This week’s Resource Recommendation: A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity by Bill O’Reilly
Before you even read a word of this review I’m guessing some of you are excited to continue right now, and others, well, you are wondering if you want to read anything written by me if I’m going to talk about Bill O’Reilly’s book.
Such is the nature of O’Reilly’s persona – very few have a neutral opinion about this long time host of the most popular news commentary show in the United States, The O’Reilly Factor.
I read the book this week, and I was intrigued for a variety of reasons.
First, the author came from humble roots on Long Island to achieve remarkable success (on TV, radio and as an author of multiple bestselling books). For that reason alone there are opportunities to learn about achievement and success, much like reading the biography of any successful person. (For more information on how and why to read biographies, check this out.)
This book isn’t a traditional, chronological narration of a life, but rather written in a reflective manner to help you understand the experiences that helped to shape the O’Reilly’s viewpoints and perspectives. This is his stated objective, and he achieves it (with a couple of extra entertaining chapters thrown in as well).
I am confident writing this book helped him better understand the development and evolution of his opinions, thinking processes and world view. His exercise is instructive as an outsider, and I was continually struck by the value doing a similar exercise would have for all of us.
The book is written in a light and casual style, making it a very fast and easy read. It is also worthy to note that while the author has (very) strong opinions, he also is humble and self-effacing; often speaking of his faults, flaws and mistakes. This is another attribute worth considering for ourselves.
Lastly, I encourage you to read this book if you have a strong opinion about Bill O’Reilly, especially if it isn’t a positive one and especially if you can practice the skill of reading with an open mind about what you could learn from someone you wouldn’t normally turn to for education. We are all more effective leaders – and human beings – when we do that consistently.
Overall I enjoyed the book, and I learned a lot. Regardless of what you think about the author before you begin reading, I believe you will be entertained, and have the chance to learn things not only about the author but yourself by the time you’re done.
0 comments