Stone,+Braden

=Culture Warrior = = By: Bill O'Reilly = = Destiny Review About the Author The Book In General Style Critical Reviews =

**Reviewed By Braden Stone** =Destiny Review=

In Bill O’ Reilly’s 2006 New York Times bestselling book “Culture Warrior,” he analyzes the secular-progressives'(S-P) movement on American values and morals. As stated in his previous book “The No Spin Zone,” O’ Reilly claims to be an independent and has no leaning towards any particular party. I didn’t get that same feeling from him in this book. From a conservative right-winged point of view, he attacks the secular-progressives' (S-P), a liberal group, which makes for a one-sided opinion throughout the book. He also goes after the American Civil Liberties Union(ACLU), claiming them to be a fascist organization who want to force a secular-progressive world view on America. The only problem that I have with his book is that he really never defends any one group unless they are under attack from the ACLU or other S-P groups. Overall, like Bill O’ Reilly, I enjoyed this book, and it made me realize the problems that truly face our world today in an easy to follow manner.

=**About the Author**=

Bill O'Reilly was born in September of 1949 in New York, and currently resides in Manhasset, New York. He received his B.A. from Marist College, his M.A. from Boston University, and his M.P.A. from Harvard University. He has written 5 previous books, three are, //The O'Reilly Factor// (2000)//, The No Spin Zone// (2001)//, and Whose Looking Out for You?// (2003); and two books after, most notably //A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity// (2008). All of these books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List. O'Reilly also writes a syndicated newspaper column that appears in many newspapers across the country, including //The New York Post// and //The Chicago Sun-Times.// He is most known for his political T.V. show //The O'Reilly Factor// (1996-present) airing on the Fox News Channel. His radio show, //The Radio Factor// produced by Fox News Radio ran from 2002-2009.

=The Book In General=

The book is divided into three sections, each of them focusing on different aspect of his "Culture War"


 * 1) ====The Conflict: America in the Year 2020?====
 * 2) ====The Culture War Where You Live====
 * 3) ====The Struggle for the Soul of America====

"The Conflict: America in the Year 2020?" discusses the outlook of United States under a S-P president and agenda in the oh so near future. It gives an overview of life under this agenda and what would happen if they forced it onto the citizens. It also deals with the religious conflict of Christmas and Easter what many left-winged groups want to happen with them.

"The Culture War Where You Live" is obviously about the "Culture War" at home. It is really about the affect the ACLU has on the average American family. It explains how anti-American groups, focusing mainly on the North American Man-Boy Love Association(NAMBLA) in conjunction with the ACLU, are tearing apart the country.

Finally, "The Struggle for the Soul of America" looks at how the average American can take back the country, returning it to the way the founding fathers intended. What O'Reilly really wants to convey to the reader is how a Conservative government can regain control.
 * Style**

Bill O'Reilly is well known for his highly opinionated views, and his persuasive nature; he had no trouble incorporating them into "Culture Warrior." At times I was angry with him, because he attacked some groups with, what I though was, little acknowledgement of what they stand for. At other times I was in support of him because I agreed with him and felt that these groups are so self-centered they have no clue what is happening in the world. This is exactly what O'Reilly wants the reader to do, become angered with him, to a degree at least, and then support him. He uses this method knowing he can get the reader in the palm of his hand with a few words, or an inspiring/angering quote. When bringing new opponents he develops a new section, or even a new chapter depending upon the matter at hand. This is done to add some dramatic effect, sort of inciting his readers to keep going and not miss what he is going to say about his opponents, whether it be good or bad. =Critical Reviews=

The book was not given many good reviews by newspapers like the New York Times, but it was given good reviews by right winged sources such as The Conservative Book Service, and a mediocre review by Reason Magazine. **Conservative Book Service**

Nor does the indomitable O'Reilly shrink from controversial areas of race and education. Whatever controversies are roiling the nation, he fearlessly confronts them - and no one who reads this book will be in the dark about which side he's on. **Reason Magazine**

==The O’Reilly Factor always ends with a segment called “The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day.” These days, the most ridiculous item of the day may be O’Reilly himself. But his culture warmongering is no laughing matter. ==

The New York Times
Throughout... there is something more than a little nonsensical in O'Reilly's lachrymose nostalgia about his humble origins, as well as in his self-important declarations about his heroic battle to save America from the cultural elites. No matter what this apostle of mediocrity and banality says, sparkling water and George Clooney are not menaces to the American way of life. =Personal Thoughts on O'Reilly and Final Words on the book=

= = When I think of Bill O'Reilly, I think of an angry man; in a positive light, why else would I read this book? I think O'Reilly is a smart man who fights for what he believes in no matter the criticism he gets from others. He is a stand up American who will do whatever it takes to get a story, to break one, or to prove to society that seemingly fine directors are arrogant moronic know-it-alls. media type="youtube" key="trOdCU6aZOg" height="385" width="480" media type="youtube" key="fLHI0b43xa4" height="385" width="480" Now when I watch The O'Reilly Factor [after reading this book], I don't see a man who tries to break news stories, I see a man who is simply reporting news, answering the questions that need answering, and saving America from itself. I can't understand why people don't like him, what he stands for, or his books for that matter. Like I said in the destiny review I like this book, it's written in easy to follow sections, and it shows what is wrong with the world today ([|And so does a certain Flight of The Conchords Song]) but I digress and move on. This is a great read, there is no plausible reason in my opinion, as to why this book shouldn't be read.

**Works Consulted**

"From Bill O'Reilly: A Brash, Brilliant Offensive in the Battle for America's Heart and Soul.” //Conservative Book Service.// Conservative Book Service, Web. 13 May 2010. .

Heilbrunn, Jacob. "Review: The Man Who Would Not Shut Up and Culture Warrior - Culture - International Herald Tribune.” //The New York Times.// The New York Times, 12 Jan. 2007. Web. 13 May 2010. < http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/12/arts/12iht-idbriefs13D.4181772.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1 >.

O' Reilly, Bill. //Culture Warrior.// New York: Broadway Book, 2006. Print.

Young, Cathy. "One Man's Culture War, Bill O'Reilly Sticks up for the Little Guy--that is, himself.” //Reason.// Reason Magazine, Jan. 2007. Web. 13 May 2010. .