12/12/2016
Fox News reporter Kelly, anchor of The Kelly Files, puts herself at the center of the story in this uneven memoir. Kelly recounts her rise to the top ranks of corporate law and her improbable leap into TV journalism without benefit of experience or degree; she soon became one of America’s best-known cable-news personalities. She keeps the focus on the personal qualities of hard work, determination, and sheer moxie that got her to the job of her dreams, with shout-outs to friendly souls who helped her on her way. Unfortunately, once she enters the news business, it’s still all about her, with big names and stories appearing only as foils in the arc of her on-air accomplishments. (Meanwhile, much tedious space is devoted to celebrating her wonderful husband and adorable children.) The book climaxes with her nasty feud with presidential candidate Donald Trump, but this is the only aspect of the tumultuous 2016 campaign that she comments on in detail. Instead of serving up staples of journalists’ memoirs, such as capsules of dramatic news events or sketches of celebrities and politicians she’s interviewed, Kelly has written a mildly feminist saga of self-help and personal empowerment; her account of being sexually harassed by Roger Ailes, Fox’s then-CEO, is the most compelling episode. Photos. (Nov. 15)
The art of conversation is always under peril, as anyone who has ever attended a disastrous holiday dinner party can attest. It’s not just coming up with subjects, it’s somehow spinning those subjects into something everyone is interested in and can contribute to, sustaining a spirited discussion that doesn’t just pass the time but also […]
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In a divisive year, we depend on our country’s entertainers to inspire and transport us more than ever. From beloved athletes to game-changing entrepreneurs, old-school rock stars to Hollywood up and comers, here are 11 luminaries whose books are topping this year’s list of must-reads.