Book Review: A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity
by Bill O'Reilly

By Michael Servis, A.P.E.

It has been two years since Bill O'Reilly wrote his unconventional “memoir” about his life experiences and how these experiences have helped shape his thinking and his approach to life. And after two years, his writing is just as relevant... well almost.


A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity, is a great read for the 'average Joe' and for teenagers. With the exception of the token big words that he famously offers at the end of his cable news program (you know, the one that is #1 in cable news... heaven forbid you forget that), the book is an easy read. And although it is well-structured, I would not recommend you reading it in one or even two sittings because he jumps around continuously; you could find your mind spinning.


Of course, maybe it is just me. I am a deep thinker and tend to take things a little seriously. And well, if you want to keep your sanity, don't take Bill too seriously. He is an obnoxious, recalcitrant soul by nature, and a serious mind could easily find itself as disturbed as the nuns', of whom“the bold, fresh guy” endlessly tormented during his younger years at St. Brigid's School. Although I had more than a few laughs when reading the stories about O'Reilly's younger years, I do believe the younger generation will appreciate them more.


In his Bold, Fresh book, Bill O'Reilly comes across as a father telling his kids (or whoever will listen for that matter) stories about the “good ol' days,” while giving the youngsters advice on how to make it in life. In doing so, O'Reilly strives to give the younger generation common sense, wisdom, and hope. However, this hope could turn to frustration if the reader's outlook on life is rather depressing and the reader is unaccustomed to Bill's character from the O'Reilly Factor. This is because he loves to gloat, and his bold, fresh gloating about the bold, fresh days and the bold, fresh successes that he has achieved can be taken the wrong way if you don't know the man from television.


O'Reilly often says that he is “the most misunderstood man in America,” and that may be true, but it is partly his own fault. Frankly put, O'Reilly doesn't care much about what people think of him and that is part of why he can do what he does. That is also why he can be so obnoxious and not be concerned with rubbing people the wrong way. However, after becoming accustomed to his character, reasonable people will realize that the man really does mean well... most of the time.


In his book, O'Reilly often coneys himself as a just tyrant (my words, not his). He sees his mission in life as one where he fights the bad guys, through whatever means necessary. Even as a child, Bill discarded the rules and norms in order to achieve his view of justice.


As a regular guy, he finds theoretical details quite distasteful and a bit of a distraction. To him, what he sees as common-sense does not need explanation. Many question his tenacity in 'playing God.' O'Reilly justifies his actions toward the unjust by explaining his process for giving the accused a fair chance to defend themselves. Although the bad guys cannot be proven in a court of law, this does not concern Bill and he will enforce justice as he see fit; hence the constant conflict between Ms. Megan Kelly and the just tyrant.


O'Reilly views the bad guys as those who do evil to the defenseless. His career has been defined by confronting the bad guys head on and standing up for the 'underdog.' In his Bold, Fresh book, O'Reilly explains various times in his career where he stood his ground and would not be pushed around. In some ways his stories and advice remind me of a self-help book for those down at the lower end of the totem pole.


Of course the Bold, Fresh book has more to offer than the stories of tormenting nuns and fighting bad guys. One of the many aspects of the book that I personally found appealing was O'Reilly's discussion of the cultural and political issues he encountered over the years, particularly during the 1970s. For a guy born after the 1970s (thank God), I found O'Reilly's portrayal of the counter-culture during that time to be quite insightful. O'Reilly can be honest and discuss the time period without reservation because he wouldn't have any part of it; he prides himself never getting involved with drugs and alcohol.


He also discussed the wretched political situation during the time in a way that I had not seen before. In fact, his chronicling of the political-left during the time caused me to have an epiphany; the left-wing loons of the counter-culture have infiltrated Washington D.C. and are now trying to take us back to the 1970s. O'Reilly's insight into the left of the 1970s is eerily similar to what is happening in Washington today; keep in mind that the Bold, Fresh book was written more than 6 months before the 2008 elections.