The O'Reilly Factor: The Good, the Bad, and the Completely Ridiculous in American Life (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The O'Reilly Factor isn't just the name of Bill O'Reilly's popular talk show on the Fox News Channel anymore--it's also the title of his book, which, appropriately enough, actually reads like a TV show. The narrative rarely proceeds for more than a few paragraphs before a bold-faced "This Just In" or "Bulletin" pops up on the page and breaks the stream of thought--sort of like a commercial interruption. This provides an ideal forum for O'Reilly to sound off on any number of topics with lots of verve but not too much depth. There are breezy chapters here on money, media, religion, race, and sex, among others. O'Reilly dislikes many things, and he isn't shy about sharing his opinions: "SUVs should be immediately outlawed," he rants. Here's O'Reilly on President Clinton: "What a ridiculous waste!" Attorney General Janet Reno is a "ridiculous, incompetent woman" and President Clinton's "primary 'enabler.'"

This is not a subtle book, and its bombastic approach would be even more grating if it weren't for several flashes of self-deprecation, such as when the author shares a negative piece of viewer mail, or when he writes, "In case you haven't noticed, I'm a cocky bastard." Sometimes O'Reilly's put-downs are creative and funny: "If God has a sense of humor, as I believe he does, [Al Sharpton and David Duke] will be sharing a sauna in the netherworld. With one thermostat." And he's good at illustrating his points with outrageous details. In criticizing the bloated federal budget, for instance, he points to these shockers: $230,000 for a study of housefly sex habits, $27,000 for an analysis of why prisoners want to escape, and $100,000 to find out why Americans don't like beets. (To which he replies: "Houseflies mate when no one is looking. Prisoners don't like prison. Beets don't taste good.") O'Reilly is often considered something of a conservative, but he can also play the blue-collar populist: "The rich want us to believe that anyone can make the quantum leap from bowling league to country club by just working a little harder. That's supposed to keep us motivated and quiet." Fans of his TV show will probably appreciate this cantankerous book. --John J. Miller

From Publishers Weekly

A 20-year veteran of the television news industry, two-time Emmy winner Bill O'Reilly is at the peak of his popularity. Named after his nightly television show on Fox News, O'Reilly's new bookDand his narrationDcarry the same flavor as the cable show. His highly opinionated, blunt and unapologetic style has earned him many fans who delight in his no-holds-barred treatment of timely issues. O'Reilly pulls no punches when describing what he thinks is wrong, and even occasionally right, with the U.S., Americans and the rest of the world. He is very entertaining and can charmDwith his wit and self-deprecating anecdotesDeven those who do not share his outspoken opinions. Coming from the horse's mouth, the reading is superb, energetic and engaging. O'Reilly's book is likely to be the only audio listeners will hear that asks for their feedback and thanks them for their time. Simultaneous release with the Broadway hardcover. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; 1 edition (September 12, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767905288
• ISBN-13: 978-0767905282
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (384 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #249,469 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

124 of 145 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A common sense guide to life in America, September 12, 2000

By	Travis Swicegood "A Practicing Quasi-Intellec... (Lawrence, KS) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After spending the weekend in the recliner with this book, all I can say is wow. Bill O'Reilly, in his usual take no prisioners style, lays out his guide to taking on America... and winning. He leaves 'no stone unturned.' From topics of taboo such as class, sex, and politics, through jobs, celebrities, and success, he covers all the bases. In his final chapter, Bill O'Reilly shows, as his loyal viewers already know, that he truly is a class act.

This book should be required reading for every high school senior in America.

63 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I expected to like this book & expectations exceeded, December 10, 2000

By	David E. Levine (Peekskill , NY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Although I like the show the O'Reilly Factor and therefore expected to enjoy this book, I was surprised to discover the book was even better than I thought. O'Reilly does a great job of exposing hypocracy in America and he makes insightful observations about such issues as to whether there is a class system in this country. For example, while Clinton was renting out the Lincoln bedroom, Ted Kennedy was renting out the Kennedy Compound for six figure contributions. However, the Kennedy guests would spend the day there but, O'Reilly points out that the contributors were not the Kennedy type of people (class system), so they were then taken to hotels for the night. I really have the feeling that O'Reilly is sincere and not full of himself, as he often comes off. He made observations about religion and I found him to be on target. Each chapter are his views and comments on a specific topic, such as race, religion, class, celebrities, success, etc. In his chapter on success, he aptly defines success as being respected, not financially prosperous. I like that type of thinking. His often irreverent comments are his way of stating sincere, deeply felt beliefs. Having read this book, I like Bill O'Reilly, as a person, even better than I previously did.

70 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The O Reilly Factor , The Good ,Bad & Completly Ridiculous i, October 2, 2000

By	John G. Till "bullheat" (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

O'Reilly has hit a home run with this book. A crystal clear,no nonsense,look at America today. finally,some has stood up to main stream media and yelled BALONEY. We need an educated population and this is a step in the right direction.Politicians beware.the TRUTH IS OUT THERE.