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Killing the Rising Sun: How America Vanquished World War II Japan,
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Arlon Boozer
Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard are writing the best history books available today. Their books are well researched and documented. I see a lot of prejudice and ignorance in the question. Most people that complain about O'Reilly and Fox news never watch -- they are not interested in the truth.
David Howell
I suspect the only people who would agree would be those who haven't read any of the books in this series and let their own personal bias get in the way rather than take the time to read from authors of books (or talk to/hang out with people) that have opposing views and lifestyles to your own. I know that I struggle with such things many times but tire of the constant bickering among the "them vs. us" throngs.
Also keep in mind that he isn't the sole author of the book, Martin Dugard is credited too.
This is a good series if you like history.
Also keep in mind that he isn't the sole author of the book, Martin Dugard is credited too.
This is a good series if you like history.
Rita
Actually he has a degree in history and taught the subject!
he does a great deal of research.
he does a great deal of research.
Laura
I completely disagree. Until you have an open mind and actually read one of his books, you should not make that statement. I have found killing the rising sun accurate. I questioned some of the facts and my research proved he was accurate.
Gerri
Have read all his books and they have been GREAT and factual. For the record, I am not a fan of him personally but loved all the books in the "killing" series.
Bea
The only reason you wouldn't like his books is if you don't like facts, many are proven historically.
Holly
his history books are excellent, he 'reports' the historical 'news', chocked full of historical facts wrapped in great story telling.
CAD
Even if you disagree with his politics, you can still enjoy (and learn from) his writing. He's a very thorough historian.
Randall
As much as I think Bill can be a bit of a blow-hard on TV. His Historical writing are brilliant. He and his co-authors do an incredible amount of research and try not to editorialize too much. They present the facts, present possibilities then present the outcome and how it has shaped the world. Read if you are open to learning and possibly challenge conventional wisdom. Bill is a firm believer in - If you don't know or learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it."
Trisha Cook
While I am not a fan of Bill O'Reilly personally, I will say that I have read every single one of his killing books and have found them to be amazing. He and his co-author are very objective and do massive amounts of research to ensure that the books are factually accurate. If you can look past the fact that Bill O'Reilly's name is on the cover, I think you might be surprised at how much you enjoy his books.
Kim
Try to have an open mind,,you might actually learn something.
Wil
Dan, you say you would not be able to read him. So you are not reviewing the book or the author, just stating your own uninformed bias. Your question displays your own ignorance and prejudice. He is a historian. Degreed in the subject and has taught history. Read a couple of his books and then write an informed review.
Jerry
Typical for a closed mind. Bill's books are short and to the point with not a lot of unnecessary details. It seems to me the authors often leave the conclusion to the readers after giving the facts.
Larry O
Not a fan of his politics, but he stays out of it politics in this. You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. Same was try for the Killing Lincoln book.
Philip Stronger
I think he sometimes gives misinformation. He really is not a historian. He is a pop fiction writer.
Neil Funsch
I read a lot of History and have now read 2 of the author's books and will probably read more of them. I give this book 3 stars because of what I FELT was the author's undeclared purpose, to justify the US dropping of the atomic bomb. Even though I happen to agree it was the right decision. I believe that all history writing is by nature biased. Facts have to be sifted through and selected (Bias), motives evaluated (Bias), diaries, letters and recollections are all subject to bias etc... If you read History be aware of that and don't swallow any authors conclusions without question would be me my advice to you. That being said I think this book is well worth the read and has assembled a lot of facts and vignettes about the Pacific War. the reader will be better informed after reading it.
Jon Neiswanger
I hesitated for the same reason, because I tend to stay away from Fox News. However, since my Dad gave it too me for Christmas, I decided to give it a chance, I discovered that I enjoyed it. It is well-written and I feel like the author has a passion for history. If you are interested in WWII you will know some of the info he shares, but not all of it. I believe there are some personal stories that make it a really good read.
Gary Sites
You've been watching too much CNN. Take a look at O'Reilly's books. You might find something you disagree with, but you won't find inaccurate information.
DG
Who's history books are you reading? These books are so well researched and then brought to life so vividly that they should be required reading for all high school students.
Mary
Do not give into your biases, you are only depriving yourself. If you haven't yet, read this and be educated. O'Reilly isn't the most likeable person in the world, but he is admittedly very smart with analytical ability and the talent to communicate pertinent facts in a way that's easy to understand. It is particularly well written, informative, factual, and entertaining to boot. I certainly benefitted from reading it, since it contains answers to a lot of questions I had about Japanese involvement in WWII. I haven't read all of O'Reilly's books, but the ones I have are equally worthwhile. Go for it.
Kirk Dunlevy
I've read many World War II historical novels, this one is exceptional. I've read most of what Bill has written and he has out done himself this time. What I like about his writing is he gives enough detail but does not overwhelm with wordiness and does not in his words "bloviate." This is a book you will keep on your shelf and use as a resource, it can be read over and over with relish.
David Palm
I came over this book by chance, without knowing it was part of a series and without knowing the author at all. I do believe it is fairly accurate as far as bare facts are concerned, but the selection of those facts and how to present them seems to be very biased. It is not a very well written text and important pieces seem to be missing. There's much better out there.
Colleen Fidlin
Sorry but you sound like you have a closed mind. Pretty sad that you prejudge something you have no knowledge of.
Jamie George
Martin Dugard, his co author is liberal. Dugard voted for both Biden and Kamala. But they’re both historians so it’s actually a really impressive writing that draws from both sides of the spectrum.
WH
Why don't you do the research yourself and discredit the books? Put your money where your mouth is.
Larry Cherney
First, O'Reilly has 1 - co-author, not, co-authors so now we know how much you KNOW about O'Reilly. Second, as others have pointed out, O'Reilly is a former history teacher. What are your credentials when it comes to history? Third, I brought some historical knowledge to each of O'Reilly's books, and each augmented my pre-existing knowledge of the subject matter. For example, as much as I thought I knew about JFK's depredations and as amoral as I believed him to be, O'Reilly's account was shocking. Further, it was corroborated w/other sources. I found, "Patton," the most-interesting. "Rising Sun," is entirely consistent w/other sources, such as, "The Pacific" and w/a second-hand account from a life-long friend who fought the Japanese. Fourth, what the heck do you mean about, "objectivity in their search for a truly historical perspective?" Apparently you haven't read the book, or any of O'Reilly's others. So, who then is biased here? There's nothing I've read in any of his books that's subjective.
Deborah Johnson
Bill O'Reilly was a history professor before he was a commentor. He does days and days of research before he even begins to wrote one word. It's very unscientific and stupidity to repudiate something you've never read.
Laurie
History scholars say his books are poorly researched, and editors say they are poorly edited. I'm steering clear of his books.
Nathan Stukey
Your premise couldn’t be further from the truth.
Vic
I love his books, they are well researched and written. O'Reilly has several degrees and taught history. Is this like TDS only TOS? For heavens sake. And PS they are best sellers.
Jack Vasen
I have found these books mostly a mixed bag. Other than Killing Jesus and Killing Reagan, these books usually contain a lot of interesting facts born out by honest research presented with some histrionics and drama. On the whole, I would lean toward the positive. Sometimes the presentations contain bias, but facts are well documented.
Almost all authors are biased and seek to present their viewpoint. If you don't like O'Reilly's politics, which is extremely biased, you won't like his books regardless of his point of view. I thought Killing the Rising Son was fairly straight forward.
(My dislike for Killing Jesus and Killing Reagan are for entirely different reasons but both involve the inclusion of material that could have been left out without damaging the thesis. It didn't belong there. Killing Jesus even contains salacious material which didn't belong.)
Almost all authors are biased and seek to present their viewpoint. If you don't like O'Reilly's politics, which is extremely biased, you won't like his books regardless of his point of view. I thought Killing the Rising Son was fairly straight forward.
(My dislike for Killing Jesus and Killing Reagan are for entirely different reasons but both involve the inclusion of material that could have been left out without damaging the thesis. It didn't belong there. Killing Jesus even contains salacious material which didn't belong.)
Tom Ford
says way more about you than either of them. imho.
Jeffrey
My mind was made up on the use of atomic weapons before I read this book. My late father, a WW II marine serving on board the USS San Francisco heavy cruiser in the Pacific, would have probably perished in the intended invasion of Japan were it not for nuclear weapons. For further information read Paul Fussel's excellent essay Thank God For The Atomic Bomb.
Doris Jean
Dan, why would you say that? YOU seem to be the one who is not objective. This was a wonderful unbiased book. Why don't you read it? What kind of person are you to libel O'Reilly as unobjective without any reason???
Julius Rody
O'Reilly may be a trash newscaster, however as an author and a historian, he shines.
Terry
Along with Stephen Ambrose's books, Bill O'Reilly with Martin Dugard, have written the best works concerning times during World War II. KILLING THE RISING SUN is a superb and well written book. Therefore, I do disagree with the previous opinion expressed that O'Reilly could not be,"objective." People have a choice on what books they would be interested to comprehend. "Classic," novels such as THE GREAT GATSBY, FAHRENHEIT 451, AND 1984, are considered works of wonder. However, watching grass grow was more interesting than those,"works of wonder."
Terry
Along with Stephen Ambrose's books, Bill O'Reilly with Martin Dugard, have written the best works concerning times during World War II. KILLING THE RISING SUN is a superb and well written book. Therefore, I do disagree with the previous opinion expressed that O'Reilly could not be,"objective." People have a choice on what books they would be interested to comprehend. "Classic," novels such as THE GREAT GATSBY, FAHRENHEIT 451, AND 1984, are considered works of wonder. However, watching grass grow was more interesting than those,"works of wonder."
John Magee
I've read all of O'Reilly's "Killing" series books. I can testify that there is no undercurrent of a secret brainwashing of political spin in any of them, only verifiable facts. I also find the question to be posed in a very biased close-minded manner.
Ross Rawnsley
Its too bad that you let your personal feelings towards O'Reillys politics cloud your decision. I would suggest read the book and then give an objective review if you can.
Its one thing to not like the book, quite another to assume that its is not objective without even opening it.
Its one thing to not like the book, quite another to assume that its is not objective without even opening it.
Joe Keefhaver
You are wrong to think this way. This book is accurate and fact-filled, but also extremely readable.
Fats
Absolutely- Terrible book. Writing for 6th graders; broad sweeping statements; and dubious, debatable facts. That's Bill O'Reilly.
Pabc Babc
KTRS was "War in the Pacific for Dummies". A re-hash of histories by more competent writers. Replete with a lot of "little" mistakes which indicate poor research and proof-reading. Hum-drum writing lacking any originality. Almost as disappointing as "Killing Patton" which re-hashed
the European Theater. The conspiracy theory about Patton's death was embarrassingly thin on fact. Both books re-defined "unoriginal".
the European Theater. The conspiracy theory about Patton's death was embarrassingly thin on fact. Both books re-defined "unoriginal".
Maria
General MacArthur is repeatedly labeled as Republican. Strangely Senator Joseph McCarthy and his Communist Hunt is not.
O'Reilly states that Truman fired MacArthur for insubordination but does not go into the details. He instead focuses on the principle of civilian control and the hero welcome that MacArthur receives when he returns to the states. All true, but biased.
O'Reilly states that Truman fired MacArthur for insubordination but does not go into the details. He instead focuses on the principle of civilian control and the hero welcome that MacArthur receives when he returns to the states. All true, but biased.
Jeffrey Barouch
Hmmm? Funny you should ask that. I too hold his (O'Reilly's) conclusions to be somewhat dubious.
Heather
I have read all the "Killing Books" and this is my least favourite. They were all well researched and interesting. You don't have to like the man to read the books. There's much to learn from history.
Gloria
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