Glenn Lee Beck is an influential American author, television and radio show host. Beck has earned a reputation as a political conservative. Some critics presume his talk shows as slander and mere conspiracy theories, whereas his followers regard him as a stalwart of American values.
Beck was born on February 10, 1964 to William Beck and Mary Clara in Everett, Washington. In 19th century his German ancestors immigrated to America with whom he shares his roots. His family brought him up as a Roman Catholic with early education from a Catholic school. Following his mother’s alleged suicide in a classic drowning case, Beck moved to his father’s house. He obtained his graduation degree and relocated to several places working as a radio show host, in fact, earning himself a handsome salary. In 1983 he got married and had a divorce a few years later and from that point his life went downhill. Beck suffered mental illness, became drug addict, suicidal and alcoholic. With the help of an anonymous source he recovered and devoted his time to educating himself in theology.
Before getting started with his own radio show, Glenn Beck Program, he worked at numerous radio stations from which he was either fired or he resigned himself. Beck’s show was first aired in 2000, which gradually became number one radio show. The 9/11 tragedy also gave Beck the opportunity to share his theories regarding terrorism and patriotism. He handles the show from Philadelphia which is now broadcasted at over 400 stations. Beck’s popularity reached its zenith as he was hired by CNN for Headline News. His television show hosting created even bigger controversies. He repeatedly ridiculed and mocked one set of people or the other which earned him notorious fame and high ratings for the show. Subsequently, he joined the FOX channel where he also couldn’t keep himself from generating controversies as he called Obama having white people phobia.
In addition to Beck’s radio and television shows, he also penned a number of books in various genres. He made his non-fiction writing debut in 2003 with The Real America: Messages from the Heart and Heartland. In the book Beck discusses the forgotten values of American society and the forces that are trying to keep Americans from joining hands and helping each other. The blend of ironic tone and patriotic and spiritual theme of the book leaves a great impact on the readers. His second book was released in 2007, entitled An Inconvenient Book which again is in classic Beck’s style. Originally the book is a parody of, An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary. It argues over the current issues in America including global warming. Beck shares his political viewpoint on illegal immigration, divorce rate, income gap and perceived anti-Americanism etc. Despite receiving massive criticism from the critics and readers the book managed to stand number one at New York Times Best-Seller list.
Some of Glenn Beck’s other non-fiction writings include The 7: Seven Wonders That Will Change Your Life, How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government and Cowards. He has also penned fictions which are mainly political thrillers. Beck’s novels have the same subject matter as of his non-fiction work that appeals American nation to get reunited in order to fight destructive forces. The titles include, The Overton Window, Agenda 21 and The Eye of Moloch. His other publications include children’s picture books The Christmas Sweater and The Snow Angel.