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Book Reviews of The Overton Window

The Overton Window
The Overton Window
Author: Glenn Beck
ISBN-13: 9781451625288
ISBN-10: 1451625286
Publication Date: 12/28/2010
Pages: 512
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 51

3.5 stars, based on 51 ratings
Publisher: Pocket
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

22 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

conservative avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
Glenn Beck has created a thriller book which incorporates many of his beliefs about where this country is headed, the type of people who are pushing it, and how it could end. He weaves in many historical statements and principles which need to be examined and understood by all Americans. I have read better thrillers, but never more relevant than this one.
robdee avatar reviewed The Overton Window on
Helpful Score: 5
While not as polished as writers who live and breathe in the political thriller arena Glenn Beck manages to piece together an interesting yarn that gets you from point A to point B without too much grimacing on the part of the reader.

The story is a predictable enough container for the actual purpose of the tale; to illuminate and warn of what is and what will be as the powers that be manipulate public opinion and perception as a means to their ends.

Beck labels his book as a work of faction, which he defines as completely fictional books with plots rooted in fact. It is clear that Beck wants the reader to think critically of the concepts, in particular the namesake, proffered in this book. He has included a nearly 30 page afterword section with sources and notes that give the reader grist for the thought provoking mill.
pottergal avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 91 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent read that had me guessing and surprised me often, even though Glenn is no Tom Clancy!

I hesitated before posting my copy of this book on this site because I was torn between wanting it as a reference for all the events noted and wanting to make sure everyone who want to read it is able to.

I decided to post it, and hope I won't forget what it had to say. I know why I used to buy bottled water - I was thirsty and didn't want the calories in soda, nor the alkaline taste of most tap water in Texas. However, using the phenomena of bottled water sales as an example of the Overton Window theory is brilliant! I do believe that we need to be reminded to exercise our common sense and to develop it if we have lost it or were last in line when it was handed out.

No need for a tin foil hat to enjoy this one!
booklit avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 473 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A really good book that makes you think what could happen if good people do nothing.
reviewed The Overton Window on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you follow Glenn Beck, this is a MUST READ...the sequel is coming out Summer of 2012...Good fiction with a large dose of "reality."
reviewed The Overton Window on
Helpful Score: 2
A lot of it reads like one of Glenn's lectures from his radio/TV show - a lot of interesting information that is relevant to the disaster unfolding today, but that doesn't make it a good novel. The story is intriguing at times, but it really is quite amateurish both in form and content and it never really takes off or sucks you in.
renegadespiritcat avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 198 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
WOW this may be a work of fiction but it is a true EYE opener of what could and likely does happen here in our United States. Not to make one fearful or create mayhem or encourage conspiracy theorists but this book can keep you awake nights for pondering the ever changing possibilities.
owlandtwig avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This story will grab you. While it is tagged as fiction it parallels many issues our country is currently facing. Be scared, be shocked, and be angry. There is some great references in the back to check out all the facts & truths that the premise of the book is based on. While the facts & agenda of the book are solid, the characters are a wee bit contrived. Overall, it is entertaining & eye-opening.
reviewed The Overton Window on + 41 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I started this book with reservations because of my own political views..but really fell into it and enjoyed it a lot..even if I do differ a tad in my views on real life. Had to have the second book as we (The Eye of Moloch)..I'd definitely recommend readers start with THE OVERTON WINDOW before reading THE EYE OF MOLOCH.
peepers avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 56 more book reviews
For a fictional novel this is one of the best I have ever read. I have a hard time remembering that I'm not reading a non-fiction. The facts are true to life and so real in today's world unlike a lot of fictional novels that take issues of the day and make them unbelievable. Most people won't read this book because of who the author is but I believe they are missing out on a great piece of literature that will educate you in a form easier than a non-fiction on the subjects of today.
bestamor avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 33 more book reviews
An easy read thriller with a lot of meat to think about.
SGTBob avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 156 more book reviews
I found this book to be thought provoking and stimulating, it excited my critical thinking processes. Glenn has managed to incorporate the events of the current political atmosphere with an exellerating thriller.
Many of the events written into the mystery are true/actual events that have occured. However, he does take artistic license with some facts in the book. He calls the book a work of "faction".
At the end of the book he provides references to encourage you check the facts and fictions mentioned in the context of the story.
I picked it up and three days later finished it completely. I may take the opportunity to read it again, just before the upcoming elections. :-)
busterboomer avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 96 more book reviews
This was a good read, even though I don't like the author and his political beliefs. It's about what is happening today with greed, power, and Wall Street.
ebonwing avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 4 more book reviews
This is one of the best books I've read in years! The plot easily grabs you and draws you into a world not unlike our own reality here in America. It's a plausible scenario, and that's the main thing about it that makes you think.

This book was hard to put down. It's left me more interested than I was before in the possible fate of our once-great nation. Very believable. I highly recommend Americans read this book. It'll likely wake you up to things you hadn't yet considered.

The Overton Window, though fiction, helped me to understand how the American people could let themselves and, thus, their country become what they have. This book should serve as a warning to every American.
demonpreyer avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 37 more book reviews
While not the best thriller ever, it's necessary reading if you're a 'what you need to understand about what's happening today' politics-interested person. Worth the read.
reviewed The Overton Window on
Great read, real page burner.
shukween avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 118 more book reviews
I picked up this novel based on a friend's recommendation, and while I am as patriotic and generally Republican-leaning as the next person, I just didn't get it. The basic premise is that current events of the last few years are the result of a gigantic scheme by the PR establishment and wealthy clients of it to crash the US economy so that they can rebuild the US as the kind of republic the founding fathers intended--ie, one controlled by those with established wealth and power.
beekers24 avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 26 more book reviews
The romance intertwined in this novel kept me interested and wanting to continue turning the pages but the underlying subject matter was disturbing and intriguing at the same time. When the last page was read it made me want to re-assess my purpose in this world.
reviewed The Overton Window on + 4 more book reviews
Great Book, should be a must read. Makes you really think about how govt. has shaped our world, now and in the past.
reviewed The Overton Window on + 13 more book reviews
This book was a disappointment. The story and characters seemed contrived and corny. I was hoping for a real political thriller. NOT! I do like Glenn Beck and agree with his political theories, so that was not the reason for my dislike of the novel. I was actually hoping to love the book. Mr. Beck does outline a "wag the dog" kind of world which is a definite possibility but I still can't recommend.
cranbery avatar reviewed The Overton Window on + 530 more book reviews
this book was silly!
reviewed The Overton Window on + 20 more book reviews
Convoluted conspiracy theory written at a mass media level. Recounts all of Beck's television shows. Wordy. Everyone speaks in long exposition paragraphs.