What do you think?
Rate this book
Wake Up America: The Nine Virtues That Made Our Nation Great—and Why We Need Them More Than Ever
The Instant New York Times Bestseller!
America was built on nine distinct virtues which shaped the character of our nation and made it great. Grit, manliness, individualism, merit, profit and providence, dominion over our environment, thrift, and above all pride in our country—these qualities define us, and are the reason that hundreds of millions of people worldwide look to America for hope, inspiration, and opportunity.
But it’s precisely these virtues that now are under attack by the radical Left of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and their followers. America as we know it is eroding before our eyes and becoming what Fox News Channel personality and co-host of “The Five” Eric Bolling calls a “politically correct nanny state.” The rewards for individual achievement and hard work, our basic constitutional rights, religious faith, national identity, and capitalism itself, are being replaced by a dangerous socialistic ideology that is the polar opposite of what our Founding Fathers intended America to be.
It’s time for us to wake up and heed the clear-cut warning signs that America is heading in the wrong direction--before we’re too far gone. Eric Bolling knows firsthand what makes America great. Raised in a struggling blue-collar family in Chicago, his parents showed him that hard work and firm values can get you far in life. Those values drove him as a young baseball player to being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, then success as a New York Mercantile Exchange trader, and now his daily role on Fox News Channel. A celebration of America that is informed by Bolling’s personal story, Wake Up America is a much-needed call to arms for America’s citizens to preserve and protect our country's present and future.
America was built on nine distinct virtues which shaped the character of our nation and made it great. Grit, manliness, individualism, merit, profit and providence, dominion over our environment, thrift, and above all pride in our country—these qualities define us, and are the reason that hundreds of millions of people worldwide look to America for hope, inspiration, and opportunity.
But it’s precisely these virtues that now are under attack by the radical Left of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and their followers. America as we know it is eroding before our eyes and becoming what Fox News Channel personality and co-host of “The Five” Eric Bolling calls a “politically correct nanny state.” The rewards for individual achievement and hard work, our basic constitutional rights, religious faith, national identity, and capitalism itself, are being replaced by a dangerous socialistic ideology that is the polar opposite of what our Founding Fathers intended America to be.
It’s time for us to wake up and heed the clear-cut warning signs that America is heading in the wrong direction--before we’re too far gone. Eric Bolling knows firsthand what makes America great. Raised in a struggling blue-collar family in Chicago, his parents showed him that hard work and firm values can get you far in life. Those values drove him as a young baseball player to being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, then success as a New York Mercantile Exchange trader, and now his daily role on Fox News Channel. A celebration of America that is informed by Bolling’s personal story, Wake Up America is a much-needed call to arms for America’s citizens to preserve and protect our country's present and future.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
92 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Eric Bolling
3 books56 followersEric Bolling currently serves as co-host of FOX News Channel's (FNC) "The Five" (weekdays 5-6PM/ET). He also serves as the host of "Cashin' In" (Saturdays 11:30AM-12PM/ET), an analysis program on FNC's weekend business block, The Cost of Freedom. Bolling also fills in for Bill O'Reilly on "The O'Reilly Factor" (weekdays 8-9pm/ET). Bolling joined the network in 2008.
On The Five, Bolling is one of seven rotating personalities who discuss, debate and at times debunk the hot news stories, controversies and issues of the day. Additionally, he serves as a commodities contributor to both FNC and Fox Business Network (FBN), specializing in the economy. Previously, he served as host of FBN's Follow the Money, Happy Hour as well as FoxNews.com's Strategy Room. Prior to joining FBN, Bolling helped launch and was an original panelist on CNBC's Fast Money.
Before embarking on a television career in business news, Bolling was an independent trader based out of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) specializing in crude oil, gold and agricultural commodities. Bolling also served on the NYMEX's Board of Directors for five years, and subsequently acted as a strategic adviser there.
Bolling was named the Maybach Man of the Year in 2007 and one of Trader Monthly's Top Traders in 2007 and 2008. A graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, he was awarded a fellowship to Duke University's School of Public Policy. Bolling was also drafted by and played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On The Five, Bolling is one of seven rotating personalities who discuss, debate and at times debunk the hot news stories, controversies and issues of the day. Additionally, he serves as a commodities contributor to both FNC and Fox Business Network (FBN), specializing in the economy. Previously, he served as host of FBN's Follow the Money, Happy Hour as well as FoxNews.com's Strategy Room. Prior to joining FBN, Bolling helped launch and was an original panelist on CNBC's Fast Money.
Before embarking on a television career in business news, Bolling was an independent trader based out of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) specializing in crude oil, gold and agricultural commodities. Bolling also served on the NYMEX's Board of Directors for five years, and subsequently acted as a strategic adviser there.
Bolling was named the Maybach Man of the Year in 2007 and one of Trader Monthly's Top Traders in 2007 and 2008. A graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, he was awarded a fellowship to Duke University's School of Public Policy. Bolling was also drafted by and played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 5, 2016
WELL WORTH READING! I seriously doubt that any political person left of center will read this book as they most certainly will take offense to what Bolling has written. As a Disclaimer I consider myself as a Conservative (as compared to being a Republican). As such and also as a 20 year military veteran, I could not agree more with what Bolling has put to paper. This is a book about what America once was based upon very strong beliefs that the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution actually meant something that should be defended at all costs. It seems to me that all that Bolling has written about transpired since the death of John F. Kennedy but more importantly (and not mentioned in this book) the removal of prayer from schools in 1962. America has been and continues to be on a downward spiral towards becoming a previously feared Socialist country. It is impossible to find fault with any of the 9 virtues (I prefer to call them individual characteristics), yet that is exactly what is happening in America just as Bolling writes about. This book would make a wonderful gift for your children if you have any. They will not particularly like what they are about to read. To sum it up - THE TRUTH OFTEN HURTS! This is one of those occasions.
July 8, 2016
Excellent book which will not be well received by our liberal friends. Kudos to Bolling for having the courage to write it
December 31, 2016
These kinds of book are hard to rate. First, I'll just say, that if you are a hard and fast Democrat, it's probably safe to say, you will hate this book, considering all the Hillary and Obama slamming.
I give this 4 stars, because it gives food for thought. I think dialogue, debate and exposure to opposing views, are always good things. The bashing....well....not so much. In a perfect world, this would facilitate the above. I wish there was less finger pointing and more sitting around the conference table with ears open. However, in the current political climate of the U.S., that will probably NOT happen, unless maybe we are facing an out of this world alien domination/extermination. As long as power and money are on the table and within reach....it will be a slugging-it-out fest.
I give this 4 stars, because it gives food for thought. I think dialogue, debate and exposure to opposing views, are always good things. The bashing....well....not so much. In a perfect world, this would facilitate the above. I wish there was less finger pointing and more sitting around the conference table with ears open. However, in the current political climate of the U.S., that will probably NOT happen, unless maybe we are facing an out of this world alien domination/extermination. As long as power and money are on the table and within reach....it will be a slugging-it-out fest.
June 22, 2016
Bolling did an excellent job explaining each virtue and providing multiple examples from the "real world" to back up his point. It's an eye opening book, and a must read during this election year. It will definitely make you think.
December 7, 2016
It is a shame that Eric Bolling can't be impartial while making his points.
From the very opening, in which he rants about Obama, he immediately alienates the very people whose opinions I expect he hopes to influence.
I consider myself an "independent" and I agree with him on a few of his points, and found his perspective interesting on a few others, but his constant over generalizations of all things "liberal" made me consider not finishing the book many times.
If he REALLY hoped to make changes in America, he should have written this book in a more "unbiased" way, to reach a wider audience. I think the only people who would enjoy this book would be people who already agree with his point of view.
I feel like all this book accomplishes is to make money for the author, on the ground swell of the alt-right.
From the very opening, in which he rants about Obama, he immediately alienates the very people whose opinions I expect he hopes to influence.
I consider myself an "independent" and I agree with him on a few of his points, and found his perspective interesting on a few others, but his constant over generalizations of all things "liberal" made me consider not finishing the book many times.
If he REALLY hoped to make changes in America, he should have written this book in a more "unbiased" way, to reach a wider audience. I think the only people who would enjoy this book would be people who already agree with his point of view.
I feel like all this book accomplishes is to make money for the author, on the ground swell of the alt-right.
August 27, 2016
I read this book on the advice of a very conservative friend. Being that I'm open to opposing viewpoints, I took on her challenge to read this.
Politically, I consider myself middle of the road. I pick and choose what resonates with me politically, and as such, my personal principals reflect core principals from the Right and Left. I vote Independent as well, preferring free thought to labels that offer a blue print on how I should think and live.
Before I give my review, I also would like to state that both Republicans and Democrats are the opposite parts of an ass, which makes them dual assholes. They share many of the same characteristics, one sees in Corporate America, city government, chain restaurants, and religious institutions - greed, control, influence and power; not necessarily in that order. It's unfortunate that these aforementioned modes of conduct are so prevalent in our world order and one can only wonder the kind of world we could live in if greed was replaced with sharing, control was replaced with acceptance and letting people be themselves, influence was defined on making the world a better place and power was what happens when everyone feels that they matter.
Wake up America makes some good points that I strongly agree with. In particular the chapter on Manliness and the chapter on Dominion. I won't go into detail, so as not be a spoiler of stimulating reading material, but in the American culture, men really have become soft and effeminate. On TV sitcoms men are portrayed as idiots and buffoons. They seem to only exist as a backdrop for jokes on their mediocrity. Like Rodney Dangerfield, they get no respect from anybody; not even their wife and kids. Not even their dog gives them respect.
Speaking of dogs, in the chapter on Dominion, Bolling does a credible job outlining the differences between animals and humans. Groups like PETA believe that the life of a human baby and a puppy are just as important. Bolling argues, and I completely agree, that animals are the dominion of man. They are animals not manimals. They may be like a family member, but they aren't a family member. If doing scientific experiments on a group of dogs, cats, or gerbils for that matter is going to lead to a cure for cancer or Lou Gering's disease, so be it. I will also admit that when I see a pet owner walking around town with their pooch dressed up in clothes, a hat and accessories, I can't help thinking that the owner looks more foolish than their dog.
Other than these two chapters, most of the rest of the book read like a Right Wing manual on how to live ones life, with the word "liberal" plastered on each page as if progressive thinking was the lead cause on why the United States and the world in general, is going to hell in a hand basket. The "virtues" that Bollings frequently states are not the sole dominion of Conservatives. I have a hard time believing that Mark Zukaberg and Steve Jobs, two very progressive individuals, lack "grit," "individuality," and "pride." These are not just conservative values. There are probably thousands of progressives, highly principled, who also embrace these attributes and demonstrate them on a day to day basis both at work and at home in the community.
Bollings loses a lot of points in that, like most labeled groups, he hammers home his point that he's right, while everybody is wrong. A more intelligent and thoughtful Donald Trump, but with the same Us vs. Them mentality that stokes fear and divides individuals into separate camps, at the expense of many areas of commonality that could be used to foster a better connection with the other. Bollings comes across in a very angry, almost raging way, with how liberals are destroying the very fabric of society. Yet, he rarely takes any responsibility for himself and his Fan Boy group, Republicans, that he holds so dear to his heart.
It would be great if as a society we could all agree that one segment of the population was responsible for the unraveling of our society and its values. However, this isn't the case. The problem is that as long as there is some group or individual whose primary aims are power, money and influence, there will always be a group or individual jockeying for position, playing the blame game as a way to promote their way of thinking. Better yet is to admit that the problem is that a bunch of assholes care far more for the short term effects of their way of thinking and doing business than the long term effect of making the United States and the world at large a better place to live.
Yes, this book makes some good points. Yes, also, Bollings has been indoctrinated into the Republican party at such a level of myoptic belief, that, like many of his kind on both sides of the isle, he's blinded himself to what really matters and what's really important.
Politically, I consider myself middle of the road. I pick and choose what resonates with me politically, and as such, my personal principals reflect core principals from the Right and Left. I vote Independent as well, preferring free thought to labels that offer a blue print on how I should think and live.
Before I give my review, I also would like to state that both Republicans and Democrats are the opposite parts of an ass, which makes them dual assholes. They share many of the same characteristics, one sees in Corporate America, city government, chain restaurants, and religious institutions - greed, control, influence and power; not necessarily in that order. It's unfortunate that these aforementioned modes of conduct are so prevalent in our world order and one can only wonder the kind of world we could live in if greed was replaced with sharing, control was replaced with acceptance and letting people be themselves, influence was defined on making the world a better place and power was what happens when everyone feels that they matter.
Wake up America makes some good points that I strongly agree with. In particular the chapter on Manliness and the chapter on Dominion. I won't go into detail, so as not be a spoiler of stimulating reading material, but in the American culture, men really have become soft and effeminate. On TV sitcoms men are portrayed as idiots and buffoons. They seem to only exist as a backdrop for jokes on their mediocrity. Like Rodney Dangerfield, they get no respect from anybody; not even their wife and kids. Not even their dog gives them respect.
Speaking of dogs, in the chapter on Dominion, Bolling does a credible job outlining the differences between animals and humans. Groups like PETA believe that the life of a human baby and a puppy are just as important. Bolling argues, and I completely agree, that animals are the dominion of man. They are animals not manimals. They may be like a family member, but they aren't a family member. If doing scientific experiments on a group of dogs, cats, or gerbils for that matter is going to lead to a cure for cancer or Lou Gering's disease, so be it. I will also admit that when I see a pet owner walking around town with their pooch dressed up in clothes, a hat and accessories, I can't help thinking that the owner looks more foolish than their dog.
Other than these two chapters, most of the rest of the book read like a Right Wing manual on how to live ones life, with the word "liberal" plastered on each page as if progressive thinking was the lead cause on why the United States and the world in general, is going to hell in a hand basket. The "virtues" that Bollings frequently states are not the sole dominion of Conservatives. I have a hard time believing that Mark Zukaberg and Steve Jobs, two very progressive individuals, lack "grit," "individuality," and "pride." These are not just conservative values. There are probably thousands of progressives, highly principled, who also embrace these attributes and demonstrate them on a day to day basis both at work and at home in the community.
Bollings loses a lot of points in that, like most labeled groups, he hammers home his point that he's right, while everybody is wrong. A more intelligent and thoughtful Donald Trump, but with the same Us vs. Them mentality that stokes fear and divides individuals into separate camps, at the expense of many areas of commonality that could be used to foster a better connection with the other. Bollings comes across in a very angry, almost raging way, with how liberals are destroying the very fabric of society. Yet, he rarely takes any responsibility for himself and his Fan Boy group, Republicans, that he holds so dear to his heart.
It would be great if as a society we could all agree that one segment of the population was responsible for the unraveling of our society and its values. However, this isn't the case. The problem is that as long as there is some group or individual whose primary aims are power, money and influence, there will always be a group or individual jockeying for position, playing the blame game as a way to promote their way of thinking. Better yet is to admit that the problem is that a bunch of assholes care far more for the short term effects of their way of thinking and doing business than the long term effect of making the United States and the world at large a better place to live.
Yes, this book makes some good points. Yes, also, Bollings has been indoctrinated into the Republican party at such a level of myoptic belief, that, like many of his kind on both sides of the isle, he's blinded himself to what really matters and what's really important.
August 13, 2016
Listening to Eric Bolling on Fox News and reading this book, I believe he and I are on the same page as Conservatives. He goes into his years before Fox and I find his childhood much different than mine. He became an entrepreneur at a very young age and a lot of the book tells of his endeavors from lawn mowing to the stock exchange pit to Mobil Oil. I was told one shouldn't expect to be paid for every job you did. My dad's brother realizing my constant insolvency slipped me a couple dollars after I helped him and said "don't tell your dad". Eric worked to help support his family, then using those skills did very well for himself. His values: Grit, Profit, Manliness, Thrift, Individuality, Dominion, Merit, Pride, Providence. are contrary to the Liberal agenda.
Read
March 10, 2018Wake Up America: The Nine Virtues That Made Our Nation Great—and Why We Need Them More Than Ever, by Eric Bolling, contains a plethora of knowledge. The research in this book is superb!
If you love God, America, and the US flag, support our troops and traditional marriage, are against Planned Parenthood and frustrated with losing the American Dream, and do not like Obama (I am a mix GOP, so spare me the race card, those of you who were thinking of going that route), then read this book. It offers the naked truth in a variety of situations. For these reasons, I give the book five stars. I will be reading it again.
If you love God, America, and the US flag, support our troops and traditional marriage, are against Planned Parenthood and frustrated with losing the American Dream, and do not like Obama (I am a mix GOP, so spare me the race card, those of you who were thinking of going that route), then read this book. It offers the naked truth in a variety of situations. For these reasons, I give the book five stars. I will be reading it again.
September 29, 2016
I don't really have interest in political novels but at first this one had my attention. It doesn't take long to realize this is just another attempt at an attention seeker to be heard like his opinion is super import and his desire to share his really "hard" life's stories about alleged poverty (yet attendance at a private school or some nonsense). Don't get me wrong, I'm on board with the "Obama sucks" theme, but it ultimately ends up being just another bit of useless propaganda that gets old quick. Let's not mention this guy's views which are straight up racist, sexist, prejudiced against gays, and hatred of animals. For some reason he thinks when he adds something like "don't get me wrong I have nothing wrong with 2 men or 2 women being together but...." and goes on with some "theory" on how gay marriage is part of obama's plan to destroy Christianity. Like, you just don't approve of gay marriage and think by making some dumb statement before stating your theory proves you don't. It's pretty crystal clear. He also does this as he goes on to share his "nonsexist" which is really sexist view and the same with racist babble. And I mean, I am one of those "weird", "crazy" people he describes who treats their pets like children, thus, I love them to death and take very good care of them and think their lives are just as important as anyone in my life I care about. Oh well, I'll be crazy I guess and I'm okay with believing that innocent living creatures don't deserve to be tortured for our own benefit through testing products, etc. I don't care what research this man dug up and blew the dust off of to talk about medical cures and what not. I feel like there's a whole prison world full of rapists, murderers and pedophiles who are much more deserving of having harsh products and medicines tested on them. But that's just me.
And please if you are trying to equate your struggles to poverty stricken people, don't say how deprived your life was bc you couldn't afford the shoes that the school you went to required. 1 it's most likely bs and 2, I think someone with real poverty, let's say a mom who can't feed her family bc maybe her husband died and he was the sole income so she foregoes her meals to feed her children or lives in shelters or maybe the homeless veteran living in the street.
So yea, This is the last propaganda garbage novel I will ever pick up.
And please if you are trying to equate your struggles to poverty stricken people, don't say how deprived your life was bc you couldn't afford the shoes that the school you went to required. 1 it's most likely bs and 2, I think someone with real poverty, let's say a mom who can't feed her family bc maybe her husband died and he was the sole income so she foregoes her meals to feed her children or lives in shelters or maybe the homeless veteran living in the street.
So yea, This is the last propaganda garbage novel I will ever pick up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2016
"That's what the American dream is all about--that people of good.character and a willingness to work hard can leverage their natural abilities (and overcome their weaknesses) to create an exceptional life for themselves." ~ Wake Up America
The above quote was from the chapter called Merit, one of the nine American virtues upon which this country was founded. Think about that quote. If everyone gets a trophy and no one is valedictorian, the drive that built this great country is killed, and acheivement of the American dream dies along with it. Wake UP America!
Mr. Bolling dedicates a chapter to Merit and each of the other eight virtues, Grit, Profit, Manliness, Thrift, Individuality, Dominion, Pride, and Providence, and explains why we need them more than ever. With each virtue, he provides the Merriam-Webster definition versus the meaning as interpreted by the Left. At first I thought this was for a bit of a chuckle to start each chapter, but then it became glaringly obvious that it was the truth. I could see how the meaning of these virtues has been twisted to suit their agenda.
I respect everyone's right to vote for whomever they please, but if you are planning on pulling the lever for Hillary, I recommend you read this book first before making your final decision. The Introduction shows what the first few months of a Hillary presidency might look like, and it is frightening. This election is so important if we want to preserve the American dream and bring back the American pride that made us stand out as exceptional around the world--the very reason so many people want to come here.
Wake Up America is a very well thought out look at how fast our country is changing for the worse and what we can do to change it.
It's time to take back our country.
It's time to Make America Great Again.
It's time, America, to WAKE UP!!!
The above quote was from the chapter called Merit, one of the nine American virtues upon which this country was founded. Think about that quote. If everyone gets a trophy and no one is valedictorian, the drive that built this great country is killed, and acheivement of the American dream dies along with it. Wake UP America!
Mr. Bolling dedicates a chapter to Merit and each of the other eight virtues, Grit, Profit, Manliness, Thrift, Individuality, Dominion, Pride, and Providence, and explains why we need them more than ever. With each virtue, he provides the Merriam-Webster definition versus the meaning as interpreted by the Left. At first I thought this was for a bit of a chuckle to start each chapter, but then it became glaringly obvious that it was the truth. I could see how the meaning of these virtues has been twisted to suit their agenda.
I respect everyone's right to vote for whomever they please, but if you are planning on pulling the lever for Hillary, I recommend you read this book first before making your final decision. The Introduction shows what the first few months of a Hillary presidency might look like, and it is frightening. This election is so important if we want to preserve the American dream and bring back the American pride that made us stand out as exceptional around the world--the very reason so many people want to come here.
Wake Up America is a very well thought out look at how fast our country is changing for the worse and what we can do to change it.
It's time to take back our country.
It's time to Make America Great Again.
It's time, America, to WAKE UP!!!
December 5, 2016
I watch The Five religiously, have read all of Greg Gutfeld's books as well as Dana Perino's book & also Kimberly Guilfoyle's book as well, (which I actually won a copy of in a Goodreads giveaway). Anyways, I watch them nearly every weekday & have enjoyed reading all of their books thus far; so my excitement for Eric Bolling's first book was only natural.
It did not disappoint. It was well researched, well written, clear & concise & he made some very valid and (most importantly for me as I read a lot of political books that often re-hash the same points over & over again), original arguments.
There were also many eye opening statistics explained. Which was expected as Eric often refers to himself as a "numbers guy", but were also new & refreshing as I had not heard him state many of the stats previously on tv.
This is not a book for the weak, (or as Eric would probably refer to them, wusses). And if you're a flaming liberal or socialist, I highly doubt this would be an enjoyable read for you, but I would also highly doubt that you're a very big Eric Bolling fan in the first place.
In contrast, his no punches barred, simple & true straight talk (I do believe the word 'bullshit' was used more than once), is likely to raise your blood pressure significantly if you agree with much of what he has to say as I do.
Overall, for the right audience, (and there desperately needs to be more of 'the right audience'), this is a good read.
I would definitely say that I did not always agree with Eric while reading this book, but I always felt that I understood & respected where he was coming from & why & I definitely do agree with the bare-bones-basic nine virtues he outlined throughout the book that once made our country so great and are desperately needed to put us back on top again.
Looking forward to your (hopeful) next one, Mr. Bolling!
It did not disappoint. It was well researched, well written, clear & concise & he made some very valid and (most importantly for me as I read a lot of political books that often re-hash the same points over & over again), original arguments.
There were also many eye opening statistics explained. Which was expected as Eric often refers to himself as a "numbers guy", but were also new & refreshing as I had not heard him state many of the stats previously on tv.
This is not a book for the weak, (or as Eric would probably refer to them, wusses). And if you're a flaming liberal or socialist, I highly doubt this would be an enjoyable read for you, but I would also highly doubt that you're a very big Eric Bolling fan in the first place.
In contrast, his no punches barred, simple & true straight talk (I do believe the word 'bullshit' was used more than once), is likely to raise your blood pressure significantly if you agree with much of what he has to say as I do.
Overall, for the right audience, (and there desperately needs to be more of 'the right audience'), this is a good read.
I would definitely say that I did not always agree with Eric while reading this book, but I always felt that I understood & respected where he was coming from & why & I definitely do agree with the bare-bones-basic nine virtues he outlined throughout the book that once made our country so great and are desperately needed to put us back on top again.
Looking forward to your (hopeful) next one, Mr. Bolling!
August 4, 2016
Firstly, I received "Wake Up America" as an advanced copy from Goodreads. Secondly, as Eric recounted his life experiences, this review is influenced by mine. I lived in NYC during a time of mass legal immigration from nearly all of war torn European countries; people whose mantra became - We're Americans Now [no hyphenated personhood where "American" is secondary] . So for those of us who grew up at that time, when all joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of every school day, along with a prayer, followed by singing the National Anthem & each day thereafter a different patriotic song - this book causes one of my generation to reminisce and shake our head wondering - when did the music stop - when did prayer become unwelcomed. While we were schooled in the Constitution, The Bill of Rights and the reasoning behind each - our children were less so & our grandchildren even less.
Eric provokes an incentive to return to basics using 9 attitudes [he calls virtues] as examples; how each have different meanings and his challenge to consider his view. He well documents how political correctness and progressivism is chipping away at, or trying to replace, the freedoms we are guaranteed under the Bill of Rights. Thought provoking and timely, his book should be on reading lists for Jr. High School, High School, College students and politicians of both parties.
Eric provokes an incentive to return to basics using 9 attitudes [he calls virtues] as examples; how each have different meanings and his challenge to consider his view. He well documents how political correctness and progressivism is chipping away at, or trying to replace, the freedoms we are guaranteed under the Bill of Rights. Thought provoking and timely, his book should be on reading lists for Jr. High School, High School, College students and politicians of both parties.
August 18, 2016
Eric Bolling is one of my celebrity crushes. Not quite sure what it is but I just think he is a cutie. Maybe it's those blue eyes?
On to the book itself. Bolling proposes nine virtues he feels made America the nation it is, virtues he fears we are on the verge of losing. He spends a chapter devoted to each of the nine (grit, profit, manliness, thrift, individuality, dominion, merit, pride, and providence.) By using much of his own story of rising to success from near poverty as well as lessons from our nation's history and statistics, Bolling makes a strong case for returning to the basic tenets of society and morals that were inherent for generations. I personally found the sections on grit, manliness, thrift, dominion, and providence particularly compelling. Of course, in all likelihood, he is preaching to the choir as I do not imagine many of those considered liberal are likely to read this book just as conservatives are not likely to read something from the likes of the "tingles up my thighs" Chris Matthews.
On to the book itself. Bolling proposes nine virtues he feels made America the nation it is, virtues he fears we are on the verge of losing. He spends a chapter devoted to each of the nine (grit, profit, manliness, thrift, individuality, dominion, merit, pride, and providence.) By using much of his own story of rising to success from near poverty as well as lessons from our nation's history and statistics, Bolling makes a strong case for returning to the basic tenets of society and morals that were inherent for generations. I personally found the sections on grit, manliness, thrift, dominion, and providence particularly compelling. Of course, in all likelihood, he is preaching to the choir as I do not imagine many of those considered liberal are likely to read this book just as conservatives are not likely to read something from the likes of the "tingles up my thighs" Chris Matthews.
January 30, 2017
Received an audio cd from Goodreads giveaways.
Completely agree with Bolling and the reviewer that we are dumbing down America....with the help of the media, advertising, schools and celebrity culture.
Today, many of our children and grandchildren are not being instructed in the virtues that this Country was founded on. Many educational institutions do not want, nor do they encourage opposing views. If we don't agree with the "status quo" we are given labels.
Definitely well worth reading. Some may take offense but Bolling outlines the strong beliefs which our Country was founded on. Should be read by many politicians as a "refresher course" in political science.
Completely agree with Bolling and the reviewer that we are dumbing down America....with the help of the media, advertising, schools and celebrity culture.
Today, many of our children and grandchildren are not being instructed in the virtues that this Country was founded on. Many educational institutions do not want, nor do they encourage opposing views. If we don't agree with the "status quo" we are given labels.
Definitely well worth reading. Some may take offense but Bolling outlines the strong beliefs which our Country was founded on. Should be read by many politicians as a "refresher course" in political science.
September 5, 2016
I'm pretty conservative so liked this book for the most part. I was not thrilled with his little stories about himself which seemed a bit bragadash. And, not so in agreement with the chapter on "manliness" in all aspects. But, overall, it had major good points (just in my opinion) - it won't be to everyone's taste or belief.
January 6, 2017
This book is amazing and definitely well written ,I'm a more conservative type but I'd def recommend for leftists if they'd open their eyes to the truth or at least center leaning independents, it gives fresh outlook on political scene besides the mainstream media lies and propaganda , def a 10/10
February 24, 2018
There is nothing original in this book. It is another rehash of what a good conservative should be and look like. It is definitely not a page turner & I only made it to chapter 4 because of all of the rhetorical one sided banter. As a republican, I found the book laborious.
June 30, 2016
Awesome book and must read for all conservatives. I particularly liked that he included the San Bernardino terrorist attack...my husband was killed in that attack.
July 1, 2016
Well researched book about how values and principles have.changed since the sixties and prior. I pray that my children and grandchildren will do all right as time goes on. Scary times ahead.
May 5, 2018
America was built on nine distinct virtues which shaped the character of our nation and made it great. Grit, manliness, individualism, merit, profit and providence, dominion over our environment, thrift, and above all pride in our country-these qualities define us, and are the reason that hundreds of millions of people worldwide look to America for hope, inspiration, and opportunity. An excellent book. The rewards for individual achievement and hard work, our basic constitutional rights, religious faith, national identity, and capitalism itself, are being replaced by a dangerous socialistic ideology that is the polar opposite of what our Founding Fathers intended America to be. It's time for us to wake up and heed the clear-cut warning signs that America is heading in the wrong direction--before we're too far gone. Eric Bolling knows firsthand what makes America great. Raised in a struggling blue-collar family in Chicago, his parents showed him that hard work and firm values can get you far in life. Those values drove him as a young baseball player to being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, then success as a New York Mercantile Exchange trader, and now his daily role on Fox News Channel. A celebration of America that is informed by Bolling's personal story, Wake Up America is a much-needed call to arms for America's citizens to preserve and protect our country's present and future. If you love America, please read the book.
December 30, 2020
Wake Up America: The Nine Virtues That Made Our Nation Great--and Why We Need Them More Than Ever by Eric Bolling discusses nine distinct virtues of the book title which shaped the character of America and made it great. Specifically these are grit, manliness, individualism, merit, profit and providence, dominion over our environment, thrift, and above all pride in our country. These are what defines us as a nation and are the main reason why people from all over the world have a goal to come here for freedom to practice their religion, freedom of speech, and to pursue economic freedom and a better life for them and their families. Lately these virtues are under assault from the left who, because of political correctness, have been trying to redefine them as vices. Because of his own personal journey beginning in a Chicago blue collar family he learned the value of hard work and conservative values that have provided him with core values for success in his life. The author has written this book to sound a warning to Americans about the slow eroding of America's core values that are the reasons that make people want to come here and makes suggestions for what we should be doing stop it.
December 27, 2018
I have just recently begun to read political books. I have stayed away from them because too many times they are filled with pointing fingers instead of providing different perspectives on very important matters. We spend so much time blaming others instead of working together.
I am an independent and did agree with most of the points in the book however I was very turned off by the bashing that is done. I don’t mean calling out names of people. In my opinion that is fine for the learning process. I mean the flat out bashing of “all” Democrats. Don’t you want to write a book that influences? Well then maybe you should not put everyone in the same “bucket”.
I still gave it 4 stars because overall it was a great book with a lot of great points but maybe, just maybe if the extremists on both sides....Democrat and Republican can actually spend less time pointing fingers and more time being open to compromise we might get somewhere.
I am an independent and did agree with most of the points in the book however I was very turned off by the bashing that is done. I don’t mean calling out names of people. In my opinion that is fine for the learning process. I mean the flat out bashing of “all” Democrats. Don’t you want to write a book that influences? Well then maybe you should not put everyone in the same “bucket”.
I still gave it 4 stars because overall it was a great book with a lot of great points but maybe, just maybe if the extremists on both sides....Democrat and Republican can actually spend less time pointing fingers and more time being open to compromise we might get somewhere.
January 14, 2020
This book again looks at the past and the future. This author's work is well researched, citing facts about what Americans know about our past and things that I know that I learned in high school and grade school (yep, I am old). It cites facts about the different people he brings up (like or hate the information is known). He goes back to why our Founders put things into the Constitution (to protect everyone's freedoms - I have been told to take down things that people don't like, but when someone posts what I don't like I don't even think about demanding that). After reading this book, I used some of his facts to see what my kids remember from past discussions about the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address and the Bill of Rights. Some of these things they did remember and remember well. Other things we had to go over a little more. I did enjoy this book and it was interesting.
August 12, 2017
Wake up America is written well and Bolling is a true authentic conservative. Sadly the Left bashing gets in the way of his main points in this book. An editor could have vastly improved this book by limiting the number of times Bolling uses "liberal". Republicans & Democrats are both at fault and to blindly take the side of the right ruins your argument.
I enjoyed the comparison between animals and people. PETA believe that the animals are equivalent to humans. Bolling argues that animals are the dominion of man. They are similar to family members, but are not family members.
I enjoyed the comparison between animals and people. PETA believe that the animals are equivalent to humans. Bolling argues that animals are the dominion of man. They are similar to family members, but are not family members.
June 16, 2017
I have seen Mr. Bolling on the program The Five. This book is excellent. It talks about the founding principles of this country and they are under attack by the radical left liberals. I agree with him it is time to wake up and go back in the right direction. He says we need grit, profit, manliness, thrift, individuality, dominion. merit, pride and providence. He then explains very well why we need these things.
April 15, 2020
My review at the beginning of this book, was a 2.5, then by chapter 5, it went up to a 3. After reading chapters 6 and up until the end, it became a 5 star book! I totally liked this book! One part of it made me so ANGRY! If Maya had been MY DOG, those women would have been dead meat! Sorry/Not sorry! Read this book with an open mind, a lot of what he says it true. Especially the part about Merit. Like my mom always said "Try it, you might like it!
March 8, 2017
This, like urinals are in the eyes of George Carlin, is a 50% univeral book. If you sit on my side of the political spectrum, this will ring true and resonate throughout your core. If you have spent the last 8 to 10 years shaking your head as you read social media, struggle to find a news outlet that will provide facts rather than opinion, and watch as the values that you have believed all of your life are shreaded before your eyes, then this book is for you. If you have been raised with a traditional Judeo-Christian set of morals and beliefs, and have weeped as one-by-one these beliefs have been villified, distorted, mocked, and criminalized, this book is for you.
Eric Bolling pulls no punches here. He calls out the leaders of the erosion of America for all of their misdeeds. He exposes their agendas while naming names, giving dates, explaining their double-talk, and casting a bright light on their thinly veiled schemes.
Written during the end of the presidential primaries in 2016, he did not know how the election would turn out. Yet he fortold of the right getting fed up with the constant shaming of American values. He saw the writing on the wall, and gave a short list of nine American values which, having been systematically been destroyed by the political left, would need to be restored in order for the country to become the great country it once was.
I hold out hope that we can recover America. But as I watch the constant politically funded and organized protests against straw infringements of rights, the establishment of a shadow government which is being cheered by the mainstream media, and the new revelations of the lawlessness of the last administration, I admit I have my doubts that we will be able to overcome the division created by Barack Obama to re-unite the country. But I humbly pray that we will be successful.
Eric Bolling pulls no punches here. He calls out the leaders of the erosion of America for all of their misdeeds. He exposes their agendas while naming names, giving dates, explaining their double-talk, and casting a bright light on their thinly veiled schemes.
Written during the end of the presidential primaries in 2016, he did not know how the election would turn out. Yet he fortold of the right getting fed up with the constant shaming of American values. He saw the writing on the wall, and gave a short list of nine American values which, having been systematically been destroyed by the political left, would need to be restored in order for the country to become the great country it once was.
I hold out hope that we can recover America. But as I watch the constant politically funded and organized protests against straw infringements of rights, the establishment of a shadow government which is being cheered by the mainstream media, and the new revelations of the lawlessness of the last administration, I admit I have my doubts that we will be able to overcome the division created by Barack Obama to re-unite the country. But I humbly pray that we will be successful.
July 6, 2017
I like this, though I have to admit I like the Swamp a lot more! They're both great books, well written and informative; but, I love the way in which the Swamp was presented much more. This book did keep my interest and keep me wanting to read more. I appreciated what I learned from the information provided, also.
July 15, 2017
Even though this was written in 2007 it is still worth reading in 2017. For this type of book it is worth five stars. He has packed in lots of information and facts and what he has to say about them or examples given .. well he just speaks the truth. I listened to this book which I believe makes it more interesting and is a very fast six hour listen.
June 19, 2018
This is an important book. As Bernie Sanders and Barach Obama preach socialism there are a lot of unthinking people who would fall for it. Socialism would be the ruination of the greatest country in the world. People taking chances drive our economy and if they are greedy they drive it even harder. When you speak of our economy, greed is a good thing. It builds jobs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews