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Donahue
The immensely popular syndicated talkshow host candidly recalls his youth and early career, his current success in television, his disillusionment with Catholicism, and his recent discovery of inner faith.
247 pages, Hardcover
Published February 13, 1980
2 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Phil Donahue
15 books10 followersPhillip John Donahue is an Irish-American media personality and writer, best known as the creator and star of The Phil Donahue Show, also known as Donahue, the first tabloid talk show. The show had a 26-year run on national (U.S.) TV, preceded by three years of local broadcast in Dayton, Ohio, before ending in 1996.
His shows have generally focused on issues that often divide liberals and conservatives in the United States, such as abortion, consumer protection (his most frequent guest was Ralph Nader, for whom he campaigned in 2000), civil rights and war protests. Donahue also hosted a talk show on MSNBC from 2002 – 2003.
His shows have generally focused on issues that often divide liberals and conservatives in the United States, such as abortion, consumer protection (his most frequent guest was Ralph Nader, for whom he campaigned in 2000), civil rights and war protests. Donahue also hosted a talk show on MSNBC from 2002 – 2003.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 5, 2018
I Loved it. Really Learned Alot about Him.
May 9, 2020
I never cared for Phil. I didn't like his personality (just being honest here, not trying to be "mean"), didn't like the way he orchestrated his shows to paint conservatives (or all non-liberals most of the time) as ignorant relics of a bygone era of ignorance and I nearly always disagreed with his politics.
Yet, his influence on American contemporary culture from the time I was a child and onward is undeniable. There would have been no Oprah, Jerry Springer, etc., without Phil Donahue. There may have been some other type of talk show format as some argue that such was inevitable, but Phil left his stamp on the talk show format (for better or for worse) and influenced our culture in a way that few could rival. Sadly, his view of Christianity is skewed by his Catholic upbringing and his overriding liberalism that shades his entire belief system.
So, when I found this book for a low price I bought it. As a student of history, I love a good biography. And as I felt like I had been in the audience for a good bit of this story as it unfolded in the 70's, 80's and 90's, it was easy to keep my attention. Especially given the fact that it was very well written. But I remembered some of the moments described. I lived in the moment. And Phil's account gave me background information that I had not known.
When I read biographies, I expect to find a well-written story that makes me feel like I got to know the person better. Ironically, as I read this over several days I saw Phil on a TV interview and then found a bit of a documentary on him on the internet (I don't have the link to share, sadly.) So, by the end of the week I had gotten a full look at the life and career of Phil Donahue.
So, how do I feel about Phil? I am saddened by the fact that he refuses to believe that the Bible is God's word and has never made a profession of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't wish Hell on anyone, but I freely admit that when I get to know people (whether personally or by reading/viewing materials written by or about the person), I have a special desire to see that person saved. Phil is a sinner just like me. Regardless of the fact that I think his politics and moral judgments are detrimental to society and our American Republic, I would love to find out that Phil Donahue has become a born again Christian and will be in Heaven.
This book just made me pray for him.
Yet, his influence on American contemporary culture from the time I was a child and onward is undeniable. There would have been no Oprah, Jerry Springer, etc., without Phil Donahue. There may have been some other type of talk show format as some argue that such was inevitable, but Phil left his stamp on the talk show format (for better or for worse) and influenced our culture in a way that few could rival. Sadly, his view of Christianity is skewed by his Catholic upbringing and his overriding liberalism that shades his entire belief system.
So, when I found this book for a low price I bought it. As a student of history, I love a good biography. And as I felt like I had been in the audience for a good bit of this story as it unfolded in the 70's, 80's and 90's, it was easy to keep my attention. Especially given the fact that it was very well written. But I remembered some of the moments described. I lived in the moment. And Phil's account gave me background information that I had not known.
When I read biographies, I expect to find a well-written story that makes me feel like I got to know the person better. Ironically, as I read this over several days I saw Phil on a TV interview and then found a bit of a documentary on him on the internet (I don't have the link to share, sadly.) So, by the end of the week I had gotten a full look at the life and career of Phil Donahue.
So, how do I feel about Phil? I am saddened by the fact that he refuses to believe that the Bible is God's word and has never made a profession of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't wish Hell on anyone, but I freely admit that when I get to know people (whether personally or by reading/viewing materials written by or about the person), I have a special desire to see that person saved. Phil is a sinner just like me. Regardless of the fact that I think his politics and moral judgments are detrimental to society and our American Republic, I would love to find out that Phil Donahue has become a born again Christian and will be in Heaven.
This book just made me pray for him.
October 11, 2021
What, can’t a 42yo girl have a crush on 1970s/80s Phil Donahue and buy his autobiography on eBay to find out more about him?
January 9, 2024
Sorry but I just can’t get it to this book, too boring for me.
May 23, 2013
Found this very interesting and although i was not raised catholic i am sure anybody that was could relate. A good read.
June 19, 2013
Love him!
July 16, 2014
In his book, as on his show, Donahue came across as a guy truly trying to help people. Sadly, he never got the opportunity to take an entire audience to Australia.
October 29, 2011
The talk show host's autobiography.
February 3, 2016
One of my favorite random finds at a garage sale, and worth the nickel I paid for it. :)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews