Glenn Beck's Common Sense

The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government

By: Glenn Beck

Narrated by: Glenn Beck

Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The number-one New York Times best-selling author and popular radio and television host Glenn Beck revisits Thomas Paine's Common Sense.

"If you believe it's time to put principles above parties, character above campaign promises, and Common Sense above all - then I ask you to read this book...."

In any era, great Americans inspire us to reach our full potential. They know with conviction what they believe within themselves. They understand that all actions have consequences. And they find commonsense solutions to the nation's problems.

One such American, Thomas Paine, was an ordinary man who changed the course of history by penning Common Sense, the concise 1776 masterpiece in which, through extraordinarily straightforward and indisputable arguments, he encouraged his fellow citizens to take control of America's future -- and, ultimately, her freedom.

Nearly two and a half centuries later, those very freedoms once again hang in the balance. And now, Glenn Beck revisits Paine's powerful treatise with one purpose: to galvanize Americans to see past government's easy solutions, two-part monopoly, and illogical methods, and take back our great country.

©2009 Mercury Radio Arts (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

This book just makes sense

Most of the time, I agree with Glen Beck's philosophy. His arguments here are so compelling that it angers you, even if (and maybe especially if) you agree with him. I don't know if anyone could narrate this other than the author, and still have the passion that he obviously has and imparts. I was also surprised that a little more than halfway through his book ended. Then began a reading of the original by Thomas Paine. Though the language is hard to get used to at first, his arguments are just as compelling and give a great view of the historical setting at the time.

Sad but true

This book very accurately depicts the problems of America today. Sadly with morn more international influence on our politics I don't know that this is going to get any better. Glenn Beck's reading was very emotional and very fun to listen to it.

Great

Regardless of your political persuasion this is a must read. I thought I understood Beck, but now I truly respect him.

Conditionality

Placing all of the media-hype, talking head stuff aside, Glenn Beck's tirade does produce a few valid points. Fiscal conservatism, breaking the political duopoly in the U.S., and taking personal initiative for positive change are all valid contentions. I am afraid these could be the most noble points in modern discourse, but being tied to their author may keep them from being heard by many.

An impassioned plea for common sense

Great read. Straight forward. Should be mandatory for every person in the federal government.

If it was mandatory for high school students this country would be turned on its head.

great book

great bookfor explaining common sense to the people who really don't have it and help reassure you that not everyone is a big a dimwit as your local liberal

Well worth the listen

Greate book.... realy makes you think.

whine, whine, and more whine

What a joke this book and Glen Beck are, all this book consists of is Glen Beck whining about problems that anyone who follows the current political state of the country is already aware of. It might as well be called "average joe's common sense" because it presents the same complaints that millions of Americans do without giving any solution to the problems facing America. I could do that, you could that, hell anyone can do that. Except we're not tv personalities. What are his solutions to the problems? They're not to be found in this book. just whining and whining and more whining. I could have recorded any number of conversations with my friends and have gotten the same result. Thomas Payne's Common Sense presented his political theories and backed them up with logic and fact. Beck gives you the problems and then nothing. The only saving grace is that you get Thomas Payne's Common Sense along with Glen Beck's, which is the only reason I gave one star. I haven't read it since my school days and now years later I found it so incredibly powerful, profound, and inspiring. It is the book that started a revolution. Glen Beck's just made him allot of money.

Boring...couldn't finish it

Sorry Glenn, I love you but this book was boring. I am very conservative and agree with the ideas presented but there was too much fluff and not enough depth to make this a worthwhile or interesting listen.

Simple Minded

I consider myself a conservative so I thought I'd enjoy this book but found it overly simplistic and overly focused on what was percieved as big government asserting itself. It came across as paranoia rather than an objective view of ever expanding executive powers. Beck sees big government everywhere!