Reviews for Rush Limbaugh: An Army of One

The average rating for Rush Limbaugh: An Army of One based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2010-06-30 00:00:00 Mark Newberger Okay, if you're one of the people who's eyes fly from their sockets in fury when the name "Rush" is mentioned, if steam boils from your ears or flame rolls from your lips you won't like this book....it's not a hit piece. This is an attempt at an honest bio. and while Mr. Chafets obviously likes "Rush" he does paint in at least some of the blemishes along with the positive material. For example...the high point of the last few years for many of the politically "liberal" or "progressive" Rush's struggle with prescription pain killers is dealt with openly and with no sign of a whitewash brush. The book takes a look at his life giving us a sort "sketch" of the influences the made "Rush, Rush, and drawing us a picture of where he came from,where he is and what he thinks. And lets face it..as much as many hate Rush and wish to discount him as Mr. Chafets points out if he was really only bombast, he wouldn't have lasted long. This is a look at a man who rose through the radio industry to end up speaking the thoughts of a huge portion of the American people...arguably even a majority on some issues. Now, I know that many of you will hate this book...some without ever cracking the cover. AND I have no doubt that it will end up on the "saddest" book list on this sight "Books I'd rather die than read"...where the most erudite of the closed minded hang out. But still I recommend it. I heard Rush for the first time sometime in 89 or 90...I'm not sure exactly when. I heard him while at work and listened to him fairly often (whenever work allowed me to be "on the road" during his "show") after that. I still listen to him most days. While I don't agree with everything Rush says (though when I think about it, quite often when I "disagree" it turns out I disagree with the way he said something far more often than I disagree with the substance. As in I may not have gone so far with that joke) more often than not I hear things I've thought coming back to me expressed in a way that gets people's attention...maybe even ticks them off a little. You'll notice that throughout this review I've referred to Rush Limbaugh simply as "Rush". I don't do that with any sort of disrespect in mind. I most often refer to those I don't know as Mr. or Ms. but the entire country and a good part of the world has come to think of Rush Limbaugh as "Rush" Think about this. When anyone simply says "Rush" as a name is there any doubt who they mean? I can only think of 3 other names like that Elvis, Marilyn, and (oh well) Cher...add to that list, Rush. This is a good book and while it is largely favorable it gives an unbiased story. Also it's an absorbing read. No skimming here the book itself is readable and enjoyable. 5 stars.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-04-03 00:00:00 Lance Vestal I have listened to Rush's radio show on and off since about 1989. Over the years, I have found I can't really tell a lot a people I'm a fan for fear of getting laughed at, insulted, or a look of disapproval. And forget trying to talk people in to listening. You can't really get talked in to listening to Rush. It just happens. AND you either love him or hate him or some just tolerate him. I find him funny, passionate and true. At times I think he has gone over the edge and I cringe anticipating inevitable liberal bashing. But somehow, someway, Rush always survives and most of the time comes out of a situation smelling like a rose. This book is a biography. I'm not sure you could label it authorized, however, Rush developed a good relationship with the author and allowed him into his somewhat classified existence. Reading this book, I wondered if Zev was a fan and was leaning toward the positive aspect of Rush and his life. Or, after spending all this time with Rush and his friends and family, did they change Zev's mind from skeptic to believer. Almost everything Zev wrote about I experience thru the actual radio performance, OR I heard it through the media or Rush himself. I was impressed with myself and how much I knew about Rush and the politics he has proclaimed via radio waves throughout these many years. I did learn some things about his early life, his father, his brother and what steered "Rusty" towards a life in radio. Believe it or not, Rush is a sensitive guy. Some of the bashing he endures from the left he can take and turn it around and give it right back with such flare, they regret what they started. But some of it, especially the personal issues like his weight and the way he lives, he takes very personal. Zev stated in this book that everything Rush said, he was able to back up. I actually think he was surprised at that and I'm sure liberals don't believe it. Much to the chagrin of all liberals and even some Republicans, Rush does have significant political influence in this country. I am glad he does. I really believe this country needs him to remind us where we started. What this country is all about AND the path we need to take to get it back on track. If you are a Rush fan, you will really enjoy this book. If you aren't a Rush fan, give it a try anyway, you might be surprised.