Suppose I should start this by acknowledging that I find Bill O'Reilly refreshing and informing. This kinda-memoir is an attempt by O'Reilly, of FOX News' "The O'Reilly Factor," to share the moments in his life that shaped his worldview.
Told amusingly--full of slightly delinquent hijinks with crabby neighbors and Catholic nuns--O'Reilly emerges with a blue collar perspective and a passion to protect the little guy. I've enjoyed his program for his perspective, position, and confidence--particularly the way he cuts to the chase with his guests and exposes. But the book sharpens my understanding of what drives him (he sees himself as a crusader for good and an antagonist to "evil doers"). O'Reilly has a thoroughly developed sense of his purpose, and I find that inspiring.
A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity gets it title from the assessment an exasperated nun once gave to the young Bill O'Reilly--the analysis stuck with him. The book provides many opportunities for O'Reilly to opine about newsmakers, but he always goes back to his roots and the friends who joined him along the way. I enjoyed the audio version, read (of course) by the author, with his cadences and moderate catchphrases (a favorite is the way he says "okay" when he doesn't quite agree with another person's position).
RECOMMENDED for O'Reilly fans. For others, it will likely reaffirm your belief that he's full of himself.
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