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The O'Reilly Factor
An irreverent, straight-talking look at American politics and culture from the iconoclastic anchor of one of the highest-rated TV news programs in the country.
Bill O'Reilly has the hottest cable news program on the air. "The O'Reilly Factor," seen nightly on the Fox News Channel, boosted its ratings by more than six times in 1998, and has kept soaring. His blunt, ironic, no-holds-barred style has earned O'Reilly a devoted audience of viewers--friends and foes alike--who send him five thousand letters every week. Now, with the wit and intelligence that have made him one of the most talked-about stars in television, Bill O'Reilly identifies what's right, what's wrong, and what's absurd in the political, social, economic, and cultural life of
*The why what you see is decided upon by morons
* why most politicians are obsolete
* why Americans would declare war on Denmark if they knew what was going on there
As the nation prepares for another presidential race, O'Reilly's provocative opinions are sure to add fire to the ongoing debates. THE O'REILLY FACTOR is poised to follow in the footsteps of bestsellers such as Rush Limbaugh's The Way Things Ought to Be and Jesse Ventura's I Ain't Got Time to Bleed.
Bill O'Reilly has the hottest cable news program on the air. "The O'Reilly Factor," seen nightly on the Fox News Channel, boosted its ratings by more than six times in 1998, and has kept soaring. His blunt, ironic, no-holds-barred style has earned O'Reilly a devoted audience of viewers--friends and foes alike--who send him five thousand letters every week. Now, with the wit and intelligence that have made him one of the most talked-about stars in television, Bill O'Reilly identifies what's right, what's wrong, and what's absurd in the political, social, economic, and cultural life of
*The why what you see is decided upon by morons
* why most politicians are obsolete
* why Americans would declare war on Denmark if they knew what was going on there
As the nation prepares for another presidential race, O'Reilly's provocative opinions are sure to add fire to the ongoing debates. THE O'REILLY FACTOR is poised to follow in the footsteps of bestsellers such as Rush Limbaugh's The Way Things Ought to Be and Jesse Ventura's I Ain't Got Time to Bleed.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2000
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671 people want to read
About the author
Bill O'Reilly
61 books3,470 followersBill O'Reilly's success in broadcasting and publishing is unmatched. The iconic anchor of The O'Reilly Factor led the program to the status of the highest rated cable news broadcast in the nation for sixteen consecutive years. His website BillOReilly.com is followed by millions all over the world.
In addition, he has authored an astonishing 12 number one ranked non-fiction books including the historical "Killing" series. Mr. O'Reilly currently has 17 million books in print.
Bill O'Reilly has been a broadcaster for 42 years. He has been awarded three Emmys and a number of other journalism accolades. He was a national correspondent for CBS News and ABC News as well as a reporter-anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City, among other high-profile jobs.
Mr. O'Reilly received two other Emmy nominations for the movies "Killing Kennedy" and "Killing Jesus."
He holds a history degree from Marist College, a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and another master’s degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Bill O'Reilly lives on Long Island where he was raised. His philanthropic enterprises have raised tens of millions for people in need and wounded American veterans.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/billor...
In addition, he has authored an astonishing 12 number one ranked non-fiction books including the historical "Killing" series. Mr. O'Reilly currently has 17 million books in print.
Bill O'Reilly has been a broadcaster for 42 years. He has been awarded three Emmys and a number of other journalism accolades. He was a national correspondent for CBS News and ABC News as well as a reporter-anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City, among other high-profile jobs.
Mr. O'Reilly received two other Emmy nominations for the movies "Killing Kennedy" and "Killing Jesus."
He holds a history degree from Marist College, a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and another master’s degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Bill O'Reilly lives on Long Island where he was raised. His philanthropic enterprises have raised tens of millions for people in need and wounded American veterans.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/billor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 16, 2015
The entirety of the male species is sex starved! They are no more than a bunch of horny bastards, according to Bill O’Reilly’s Sex Factor. Men think of “NOTHING” but sex and rightly so because that’s just the way they are – sex starved monsters. “If we aren’t having sex on a daily basis, we are thinking about it all the time. I mean, all the time” (p.29)… “Women to men are just sex objects and no matter what a man says to you ladies, he is lying. He just wants to sleep with you”!!!!
Papa Bill has spoken. I hope his wife is listening coz he is trying to tell her something! It puzzles me why he has a problem with Hip hop artist singing about this acknowledged reality of how all “human male” are and their portrayal of women as sex objects. But of course if it’s O’Reilly then it O’Righty!
There are a lot of contradicting statements I could easily pull out from this chapter but I will save my time. I will like to point out, however, if this immorality is in the nature of all men, then Bill has no right to constantly bash and contemptuously ridicule Clinton or make a mockery of him throughout the book – I mean, we have already been educated by him that all men are sexual perverts.
Conversely, he writes that he has no problem with Mick Jagger, in fact Bill blames Jagger’s wife for not being “perceptive.” “She is as dumb as she looks,” he asserted. I can’t help but wonder how Bill controls his own unceasingly incessant sexual orgies?!
Vis-à-vis the Job factor, I thought Bill will at least attempt to address issues related to “jobs” and unemployment in the “American Life.” Lo and behold, it was his resume presented with obnoxious braggadocio. This man supports and defends his cockiness as much as he blabbers about success, politics, marriage et al. His obvious hypocrisies are unbelievable: "I'm not going to brag about my exploits with women" and then he dives right into it. The book ends with the “Good” factor in which he lists "all the good in the American Life," ironically; the list comprises of only and all the celebrities and movies Bill really likes whilst giving a synopsis of each along with why they made it to the good list [right after the dude complains that Americans give celebrities unnecessary attention and too much importance. Way to go, Bill!]
Repeatedly, throughout the book, he starts making lists of things he likes and dislikes as soon as he runs out of ideas. Of course you’ll enjoy this claptrap balderdash if you are interested to know what O'Reilly's favorite books and movies are. I really don't care what he thinks of Weather-people, Rice Cakes, Steak Tartar, Onion Flavored Potato Chips or Sushi and whether or not he likes Chinese food, P. Diddy or the Doors. I don’t care. Nobody cares.
He is definitely suffering from megalomania. Papa Bill, what is the significance of telling us that a woman bid $3000 to take you on a date in 1990? I really don’t care. You say: “don't kiss and tell," however; you described to us how far you got on a first date at a drive in! Also, what’s with all the name dropping? That’s lame!
I must confess, however, that he got me in the first and somewhat only interesting chapter but then lost me almost immediately as he quickly ran out of steam. The rest of the book, unfortunately, drifts and wanders away through his roughly and badly thought out musings on just about everything else. The more you read, the more the content wears away and each chapter reads more and more like a high school newspaper editorial column.
Seriously, the book was poorly written, the prose is irritating and somewhat immature. I have been reading it for over 3 months; I finally forced myself to finish it. I struggled to find anything that I gained from this book but meh. My intelligence was thoroughly and severely insulted, I was frustrated by his inability to think critically.
O’Reilly’s level of ignorance and lack of logical reasoning is impeccable. I was expecting at least a certain depth in analysis from a so called journalist. But this guy is far from an intellectual, he is one of the most ludicrously hilarious and annoying people I have ever read. This book is absurd, it doesn’t serve a purpose, and it follows no clear linear path. It’s all random thoughts of an old crazy conservative demagogue. His ego is about the size of Kilimanjaro. He is biased and arrogant on every factor and issue he discusses. It is impossible for this guy to see things in shades of gray, it either black or white. All the rounded and blunt conclusions are based on irrelevant data and observations.
Ultimately, I find it simply unbelievable and alarming that this schmuck is so popular and a worthless book like this can end up on the bestseller list. The man lacks journalistic integrity, his book is absolute Garbage. They are both a waste of time and money. If I Could, I would give It 0 Stars. However, if you like the man and his show go ahead and buy it. You deserve it..
Papa Bill has spoken. I hope his wife is listening coz he is trying to tell her something! It puzzles me why he has a problem with Hip hop artist singing about this acknowledged reality of how all “human male” are and their portrayal of women as sex objects. But of course if it’s O’Reilly then it O’Righty!
There are a lot of contradicting statements I could easily pull out from this chapter but I will save my time. I will like to point out, however, if this immorality is in the nature of all men, then Bill has no right to constantly bash and contemptuously ridicule Clinton or make a mockery of him throughout the book – I mean, we have already been educated by him that all men are sexual perverts.
Conversely, he writes that he has no problem with Mick Jagger, in fact Bill blames Jagger’s wife for not being “perceptive.” “She is as dumb as she looks,” he asserted. I can’t help but wonder how Bill controls his own unceasingly incessant sexual orgies?!
Vis-à-vis the Job factor, I thought Bill will at least attempt to address issues related to “jobs” and unemployment in the “American Life.” Lo and behold, it was his resume presented with obnoxious braggadocio. This man supports and defends his cockiness as much as he blabbers about success, politics, marriage et al. His obvious hypocrisies are unbelievable: "I'm not going to brag about my exploits with women" and then he dives right into it. The book ends with the “Good” factor in which he lists "all the good in the American Life," ironically; the list comprises of only and all the celebrities and movies Bill really likes whilst giving a synopsis of each along with why they made it to the good list [right after the dude complains that Americans give celebrities unnecessary attention and too much importance. Way to go, Bill!]
Repeatedly, throughout the book, he starts making lists of things he likes and dislikes as soon as he runs out of ideas. Of course you’ll enjoy this claptrap balderdash if you are interested to know what O'Reilly's favorite books and movies are. I really don't care what he thinks of Weather-people, Rice Cakes, Steak Tartar, Onion Flavored Potato Chips or Sushi and whether or not he likes Chinese food, P. Diddy or the Doors. I don’t care. Nobody cares.
He is definitely suffering from megalomania. Papa Bill, what is the significance of telling us that a woman bid $3000 to take you on a date in 1990? I really don’t care. You say: “don't kiss and tell," however; you described to us how far you got on a first date at a drive in! Also, what’s with all the name dropping? That’s lame!
I must confess, however, that he got me in the first and somewhat only interesting chapter but then lost me almost immediately as he quickly ran out of steam. The rest of the book, unfortunately, drifts and wanders away through his roughly and badly thought out musings on just about everything else. The more you read, the more the content wears away and each chapter reads more and more like a high school newspaper editorial column.
Seriously, the book was poorly written, the prose is irritating and somewhat immature. I have been reading it for over 3 months; I finally forced myself to finish it. I struggled to find anything that I gained from this book but meh. My intelligence was thoroughly and severely insulted, I was frustrated by his inability to think critically.
O’Reilly’s level of ignorance and lack of logical reasoning is impeccable. I was expecting at least a certain depth in analysis from a so called journalist. But this guy is far from an intellectual, he is one of the most ludicrously hilarious and annoying people I have ever read. This book is absurd, it doesn’t serve a purpose, and it follows no clear linear path. It’s all random thoughts of an old crazy conservative demagogue. His ego is about the size of Kilimanjaro. He is biased and arrogant on every factor and issue he discusses. It is impossible for this guy to see things in shades of gray, it either black or white. All the rounded and blunt conclusions are based on irrelevant data and observations.
Ultimately, I find it simply unbelievable and alarming that this schmuck is so popular and a worthless book like this can end up on the bestseller list. The man lacks journalistic integrity, his book is absolute Garbage. They are both a waste of time and money. If I Could, I would give It 0 Stars. However, if you like the man and his show go ahead and buy it. You deserve it..
January 26, 2008
I read this one on a bit of a dare to myself, to check out something I usually wouldn't get near. You may be able to tell that Mr. O'Reilly isn't really 'my cuppa'.
My father (who likes Bill a *lot* and is a regular Fox News viewer) owns this book and I found it while staying at the folks' place.
It seems to be pretty much what you get on O'Reilly's TV program. He stresses his "working class" Irish-Catholic roots, charts his rise through various network news jobs and of course, tells the reader what's good for America and the children.
Apart from a very few wry observations, I grew tired of Mr. O'Reilly's smug tone after the first few chapters. His act of imitating Clint Eastwood's demeanor while stalking corridors at whatever job he was working at, seemed to ring hollow and cheesy to me. The nadir of the entire book, though, is when he's discussing his nightclubbing adventures in the 70s. The idea of that actually made me shudder--though I suppose I did get a humorous image of B.O'R. with medallions and a white disco suit, permed hair and a Tom Selleck 'tache lounge-lizarding around his local disco.
Maybe I could rate it two stars just for that...or 1 and a half.
My father (who likes Bill a *lot* and is a regular Fox News viewer) owns this book and I found it while staying at the folks' place.
It seems to be pretty much what you get on O'Reilly's TV program. He stresses his "working class" Irish-Catholic roots, charts his rise through various network news jobs and of course, tells the reader what's good for America and the children.
Apart from a very few wry observations, I grew tired of Mr. O'Reilly's smug tone after the first few chapters. His act of imitating Clint Eastwood's demeanor while stalking corridors at whatever job he was working at, seemed to ring hollow and cheesy to me. The nadir of the entire book, though, is when he's discussing his nightclubbing adventures in the 70s. The idea of that actually made me shudder--though I suppose I did get a humorous image of B.O'R. with medallions and a white disco suit, permed hair and a Tom Selleck 'tache lounge-lizarding around his local disco.
Maybe I could rate it two stars just for that...or 1 and a half.
September 24, 2007
In the dead of winter, with no TV, no internet, no sunshine to brighten my life, I turned to Bill O'Reilly to warm my cold, lonely nights. I read this book mostly because I wanted to challenge myself, to see if I could read his entire book without vomiting. I succeeded in finishing this book and not becoming violently ill. The only side effect was the nightmares, nightmares about intolerable, insensitive individuals who pollute and inhibit sensible dialogue. Individuals like Mr O'Reilly.
November 5, 2012
To be honest, I don't why the heck I read this. I must have been in an extremely masochistic mood when I checked it out from the local library. If subjecting myself to pain was my ultimate goal that afternoon, this book certainly did not disappoint. It was painful to read all the way through.
This book is even more painful than his t.v. show. On television O'Reilly is able to mask his vast stupidity by raising his voice and screaming at everyone and everything within a two-mile radius of his anchor desk. Unfortunately for him, the "scream at them so they don't see how dumb I am" strategy cannot be employed between the covers of a book.
The most ridiculous thing in American Life is that this simpleton gets books published. Even more ridiculous . . . idiots like me who wasted their time reading it.
If you are one of these people who absolutely needs a fix of stale received-wisdom and molten-hot liberalism disguised as raging, foaming-at-the-mouth conservatism, I suggest you skip this book and get your fix of Bill "Oh, Really?" straight from the source on FOX. At least the screaming contains some element of entertainment.
This book is even more painful than his t.v. show. On television O'Reilly is able to mask his vast stupidity by raising his voice and screaming at everyone and everything within a two-mile radius of his anchor desk. Unfortunately for him, the "scream at them so they don't see how dumb I am" strategy cannot be employed between the covers of a book.
The most ridiculous thing in American Life is that this simpleton gets books published. Even more ridiculous . . . idiots like me who wasted their time reading it.
If you are one of these people who absolutely needs a fix of stale received-wisdom and molten-hot liberalism disguised as raging, foaming-at-the-mouth conservatism, I suggest you skip this book and get your fix of Bill "Oh, Really?" straight from the source on FOX. At least the screaming contains some element of entertainment.
October 29, 2012
I enjoyed this book, maybe because I agree with O'Reilly's value system...there are a few points I took a "whoa point of view", but I have to agree with the majority of basic principles of honor, honesty, understanding and loyalty that resonated with me. His parenting chapter was spot on!
I would like an update of this book since it was written in 2000 to see what changes have taken place in his mind-sight if any. (Maybe "Patriots and Pinheads" will fulfill that request.
Why did I read this book? because I recently within the last 6 months faithfully started watching "The O'Reilly Factor", read "Killing Lincoln", read :Killing Kennedy" and wanted to understand the man that my 85 year old mother has been watching for the last 10 years. Now I understand why! I borrowed this book from her.
I've learned more about our current government and historical events though him (and other Fox Programs) than I have through any other source! (And I thought I was paying attention to what was happening around me!) Thank you Mr. O'Reilly! I am onto "No Spin Zone"
I would like an update of this book since it was written in 2000 to see what changes have taken place in his mind-sight if any. (Maybe "Patriots and Pinheads" will fulfill that request.
Why did I read this book? because I recently within the last 6 months faithfully started watching "The O'Reilly Factor", read "Killing Lincoln", read :Killing Kennedy" and wanted to understand the man that my 85 year old mother has been watching for the last 10 years. Now I understand why! I borrowed this book from her.
I've learned more about our current government and historical events though him (and other Fox Programs) than I have through any other source! (And I thought I was paying attention to what was happening around me!) Thank you Mr. O'Reilly! I am onto "No Spin Zone"
January 22, 2013
Sigh. Mr. O'Reilly is an extremely intelligent man and a decent writer. He is definately *not* my cup of tea and I rarely watch his show. That said, I did find myself, much to my horror, agreeing with him on the class situation in the U.S. I did not agree with his stance on drug addiction and alcoholism (as an Irish-American, he outght to know better!)
His views on children and discipline seem reactionary. I've often wondered if his daughter, who was an infant at the time the book was written, ended up having some sort of a learning disability. If she did, I feel very sorry for her for having a narrow minded individual for a parent. Hopefully the mother is a little more "with it."
All in all, the book was well-written. I just wish, sometimes, that "intelligence" could mean "open minded."
His views on children and discipline seem reactionary. I've often wondered if his daughter, who was an infant at the time the book was written, ended up having some sort of a learning disability. If she did, I feel very sorry for her for having a narrow minded individual for a parent. Hopefully the mother is a little more "with it."
All in all, the book was well-written. I just wish, sometimes, that "intelligence" could mean "open minded."
January 11, 2009
His books read like they were taken straight from a transcript of his show, with little editing or addition.
I don't mean that as a compliment either.
This guy seemed so fresh when he first started out with the "no spin zone" now it seems that instead of "fair and balanced" he (and the rest of his station) try to provide a balance.
Anyway, I would probably try to read another one if they were actually written instead of cobbled together from his on air transcript material. This kind of 'book' is just an attempt to cash in on those who just can't get enough of the 'on air' personality.
I don't mean that as a compliment either.
This guy seemed so fresh when he first started out with the "no spin zone" now it seems that instead of "fair and balanced" he (and the rest of his station) try to provide a balance.
Anyway, I would probably try to read another one if they were actually written instead of cobbled together from his on air transcript material. This kind of 'book' is just an attempt to cash in on those who just can't get enough of the 'on air' personality.
August 16, 2014
Please, someone, neuter this man. It will calm him down and make him less vicious, ask any veterinarian.
Mr. O'Reilly himself is one of the worst, completely ridiculous things in American life today. I read this as a library book, looking for laughs and not being willing to underwrite his special, rabid brand of fiction. How can I explain this man's point of view: think Karl Rove after being bitten by a foaming-at-the-mouth skunk.
Mr. O'Reilly himself is one of the worst, completely ridiculous things in American life today. I read this as a library book, looking for laughs and not being willing to underwrite his special, rabid brand of fiction. How can I explain this man's point of view: think Karl Rove after being bitten by a foaming-at-the-mouth skunk.
April 18, 2017
I definitely don't think O'Reilly should be giving me advice on child-rearing, marriage, DATING! EEeek! but I agreed with him on some subjects: race, politics, money, etc. I was not impressed by his attempts at being funny and I did not find this very stimulating at all. I will still watch him interrupt people on TV. He is much more entertaining as a TV host.
January 31, 2022
Found this in a puddle in a parking lot full of water damage, dried it out, and decided to give it a try.
Been 20 years since I read it, but I remember chapters like "these are things I don't like" and he would prattle on about not liking chinese food.
There's also some sexist shite in here about how he was a disco dancing machine in the 70's and used his 'celebrity' as a local newscaster in whatever media market he was in at the time , in order to get women to have sex with him.
Been 20 years since I read it, but I remember chapters like "these are things I don't like" and he would prattle on about not liking chinese food.
There's also some sexist shite in here about how he was a disco dancing machine in the 70's and used his 'celebrity' as a local newscaster in whatever media market he was in at the time , in order to get women to have sex with him.
March 26, 2022
From time to time I like to give books a chance to keep my biases in check.
I went into this book strongly disliking O’Reilly in general, based on some brief experiences I’d had.
My opinion is utterly unchanged after reading.
I went into this book strongly disliking O’Reilly in general, based on some brief experiences I’d had.
My opinion is utterly unchanged after reading.
May 20, 2017
I don't think I would care for Mr. O'Reilly very much, and I certainly don't agree with all he says, but he certainly makes me think, and I do enjoy his writing.
April 24, 2015
I had heard enough soundbytes of Bill O'Reilly spouting off to have a very negative impression, but when I found this audiobook used, for a dollar, I thought I would give him a fair try. At first, I found myself agreeing with so many of the values and beliefs he stated, and was surprised to hear him rant as much about the rich, corporate power-mongers as Hilary Clinton. But this was written in 2000, just before the Bush/Gore election, and perhaps he had not made the transition fully to the dark side by then.
As the book went on, I started to question whether he actually believed many of those values we shared. By the second half of the book, the accumulation of rants really showed his true nature - that of an incredibly arrogant, opinionated chauvinist who contains not an ounce of humility or empathy. The problem lies in his belief in his omniscience and absolute righteousness. By believing that he already knows everything, he does not have the capacity to learn anything new, as when a bucket of sand is full, any sand added will just pour down the sides.
In fact, I now believe that Mr. O'Reilly and I share very little, and I have found him to be misogynistic, prejudiced, and really antagonistic to the working class that he claims to represent.
I gave this book two stars just to give him some credit for his prose - he can write and express his views well. I was ready to give it three stars, but he lost me in the second half, and I will cite two points (among many) that swayed me: In his advice on writing, he demands that young writers stop using cliches, yet his prose is overwhelmed by them (the most ironic of which is his repeated use of "This Humble Reporter"); The worst was his story of intimidating a woman on an airplane to keep her child in line, then deriding her for "chickening out" in her solution (without considering the fear of physical danger that he obviously, and intentionally, instilled in her).
I do not think I need to read anymore of his work, though if I see something more current in the Used Audiobooks rack (for no more than a dollar), I might pick it up to see if and when he dropped the pretense of the champion of the working class.
As the book went on, I started to question whether he actually believed many of those values we shared. By the second half of the book, the accumulation of rants really showed his true nature - that of an incredibly arrogant, opinionated chauvinist who contains not an ounce of humility or empathy. The problem lies in his belief in his omniscience and absolute righteousness. By believing that he already knows everything, he does not have the capacity to learn anything new, as when a bucket of sand is full, any sand added will just pour down the sides.
In fact, I now believe that Mr. O'Reilly and I share very little, and I have found him to be misogynistic, prejudiced, and really antagonistic to the working class that he claims to represent.
I gave this book two stars just to give him some credit for his prose - he can write and express his views well. I was ready to give it three stars, but he lost me in the second half, and I will cite two points (among many) that swayed me: In his advice on writing, he demands that young writers stop using cliches, yet his prose is overwhelmed by them (the most ironic of which is his repeated use of "This Humble Reporter"); The worst was his story of intimidating a woman on an airplane to keep her child in line, then deriding her for "chickening out" in her solution (without considering the fear of physical danger that he obviously, and intentionally, instilled in her).
I do not think I need to read anymore of his work, though if I see something more current in the Used Audiobooks rack (for no more than a dollar), I might pick it up to see if and when he dropped the pretense of the champion of the working class.
April 19, 2010
Easy read, and fairly frequently I read something I appreciated.
75% of all physical abuse against helpless little kids is committed by inebriated adults... Alcohol is involved in fully half of all murders, accidental deaths, and suicides in the United States and in almost half of all fatal car accidents... pg 58
...drug testing is possible now for about a dollar a test... "in" Alabama ... All prisoners are now tested as soon as they are booked. The majority -no surprise- have drugs or alcohol in their blood... All convicted suspects are given a choice forced drug rehab in a prison drug facility or... 90% opt for rehab pg 62
If you think it's easy for your kids to get their hands on cigarettes and booze... just wait until the day some town or state makes the mistake of legalizing heroin, coke... pg 60
Miss Manners is right. No one wants to eat near a slob... pg 128
75% of all physical abuse against helpless little kids is committed by inebriated adults... Alcohol is involved in fully half of all murders, accidental deaths, and suicides in the United States and in almost half of all fatal car accidents... pg 58
...drug testing is possible now for about a dollar a test... "in" Alabama ... All prisoners are now tested as soon as they are booked. The majority -no surprise- have drugs or alcohol in their blood... All convicted suspects are given a choice forced drug rehab in a prison drug facility or... 90% opt for rehab pg 62
If you think it's easy for your kids to get their hands on cigarettes and booze... just wait until the day some town or state makes the mistake of legalizing heroin, coke... pg 60
Miss Manners is right. No one wants to eat near a slob... pg 128
August 8, 2010
Sigh. He's a cranky old guy who believes earnest garbage like 'this country was great a generation ago.' He's the rich white uncle who worked hard, made a ton of mistakes, recounts them here and now feels privileged to look down on the needy. Jackass? You bet, and proud of it. He espouses the retro-corrected mush of 'Leave it to Beaver' and its ilk as being authentic portrayals of American values.
O'Reilly also has the #1 rated opinion program on a "news" network; not to be confused with a news program. Feared as too conservative at the time this book was published, O'Reilly's show is now surrounded by programming which makes him appear almost moderate. Worth reading simply to see how a relatable stubborn mule hit it big. Amusing and infuriating.
O'Reilly also has the #1 rated opinion program on a "news" network; not to be confused with a news program. Feared as too conservative at the time this book was published, O'Reilly's show is now surrounded by programming which makes him appear almost moderate. Worth reading simply to see how a relatable stubborn mule hit it big. Amusing and infuriating.
February 3, 2016
I've never watched Fox News nor (until this book) did I know anything about Bill O'Reilly. I enjoyed the historical context of his books The Killing of Patton and The Killing of Jesus and still would like to read Killing Lincoln. With that in mind I picked up the O'Reilly Factor at the local library, just to get a look into the person of Bill O'Reilly himself. Written 14 years ago, it was interesting to see that O'Reilly had strong thoughts about the Clintons and Donald Trump even then. The book was so-so, moving along, until the final chapter in which O'Reilly stated his picks of the worst and best of Americans who influence our lives, and Bill Cosby came in first as a favorite. For better or worse it negated the entire book for me.
September 22, 2010
I was under the impression this would be a read about Mr. O'Reilly's views of American Life-I was wrong. This was, primarily, a book about Mr. O'Reilly's life and experiences. Parts were interesting and mildly entertaining, but most of it was a snooze fest into O'Reilly egomania. If you wish to know many boring details from Mr. O'Reilly's childhood and job history experiences, with him acting like a jackass most of the way, this is definitely the book for you.
July 8, 2014
Love or Hate the man he speaks the truth as he sees it and I give him a lot of credit for that. This book was excellent though I may not agree with everything the man says he does it with a passion for his views. The book was a good read and well worth taking a look at. O'Reilly gives you what he deems worthy of sharing and I liked that about the book.
September 30, 2014
This month, I endeavour to read books by others I do not share ideology with, and Bill O'Reilly was my first one. It was a difficult book for me to get through, it seemed that the author was just writing things to be provocative for shock value only.
Simply disappointing.
Simply disappointing.
January 5, 2014
Me, me, me, me, me. If you like that sort of thing.
June 8, 2017
To be fair, this book has the Good, the Bad and the Ridiculous. When I say that, I mean the author's views more so than issues he was talking about when he wrote this. The United States of America has always had triumphs, failures and stupidity. I didn't really care too much about the topics he was talking about as much as his response to them and his worldview. I read this book to discover his view of life and politics. So what did I think?
The Good: Bill O'Reilly does not shy away from being truthful and blunt. No matter what you think of his other views, this is admirable. He also seems to care about people which are affected by the issues he discusses in the book. What stuck out to me was how he argued for the protecting children more than any other group of people.
Another good thing about this book is that he says and demonstrates that he isn't afraid to have different political views and break away from party lines. I appreciate when people develop their own opinions instead of being told to believe everything and go along with a group or party's beliefs. This especially goes for politics. I get tired of people believing and parroting an opinion on an issue that a politician or party platform says without considering it for themselves. And even if I find I disagree with O'Reilly on a certain issue, I can at least appreciate that his opinion is his own and he has at least thought about the issue.
When writing about religion, he makes a simple but good point defending a theistic worldview: that is if there is no God, then you won't care about when your dead and buried. I can at least appreciate that he believes that. The rest of his worldview is a different story.
Finally, the last good part of the book is probably it's autobiographical aspects. He's very informative, sincere and it is good to know where he's coming from. This is one of the major strengths of book.
The Bad: Many people have thought or think Bill O'Reilly is arrogant, myself included. He included letters from his viewers and critics making this observation, and he didn't seem to deny it.
Another weak aspect of this book is that it seems kind of bland to me. Maybe it's just that I've been reading to many dated news personality books in the last year (I was reading Rush Limbaugh's first book about this time last year), or that I've been trying to take it easy and not get wound about news and politics. It could also very well be that this book feels like a combination of different genres instead of news and politics. There seemed to be a weak focus on political issues, and he made his commentary into life lessons. It was mostly common sense, which he himself admitted. The problem with that is, I don't think most people need to be told how live and do basic things by Bill O'Reilly of all people. To elaborate on the point of Bill O'Reilly giving advice, his prescriptions and views for dating, marriage and sex are very sketchy. On a side note, many of the chapters seemed to be geared towards adults who are married with kids, so that didn't help in catching my interest.
The Ridiculous: I mainly have one thing that I believe is ridiculous in this book: his views on basic Christian truths. I know Bill O'Reilly is a Roman Catholic, I knew that before I started reading this book. And to be clear, I do not hate Catholics. I appreciate the political insight that Sean Hannity, Hugh Hewitt and even Bill O'Reilly offer (why else would I be reading this book?). This also goes for Jews Dennis Prager, Mark Levin and Ben Shapiro, some of my favorite conservative voices. And to a lesser extent (in light of his recent activities) Mormon Glenn Back. But I do not not agree with them theologically and I think Roman Catholicism is not true Christianity. I was not surprised when Bill O'Reilly stated views in his chapter on religion that were against basic tenets of biblical Christianity. His response to a viewer who wrote to him that Jesus is the only way to Heaven was "I'm a Catholic". He also said he was an "independent thinker" when it came to his Christianity. Its fine to to come to your own conclusions, but conclusions need to be supported by evidence, and he is rejecting Biblical evidence in favor of feelings. The dumbest thing he said in this entire book was responding to what Jesus said regarding salvation with something Abraham Lincoln once said trying to refute it! (This is why I am skeptical and wary of his popular Killing Jesus book) Sorry, O'Reilly, Lincoln is not the Incarnation of God. Whatever your opinion, the Creator of the Universe is much wiser than Honest Abe. Was Abraham Lincoln a good president? Sure. But his words do not trump the Word of God. This was the most ridiculous and the dumbest part of the book by a long shot.
Overall, despite the problems, it was an okay book. Maybe not very good on it's own, but for me using it to learn more about what Bill O'Reilly believes, it works fine.
I'll be reading and reviewing two of his other books from the early 2000's, which will probably be more of the same: Good, Bad and Ridiculous.
The Good: Bill O'Reilly does not shy away from being truthful and blunt. No matter what you think of his other views, this is admirable. He also seems to care about people which are affected by the issues he discusses in the book. What stuck out to me was how he argued for the protecting children more than any other group of people.
Another good thing about this book is that he says and demonstrates that he isn't afraid to have different political views and break away from party lines. I appreciate when people develop their own opinions instead of being told to believe everything and go along with a group or party's beliefs. This especially goes for politics. I get tired of people believing and parroting an opinion on an issue that a politician or party platform says without considering it for themselves. And even if I find I disagree with O'Reilly on a certain issue, I can at least appreciate that his opinion is his own and he has at least thought about the issue.
When writing about religion, he makes a simple but good point defending a theistic worldview: that is if there is no God, then you won't care about when your dead and buried. I can at least appreciate that he believes that. The rest of his worldview is a different story.
Finally, the last good part of the book is probably it's autobiographical aspects. He's very informative, sincere and it is good to know where he's coming from. This is one of the major strengths of book.
The Bad: Many people have thought or think Bill O'Reilly is arrogant, myself included. He included letters from his viewers and critics making this observation, and he didn't seem to deny it.
Another weak aspect of this book is that it seems kind of bland to me. Maybe it's just that I've been reading to many dated news personality books in the last year (I was reading Rush Limbaugh's first book about this time last year), or that I've been trying to take it easy and not get wound about news and politics. It could also very well be that this book feels like a combination of different genres instead of news and politics. There seemed to be a weak focus on political issues, and he made his commentary into life lessons. It was mostly common sense, which he himself admitted. The problem with that is, I don't think most people need to be told how live and do basic things by Bill O'Reilly of all people. To elaborate on the point of Bill O'Reilly giving advice, his prescriptions and views for dating, marriage and sex are very sketchy. On a side note, many of the chapters seemed to be geared towards adults who are married with kids, so that didn't help in catching my interest.
The Ridiculous: I mainly have one thing that I believe is ridiculous in this book: his views on basic Christian truths. I know Bill O'Reilly is a Roman Catholic, I knew that before I started reading this book. And to be clear, I do not hate Catholics. I appreciate the political insight that Sean Hannity, Hugh Hewitt and even Bill O'Reilly offer (why else would I be reading this book?). This also goes for Jews Dennis Prager, Mark Levin and Ben Shapiro, some of my favorite conservative voices. And to a lesser extent (in light of his recent activities) Mormon Glenn Back. But I do not not agree with them theologically and I think Roman Catholicism is not true Christianity. I was not surprised when Bill O'Reilly stated views in his chapter on religion that were against basic tenets of biblical Christianity. His response to a viewer who wrote to him that Jesus is the only way to Heaven was "I'm a Catholic". He also said he was an "independent thinker" when it came to his Christianity. Its fine to to come to your own conclusions, but conclusions need to be supported by evidence, and he is rejecting Biblical evidence in favor of feelings. The dumbest thing he said in this entire book was responding to what Jesus said regarding salvation with something Abraham Lincoln once said trying to refute it! (This is why I am skeptical and wary of his popular Killing Jesus book) Sorry, O'Reilly, Lincoln is not the Incarnation of God. Whatever your opinion, the Creator of the Universe is much wiser than Honest Abe. Was Abraham Lincoln a good president? Sure. But his words do not trump the Word of God. This was the most ridiculous and the dumbest part of the book by a long shot.
Overall, despite the problems, it was an okay book. Maybe not very good on it's own, but for me using it to learn more about what Bill O'Reilly believes, it works fine.
I'll be reading and reviewing two of his other books from the early 2000's, which will probably be more of the same: Good, Bad and Ridiculous.
October 25, 2017
The book is about Bill O’Reilly’s opinions of America. Bill discusses race, class, sex, politics, etc. in his book. Bill writes that “ The class system as related to race plays a role”. This is where I disagree with Bill. O’reilly thinks that your race will determine how much money you will make if you're in the middle class. He also feels that whatever class you’re born into, will be the class you remain in. But the book is alright but overall we did not like it he does speak some truth about some things about America but on the book Bill thinks he is always right, but the factors which are the chapters of the book he talks his opinions mostly but the people who would we recommend the book who like politics and that have read other Bill O‘Reilly books
October 25, 2017
The book is about Bill O’Reilly’s opinions of America. Bill discusses race, class, sex, politics, etc. in his book. Bill writes that “ The class system as related to race plays a role”. This is where I disagree with Bill. O’reilly thinks that your race will determine how much money you will make if you're in the middle class. He also feels that whatever class you’re born into, will be the class you remain in. But the book is alright but overall we did not like it he does speak some truth about some things about America but on the book Bill thinks he is always right, but the factors which are the chapters of the book he talks his opinions mostly but the people who would we recommend the book who like politics and that have read other Bill O‘Reilly books
October 25, 2017
The book is about Bill O’Reilly’s opinions of America. Bill discusses race, class, sex, politics, etc. in his book. Bill writes that “ The class system as related to race plays a role”. This is where I disagree with Bill. O’reilly thinks that your race will determine how much money you will make if you're in the middle class. He also feels that whatever class you’re born into, will be the class you remain in. But the book is alright but overall we did not like it he does speak some truth about some things about America but on the book Bill thinks he is always right, but the factors which are the chapters of the book he talks his opinions mostly but the people who would we recommend the book who like politics and that have read other Bill O‘Reilly books
April 15, 2019
This may seem absurd but I've never seen Bill O'Reilly on tv. (My husband and I made a pact years ago that we'd forego tv because there just wasn't enough worth seeing.) But if I watched tv, Bill is someone I sure would want to take a look at. We are about the same age as Bill and were raised with the same values. I don't agree with everything in the book but he offers good reasoning for what he believes. I wish we had more journalists who would stand up and talk about what is important to America.
January 6, 2020
How do you even review books like this in 2020? Typical right-wing drivel, all anecdote and opinion with no factual documentation to back up any claims, focused on how American culture is being slowly destroyed by the evil Left. If you believe what Bill is selling, you aren't going to be dissuaded, and if you aren't a Fox News adherent, you aren't likely to read his print version. Simplistic trash written for lazy, gullible minds. We'll do it live!!!!
July 14, 2017
Although this book is clearly a bit dated when it comes to some references, I think the overall principles behind the book have value and insight to American society and definitely kept me reading. I may not agree with all of it, especially with opinions on those in the entertainment industry, but overall I found it worth reading.
January 6, 2021
Just a bunch of opinions from someone who got fired for paying off women who we're saying he's sexually harassed them. Not to mention a personal friend/supporter of Trump. Normally I give my books that I don't want to keep to my dad to read but this one is going to be kindling for my next fire. Straight trash. Literally.
July 23, 2023
I have never seen Bill O’Reilly’s show but found his book in a free little library. He’s curmudgeonly, and it’s a slow read. The book is repetitive, and he comes across as incredibly self-involved and rigid with his ideology surrounding gender roles. I appreciated the autobiographical aspects more than anything else.
March 16, 2018
Gaaaaaarbaaaaaage
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