2010)
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Dan Allosso
Why the heck am I reviewing Glenn Beck's book? Two reasons. First, because Beck is claiming to write history here. He dedicates the book "to all the historians who have refused to compromise the truth to be popular, rich, or tenured" (Thanks, Glenn!), and second, because the entire first section of the book is titled, "Past is Prologue." Somebody needs to respond to the claims he makes, about American history. I've been listening to the unabridged audiobook version of this, so my quotes may be o...more
Rhonda
Another book in true Glenn Beck form. Once again, he's fighting to save America.

The book is written in a somewhat 'textbook' format, with lots of little diagrams and inserts on each and every page to better illustrate and provide little bits of info, quotes, and facts on related topics.

The first part of the book focuses on the American PAST, the Founding Father's intent, various presidents, our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, etc.
Then he discusses the ever-growing financial debt...more
Brian
This book is the Road to Serfdom pt. 2, albeit not as complicated. If you don't like Glenn you still owe it to yourself to read it. He does something very few writers do and thats not take political sides. In this book he looks at the numbers and the policies of the leaders and shows the pain they have caused. Repubs don't fare well, and they shouldn't, and that includes Reagan!

Glenn is very hard on Bush for one thing and applauds some of the things Clinton did. He shows the slight of hand used...more
Avel
One of the best political books I have ever read. If everything Mr. Beck said was obviously wrong I would still read his books because they are extremely entertaining. This is probably his second best only to "Arguing With Idiots". It is definitely more polical then his others and a lot less comedy i.e. "ADD Moments" although more "Teachable Moments" and the like. After all, his show is an entertainment show. The layout and graphics make for very enjoyable and easy read. The extensive footnotes...more
Marc Larsen
America is broke. And Glenn Beck knows how it happened, why, and how we as a people can fix it. The national debt is currently in the range of 13,000,000,000,000 dollars. In 1900, the richest man in America could pay off the national debt. Now, the two richest men in the United States, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, pooled every cent they had, they could pay the interest for 3 months. So obviously there is some sort of issue with our debt here. A lot of it has to do with too much spending. People...more
Alan
Dec 20, 2010 Alan rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone
Recommended to Alan by: Father
This book is AMAZING! Perfectly describes the history of debt in America and the progressivism that drives it, our current problems with debt, and a suggested plan on how to fix it.

Perhaps you feel that you are just one voice out of 300 million people and cannot make a difference in shaping the political landscape of this country. Perhaps you feel like it is futile to get involved in politics. Perhaps you feel like things are so out of control that you have given up hope of ever reigning in the...more
Michael Cremin
Here is the problem as I see it: Americans want two things at the same time. On the one hand, "we" want good schools, police officers, fire stations, mail, well-maintained roads and bridges, an unbeatable military, a 'smart grid,' environmental protections, and a strong social safety net that includes housing, medical care, and food security. We want NPR, community grants, scientific research, FEMA, the CIA, the FBI, and NASA. On the other hand...we don't want to pay for it. Or, to be more speci...more
John
Honestly, I've never expected much from Glenn Beck as an author, but he really impressed me with this one. BROKE strikes me as the kind of book every American ought to read. I can't imagine a more incisive summary as to the deterioration of America's fiscal responsibility throughout the past hundred years. Furthermore, Beck doesn't hestitate to spread blame on both sides of the political fence, thereby providing the book with a welcomely non-partisan feel--though it's certain to rankle anyone wh...more
Jason Cox
This is an excellent visualization of the state of our country's finances and why you should be concerned about it. While I actually "read" it in the unabridged audible version, I ended up buying the paper version as well because it is absolutely laden with graphs, charts, and pictures that visually illustrate the discussion and are extremely well done.

Make no mistake, this is a Glen Beck book and therefore there is a considerable amount of bias. But just as the leftward bias of many authors sho...more
Anthony
The parts I found most interesting was the history portion and how we got where we are today (hint: I think Woodrow Wilson is part of the problem). I thought that in terms of the modern presidents he remained fairly non-partisan with a fairly robust criticism of Bush and the Republican congress especially in regard to medicare prescription drugs. He was surprisingly fair to Clinton and almost implies that impeachment and perjury blocked needed entitlement reform during the late nineties.

The acc...more
Michael
I don't watch Beck on tv and it has been quite a while since I last listened to one of his radio shows, but I enjoy his books. I think it is very important to read, learn, and ponder politics with a grain of salt. Sometimes it might even take a salt lick. Beck definitely leans right, so do I, so not a big deal. What I really liked was the fact that Beck was willing to take a punch at both sides of the aisle.

I think that there are many things that Beck addresses with our budget, past and present...more
travelgirlut
I think I learned more from this book about our government and how it works (or doesn't currently) than I ever learned in school or from the media or anywhere else. It was a real eye-opener. It also was very frustrating to me to read about all the problems our politicians (who we elected) have gotten us into, and it makes it feel impossible to fix. What can I do as one lowly person to fix all the problems our country has? I think a lot of issues we have today are caused by ignorance, plain and s...more
Eddy Allen
In the words of Harvard historian Niall Ferguson, the United States is “an empire on the edge of chaos.” Why? Glenn Beck thinks the answer is pretty simple: Because we’ve turned our backs on the Constitution.

Yes, our country is financially broke, but that’s just a side effect of our broken spirit, our broken faith in government, the broken promises by our leaders, and a broken political system that has centralized power at the expense of individual rights.

There is a lot of work ahead, but we can...more
Nicole
4.5 stars. Let me first preface this by saying that, while I am a conservative, and like Glenn Beck generally, he can be a bit of a kook-a-doodle. However, this book really ought to be required reading for all Americans. It just so happens that I was reading this while the newest U.S. budget was being introduced, along with all the protests in Wisconsin, and it was amazing the rhetoric that I could cut through just by being an INFORMED CITIZEN. Not only did I have the historical background of ho...more
Steve
Glenn does a good job of laying out the history, the purpose, and the cover-ups that have lead to our country's budget (and moral) deficit. The first two sections of this book are really well done and serve to educate the reader. In the third section Glenn gives us his ten steps to fix the problem. These steps are fine, but as with other Glenn Beck books, they lack depth. Glenn talks about freedom and principles as if everyone knows what he is talking about. I know Glenn does this so he can appe...more
Jerry Lingle
Please read this book if you plan to Vote in 2012--it should be required reading for everyone who is planning to VOTE in the 2012 presidential election.

Packed with great stories from history, chalkboard-style teachable moments, custom illustrations, and Glenn Beck’s trademark combination of entertainment and enlightenment, Broke makes the case that when you’re traveling in the wrong direction, slight course corrections won’t cut it—you need to take drastic action. Through a return to individual...more
Quadradix
Glenn Beck is an ultra-conservative right-wing activist, and the focus of this book is the need for the USA to return to its constitution and spiritual roots, and thereby tackle the crippling national debt which needs to be considered as a security threat to the nation.

Although Beck is at one end of the spectrum, I found this book helpful for gaining some understanding of the issues in the USA, and I found myself agreeing with a lot what he says.

His plan to fix the problem includes the following...more
Ryan
Excellent read. Like a lot of government/politics broadcasters that delve into book writing, I prefer the books (even though I do follow the show). He takes us back to a much better time, when people had control over their own lives and accepted the responsibility that came with it. I especially liked that he wasn't afraid to attack both Republicans and Democrats alike, and even give some credit where credit is due. The only thing keeping me from going with 5 stars is I found his game plan for b...more
Jeff
Jan 28, 2013 Jeff rated it 3 of 5 stars
Shelves: 2013
This is the first book I've read from Glenn Beck.

PROS: America's debt is a topic that should concern every American (regardless of their political party), especially younger ones who will be around long after their parents are gone. Includes quotes and graphics, plus resources for further research. Rather than just "complain," he also discusses solutions--like term limits for Congress and a balanced-budget amendment--that are also in favor among other individuals.

CONS: Of course, I took it wit...more
Joseph
I was pleasantly surprised by this book overall, and consider it a very useful piece of literature.

The book is split into 3 parts, although the first two are very similar in nature. The first two look at the America's dire financial situation as of 2010; it's only gotten worse) and how it came to be. Gives a brief survey of economic history from the American Revolution to today. It is very well-researched; it has over 50 pages of citations in the endnotes (which, if you watched Glenn Beck's show...more
Jim
Beck shows how the trillion dollar debt that the US is in now was started by the progressive policies of Hoover, Wilson, FDR and continued by every president and congress over the last 100 years. Our Constitution has been ignored by several administrations and we have lived beyond our means with mandatory entitlements that are unsustainable. Drastic changes are needed in the way our elected representatives behave and in the way they spend our tax dollars. This is not a feel good book but is full...more
Wendy
It was kind of a long book to get through, but I really learned alot. Disheartening, but helpful information, I feel like I understand alot more about the financial situation in our country. Of all of the Beck books that I have read, this was one was the best by far. I really enjoyed the historical background that he gives, and why we are currently in the mess that we are now, but more importantly I appreciated his specific views on just how we can get out of the giant mess we've created. Highly...more
Naomi
I think this is probably Beck's best book to date. This book takes a nonpartisan look at spending in Washington and its' impact on our country. Unlike the description above, Republicans and Democrats are both skewered, as they should be, for irresponsible and unsustainable spending and the danger it has put our country in. I think the other interesting aspect is looking at the personal debt in the country. I have been reading this book with another incredibly interesting read called Living Large...more
Julie
If you don't hold Beck in high esteem, read this anyway. I was almost willing to give this 5 stars, except a few pages with too many numbers/budgets had my eyes glazing over. BUT forget that - Beck puts forth, quite simply (unlike our government, who is in denial) all the facts about our $13,000,000,000,000 (that's TRILLION, count the zeros) debt, how we got there, why it's still getting larger (Obama's $42 trillion budget! what is he thinking???), and what we can do about it. We'd better start...more
Stephen
I watch very little TV and I try not to pay a heavy amount of attention on what’s on the daily news sites. What I'm far more interested in the underlying trend of society and human behavior that is driving the news. With that being said the only knowledge of Glenn Beck was a few mentions by friends and turning on the TV in the hotel room and listening to his crazy rants on TV. First reaction was shock, then concern, then an understanding of his motives. This deserves a whole other topic.

I tried...more
Andrew
This is an outstanding political science book!

It is split into 3 parts; The Past is Prologue, The Crime of the Century, and The Plan. Part 1 is a review of history and a look at how Progressives in both parties have gotten us to this point. If you're someone that still buys into the Republican vs. Democrat game, it's time for you to move on. For anyone that thinks Beck is some kind of Republican hack, you're an idiot, there's no nice way to put it. Beck presents the unedited truth about all admi...more
Christina
I think this book is so important for Americans to read. It is well researched with references listed clearly. It is also pretty easy to read because of the entertaining style and the interesting layout. I found the book bipartisan - he illustrates mistakes made by presidents from both political parties. He also suggests cuts in everything from federal education spending to national defense.

The first half of the book is about the fall of previous nations and how we got into the situation we are...more
Robert
Glenn Beck, either you love him or hate him. Just finished this book, and wow- how insightful. My biggest complaint about problem-finding books is that they generally offer little to no support for reform ideas, but this book is the exception. Glenn tackles all of the major problems with the current economy, and offers point-by-point suggestions for reform and repair. Even though both sides of the debate may argue his ideas, the fact remains that America is "Broke" and needs fixing. This book ho...more
Longanlon
Кофтито е, че в момента САЩ харчат всяка година 40% повече отколкото могат да си позволят – т.е. изплащат стария дълг с нови дългове, което сами разбирате колко е нелепо като икономическа стратегия...

Прочетете цялата статия: http://kaka-cuuka.com/knigi/broke/
Belcatar
Glenn Beck has written a timely, informative look at the current state of our Republic. At the end he gives solutions to some of the problems we face. The most surprising part of the book was his treatment of President Clinton, who actually shrank government (though the Republican-controlled Congress had something to do with it.)

Well written, thoroughly researched and entertaining, though I'm sure FDR lovers out there will probably want to burn it.


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Broke : The Plan to Restore our Trust, Truth and Treasure (Kindle Edition)
Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure (ebook)
Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure (Audio CD)
Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure (Paperback)
Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure (Audio CD)

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Glenn Edward Lee Beck is one of America's leading radio and television personalities. His quick wit, candid opinions and engaging personality have made The Glenn Beck Program the third highest rated radio program in America and Glenn Beck, one of the most successful new shows on the Fox News Channel. His unique blend of modern-day storytelling and insightful views on current events allowed him to...more
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