The year was 1957, the month September, and I had just turned eight years old. Dwight Eisenhower was President, but in my life it was the diminutive, intense Sister Mary Lurana who ruled, at least in the third-grade class where I was held captive. For reasons you will soon understand, my parents had remanded me to the penal institution of St. Brigid’s School in Westbury, New York, a cruel and unusual punishment if there ever was one. Already, I had barely survived my first two years at St. Brigid’s because I was, well, a little nitwit. Not satisfied with memorizing the Baltimore Catechism’s fine prose, which featured passages like “God made me to show his goodness and to make me happy with him in heaven,” I was constantly annoying my classmates and, of course, the no-nonsense Sister Lurana. With sixty overactive students in her class, she was understandably short on patience. For survival, she had also become quick on the draw. Then it happened. One day I blurted out some dumb remark, and Sister Lurana was on me like a panther. Her black habit blocked out all distractions as she leaned down, looked me in the eye, and uttered words I have never forgotten: “William, you are a bold, fresh piece of humanity.” And she was dead-on. 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 bestselling author. Readers 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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"A good insight into the factors that shaped the mind of Cable TV's most popular news commentator. It's written in a humorous, refreshing, easy to read style which seems contrary, in many ways, to his "pushy" TV persona. Say or think what you will about Bill O'Rielly. Whether you love him or hate him, he is indeed an intriguing man."
— Rob (4 out of 5 stars)
" Mr. O'Reilly endeavors to explain his world view based on his experiences growing up in a blue collar community on Long Island and his early professional career. He accomplishes this nicely, with plenty of amusing anecdotes from his childhood and early adulthood. While the writing is not great the self-deprecating and conversational tone make it a quick, enjoyable read. "
— Lynne, 2/15/2014" Brought back a lot of memories from my childhood! "
— Ocean38, 2/11/2014" About half way through I decided I just don't care that much about Bill O'Reilly! "
— Melanie, 2/9/2014" I enjoyed this personal yet not-too-personal style of writing. He shows how his childhood and young adult experiences shaped his views on a variety of topics. While I do not always agree with him, I do have respect for him. "
— Traci, 2/5/2014" A life of a Baby Boomer. "
— Nancy, 2/4/2014" This was a great book. I like O'Reilly's style and enjoyed learning how his values and principles have been shaped. I admire someone who can state their position and then strive to live by it like he has. "
— Francie, 1/29/2014" Love him or hate it this is a funny, funny book! "
— Lorie, 1/16/2014" I read a chapter here and there for fun. I totally get the Catholic school stories-been there! His mother is a saint and he was a terror, but it's funny. "
— Robin, 1/13/2014" Enjoyable, funny! "
— Lisa, 12/5/2013" Wow. Just . . . wow. That was the most fantastic, and the most REAL book I have ever read. "
— Callie, 11/30/2013" Lots of fun; he's just as he appears on his TV show. A man who walks the walk; no matter what your beliefs or politics, you can respect this man. "
— Beth, 11/23/2013Bill O’Reilly is an American television host, New York Times bestselling author, historian, journalist, syndicated columnist, and a conservative political commentator.