Settle for More

December 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.

The TV news star delivers a relatable, sometimes-inspiring memoir with a dash of vulnerability.Kelly, a Fox News darling who garners respect on both sides of the aisle for her hard-hitting, tough-but-fair style of journalism, is a self-described "overpreparer." It's the reason her guests can both love and hate her and what made her a successful lawyer for nearly a decade. It also makes her memoir, filled with journal entries and vividly recalled anecdotes, shine with authenticity. The author begins her story on the day of the Republican presidential debate, which started with a bad stomach bug and would only get more challenging for her--professionally and personally--as her question to Donald Trump on his attitude toward women would make her a target of the future president-elect for months to come. Suddenly, she was both a media star and the media's favorite subject. However, as we learn, life had prepared her for what would become her "Year of Trump." She'd dealt with unfair breaks before, such as the early death of her beloved father; she is no stranger to being bullied; she has learned how to regain a sense of security even while being stalked; and her faith in the power of hard work and "doing better" has never let her down. Throughout her story of an average girl who worked hard, took chances, and became a star, Kelly makes a compelling case for the independent status she claims. With equal helpings of criticism and praise for both ends of the political spectrum, it becomes clear that Kelly isn't devoted to a particular party dogma but rather to herself, her family, and her values.As candid and earnest as we can hope for from a polished TV personality, Kelly's memoir delivers on decency and encouragement. COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 15, 2016

Anchor of one of the most-watched news shows on cable, The Kelly File, Fox News channel's Kelly writes about her career, the principles that have driven it, and, of course, her clash with Donald Trump when she served as moderator during the Republican presidential debates. What's really striking here? The two million-copy first printing.

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