A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity: A Memoir
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A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity: A Memoir Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Bill O'Reilly (Author, Narrator), Random House Audio (Publisher)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 849 ratings
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One day in 1957, in the third-grade classroom of St. Brigid's parochial school, an exasperated Sister Mary Lurana bent over a restless young William O'Reilly and said, "William, you are a bold, fresh piece of humanity."

Little did she know that she was, early in his career as a troublemaker, defining the essence of Bill O'Reilly and providing him with the title of his brash and entertaining issues-based memoir.

And this time it's personal. In his most intimate book yet, O'Reilly goes back in time to examine the people, places, and experiences that launched him on his journey from working-class kid to immensely influential television personality and best-selling author.

Listeners will learn how his traditional outlook was formed in the crucible of his family, his neighborhood, his church, and his schools, and how his views on America's proper role in the world emerged from covering four wars on five continents over three-plus decades as a news correspondent.

What will delight his numerous fans and surprise many others is the humor and self-deprecation with which he handles one of his core subjects: himself, and just how O'Reilly became O'Reilly.

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  1. Listening Length
    7 hours and 9 minutes
  2. Author
    Bill O'Reilly
  3. Narrator
    Bill O'Reilly
  4. Audible release date
    September 23, 2008
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Random House Audio
  7. ASIN
    B001GN35PW
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 7 hours and 9 minutes
Author Bill O'Reilly
Narrator Bill O'Reilly
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 23, 2008
Publisher Random House Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B001GN35PW
Best Sellers Rank #142,774 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#170 in Biographies of Journalists, Editors & Publishers
#972 in Journalist Biographies
#2,347 in Biographies of Celebrities & Entertainment Professionals

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
849 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Henry J Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024
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Straightforward pointers on how one can advance themselves through self reliance and hard work while keeping his or her integrity in check. Placed value on family and friends while giving a realistic view of who and what to watch out for.
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Borisa
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, "Mr O'Reilly"
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2008
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In my opinion this is a good read and most insightful. (I read your book on my Kindle, which follows me everywhere and lives by my favorite chair, or in my purse.) I do appreciate knowing about your life and the basis of what constitutes the current "you". It does help me understand your Factor behavior. I will be more patient with your "interruptions" and control my talking to the television as I watch your every program. NOW, I better understand.

I am a 72 year old retired professional, married womam with wonderful adult children. I continue to work, but now from home. I have traveled extensively and have lived all over the world. I have 39 major moves to my credit. I don't count the small moves. I heard and know a great deal about THE depression, WWII, etc. My parents were not unlike yours. I developed "spunk" in order to do what ever. Hearing your story brings my own memories to the forefront. Thank you for your "spunk", your determination to do what you think is right, and for writing this book.
4 people found this helpful
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Barack Obeagle
4.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining and somewhat enlightening "thoughtography"
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2008
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Forgive me if my critique is not "pithy"

I couldn't wait to read this book. I bought it this morning and left work early so I could read it. Why? Because Bill Oreilly fascinates me and I thought his memoir would give some real answers as to how this man, who truly is an American original, thinks.

First off, I actually had the privilege of meeting and briefly working with Bill Oreilly. After graduating college in the early nineties, I wrote to Mr. OReilly and asked him for advice on getting a job in television. I knew nothing about him, only that he was a fellow graduate of my high school (Chaminade High in Long Island) and that he was the anchorman of some show called "Inside Edition" (which I had never even watched)

To my surprise, Mr. OReilly not only responded but invited me to the studio, took me to lunch and offered me a temporary production assistant job for Inside Edition. I began a career on Wall Street shortly after my stint with Inside Edition ended, but I have always been grateful to him for helping out some kid he didn't know. He is a man of character.

And let me tell you, the man is fearless in every way and he is not a phony. He is exactly like he is on screen (albeit more reserved). Which is why I wanted to read this. I wanted to know- what makes this man tick? How did he come to be the person that he is today?

Does this book answer these questions? - Sort of

Not really a complete life memoir(by his own admission),"Bold Piece" is a kind of "Thoughtography"-a collection a remembrances of his early life followed by essays on how they shaped his current actions.

With chapter titles like "Politics" "Fear" "Saving the World" and "Standing for something", Mr. Oreilly intersperses stories of his early life with how they affected his later life dealings and adult philosophies.

Does it shed light on the inner life of the man? To a degree, yes.

The book has many entertaining and insightful highlights including:

1) A story about a grammar school classmate named Norma was especially touching. It will make you understand his sometimes-heated anger at injustice.
2) As a graduate of Chaminade High School, I especially enjoyed his thoughts on class warfare at the school. It is a subject rarely discussed to any effectiveness. His story about the "Levittown Sandlot- Chaminade football game" could be an entertaining Disney Movie
3) It gives a sense of the importance of his life experiences. Unlike Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, who I doubt have EVER sought to expand their horizons, Mr. Oreilly has walked the walk. He has traveled to 70 countries, received 2 graduate degrees, and even taught at an inner city high school. His stories about a student named "Miss Jones" and his exposure to Anti Americanism while studying abroad will help you further understand his self reliance and love of country view point.
4) His stories about friendship are especially touching. An expansion of his "Friendship Factor" chapter in his first book, he gives examples of why his friends are so important to him. The Joe Spencer - Peter Jennings story is especially moving. He really should write an entire book about the importance of friendship. It is his most astute chapter.

But the big question I wanted to know -why is this man so confident and fearless?- Is never quite answered. Having grown up in his native Long Island, I have known many a person like Bill OReilly. You could magically drop them onto the far side of the galaxy and they will always espouse hard work, faith, family, and the goodness of America without the slightest doubt. After reading this book, I've come to the conclusion that Mr. OReilly simply is one of those men and probably always will be. No matter what their experiences in life, some people are just born that way.

A few critiques-

1) I do think Mr. OReilly should fess up and admit that he took a teaching job in the early 70's partially to avoid being drafted (he quits the job in 1973 just as the war ends) . It is clear that that was at least a strong possibility.
2) I also think he should have elaborated on what I think is his greatest dichotomy. Why does he have so a low opinion of the competence of federal government yet sincerely believes their actions in Iraq at the time of invasion were not to be questioned?
3) I think he is a little too hard on Katrina Victims. In one section, he explains that he would have "gotten in his car and left" in the same situation, never once thinking that most of the people couldn't do that because they didn't HAVE cars.
4) I also think he was just a little too hard on the movie "Love Story" (you have to read the book). I loved that movie!

All in all - a good enlightening read but not the "Window into the Soul" that I was hoping for.
343 people found this helpful
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David Kahle
5.0 out of 5 stars A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2011
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I purchased patroits & pinheads first elsewhere, I did not know I could get it here, besides, I was not an Amazon.com customer yet.
Now, for this book. I loved it. I like Bill O'Reilly's writing style. The thing I really admire is the fact that he keeps no revenue from all the books he writes, he donates everything to places such as: Wounded Warriors, and all kinds of other charities. Did you know this? The book is well written. It tells all about what a brat he was as a child, and, all the trouble he caused everyone he came into contact with, especially, the poor Nuns putting up with him at the Catholic school he attended. This book is funny, and, an absolutally must buy. What a charater is was, and, still is! I would buy this book again, and, probally will for Christmas gifts. There is nothing I would have wanted to know about this book before I purchased it, because, I read all of the good and not so good reviews, before I make my own decision whether to buy something or not. Everyone needs to be doing this on their own, so, they are not disappointed with any product when they get their own copies.
Sincerely,
David Kahle-Super Chef
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Phaedrus
5.0 out of 5 stars I can relate...
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2009
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Having said that, I will offer that I, too, am a private person and keep my personal and professional life at a distance from one another.

First I must admit that I initially assumed that the title implied that 'bold' and 'fresh' were adjectives used in a self-congratulatory kind of way. It soon became apparent that it was meant as an admonition by the strict authoritarian figures who were Bill's early mentors. To be clear, Bold was not something you wanted to be perceived as in a classroom run by a nun. Fresh... even worse still. It implies a sense of disrespect for the authoritarian.

Both traits, however, are needed more than ever in a society that has done it's best to stifle and destroy independent thought and critical thinking.

I was especially pleased for an insight into the mind and persona of O'Reilly. I don't always agree with O'Reilly on his opines, but I always respect and admire his critical analysis and professional apoproach to topics he covers. I appreciate the way he holds to task those who are less than straight forward with their agenda and actions.

This is a good read that will inspire you to be more involved in your world and reveal the cards of those who would abuse your best interests.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

John Barron
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2018
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An excellent read.
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Alvin H. Mierau
5.0 out of 5 stars A book filled with positives that will make you laugh
Reviewed in Canada on December 16, 2009
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As a senior Canadian who has followed American politics, various TV anchors and journalists for over forty years, I found this book to be the most refreshing read in many years. O'Reilly comes across as a straight shooter which is not surprising. The positive ratings he has given to the Fox News channel filter into his writings.

I would highly recommend this book to any young person who is going to be taking their first year of political science, irregardless of the political views held by their professor, or by themselves.
2 people found this helpful
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Len Parker
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2018
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Good book.
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Quiet Country
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read.
Reviewed in Canada on November 29, 2013
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I'm not a big fan of Mr O'Reilly, but reading his book did give me a look into who the man is, and I found myself more favourable to him than I would have thought.
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Donna
4.0 out of 5 stars Would recommend the seller
Reviewed in Canada on August 1, 2017
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Exactly as described. Would recommend the seller.
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