CONFRONTING AMERICA
By Bill O'Reilly and Josh Hammer
Publisher: St. Martin's
The conservative commentator shares his views on education, family, drugs, work and religion.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
In "Confronting America: What Has to Change," Bill O'Reilly and Josh Hammer embark on a lamentation of modern American society, yearning for a bygone era that, in their view, epitomized virtue and order. The authors posit that the nation's decline stems from a departure from traditional values, attributing societal woes to factors such as the prevalence of tattoos, the legalization of marijuana, and the influence of figures like Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/bill-oreilly/confronting-america/?utm_source=openai))
O'Reilly's narrative is replete with sweeping generalizations and a palpable disdain for contemporary cultural shifts. He castigates the younger generation for a perceived aversion to hard work and decries the rise of "woke" culture, suggesting that mocking individuals, especially minorities, now leads to accusations of "dastardly behavior." ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/bill-oreilly/confronting-america/?utm_source=openai)) Such assertions not only oversimplify complex social dynamics but also betray a lack of engagement with the realities of systemic issues.
The book's tone oscillates between condescension and alarmism, with O'Reilly painting a picture of a nation on the brink, undone by its own citizens' choices. His critiques of public figures, including labeling George Soros as someone who "despises traditional America and wants to destroy it," and branding Nancy Pelosi as "fanatically left-wing," come across as hyperbolic and lacking substantive analysis. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/bill-oreilly/confronting-america/?utm_source=openai))
While the authors claim to eschew ideology, the text is steeped in a conservative nostalgia that dismisses progressive movements and fails to offer constructive solutions. The reliance on anecdotal evidence and personal grievances undermines the credibility of their arguments, rendering the book more of a diatribe than a thoughtful examination of America's challenges.
In conclusion, "Confronting America" is a polemic that offers little in the way of nuanced discourse or actionable insights. Its propensity for broad-brush condemnations and resistance to contemporary societal evolution make it a frustrating read for those seeking a balanced perspective. Readers would be better served by engaging with works that provide a more comprehensive and empathetic analysis of America's multifaceted issues.
Recommendation: Not recommended.
written on: 9/24/2026