The Greatest Generation

Decent writing, faulty conclusions

This was a fairly well written, easy to read book. I have to disagree with the conclusion that there could even be a 'Greatest' generation. Yes, these people accomplished a lot. They paved the way for many economic and social advances in the future. But, it seems a little silly taking credit for what amounts to being born at that time. I cannot believe that any generation can actually be objectively determined to be greater than any other. This generation could well be remembered for giving us Japanese internment camps, Strom Thurmond, continued rampant segregation and discrimination(a gift from all past generations), the cold war, as well as nuclear paranoia. But, is it fair to pin the blame on a generation for these problems? No more so than to credit them for living when they did. Each generation can merely react to situations in which they find themselves. I refuse to believe that the exploits of this generation could be considered anything but equal with those of our founding fathers. My generation would be unable to carry on without the contributions of the baby boomers(both good and bad) and likewise they owe a debt to those who came before them. That is the natural progression of things. Perhaps in some idyllic Utopian future there will be world peace, no poverty, and true equality for all. Would that be the updated 'greatest' generation? Each genration can only be the product of its predecessors and nothing else. We do not exactly turn into our parents, only updated versions of them. We must realize that each generation gets one chance, and each generation tries to make the best of it. We get to reap the benefit of recorded history, and write our own as well. Inevitable development in technology, medicine and other sciences, as well as accrued life experiences leave us constantly adhering to an old maxim. Every generation considers itself smarter than the one that came before it, and wiser than the one that follows.

3 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

As an 18-year-old, I finally understand.

I first started reading this book as an assignment for my Senior English Class in a small town in Minnesota. As I began reading, I realized that I no longer cared about the class, or my grade, but that I NEEDED to read this book for me. I do not think our generation understands. The men and women who lived during WWII and the Depression have so many untold stories. The men that fought for so many things are heroes, not only to me, but to so many people. I truly wish my generation could feel what I feel when I read this book and maybe we wouldn't take so many things for granted. One would think after Sept. 11th, our strong patriotism would have lasted for more than a year... now I'm starting to wonder what it would be like if the WWII generation hadn't been so consumed with the love of their country. Where would we be?

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

The Greatest Generation that doesn't want the acknowledgement...

This is a novel about a group of people who fought for their country and are now called the Greatest Generation. They are the Greatest Generation and they are humble about it. I am very interested in World War II. About the culture, the war itself, and the people. If you want to understand the people that fought for us in WW II this is the book to read. I highly recommend it. Thank you to the Greatest Generation. In our world today we draw from the strength that you showed in our Country's time of need. It is time for my generation to stand up and do what you did then.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A 'Must-Read' for Generation X

This is a great book to bridge the gap and fill in the behind-the-scenes of why our Moms and Dads, and Grandfathers and Grandmothers, should be respected. As Caesar said when crossing the Rubicon, 'alea jacta est' (the die is cast), which can also serve as a guide that persons are sometimes thrust into situations not of their choosing, but they have to see the situation to its end. That was the situation with our forebears in WW2. We are proud of their response, and this book shows a close-in analysis of why we won the war. Because of a united home front of ordinary dads and moms. Thanks, Tom Brokaw. PS...my dad flew with the 8th Air Force (30 combat missions) over Nazi Germany from 43-44. He did not like to talk about it very much, but I am sure he would have liked your book very much.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A Newfound Respect for My Elders

Tom Brokaw's book is an easily read collection of biographies of men and women who were directly or indirectly involved in World War II. Each story spoke of an individual's contribution to the war effort, whether on the home front, or on the front lines. The secondary theme, which touched on the prejudices faced by certain minority groups of this generation, give an interesting perspective as to how our country has grown in the last 50 years. As I go through each day, I look for a person from this generation willing to share their experiences. Each one of them has a fantastic story to tell. The book peaked my desire to learn all I can about this tragic time in the world's history. The stories spanned every emotion, with many tears of both joy and sorrow for these brave and modest men and women.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

THANKS MR. BROKAW

Thanks Mr. Brokaw. You have really made my late father's stories about his generation come alive again in my heart. God Bless You

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The greatest book on 'The Greatest Generation'

A tremendous commentary. Born in 1954 I am an offspring of this generation. This book helped me understand the firm rules my parents had for me and four other siblings. Sad to say we are losing these values today. It renewed my committment to raise my own two children as I was raised. I wish I could have read this while my veteran father was still alive. I appreciate his honor and hard work for us all the more. Thank you Tom Brokaw for paying a well deserved tribute.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

***** Five Stars All The Way *****

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Brokaw that this was THE GREATEST GENERATION America has ever produced! I was moved to tears on many occasions while reading this fine piece of literature! Both my parents though now deceased were part of Mr Brokaw's GREASTEST GENERATION, and this piece of work has brought me to yet a deeper love and understanding of them!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great and Easy Read for those ages 14 and up!

The Greatest Generation Speaks is a collection of memories from those that served in World War II. There are sections that look back at times of victory as well as times of grief. Also included are sections that reflect on the roles of women and those different ethnicities during this period of turmoin and growth in America.

Great rrad

Loved it

Great history lesson

I am of the generation that Mr. Brokaw wrote about. Even though we had two world wars, it was still better than today

Good tribute

I love this book! A gear and much needed tribute to the greatest generation. Would recommend many times over.

A Much Needed Tribute

I enjoyed this book a great deal and have purchased it as a gift for others. It's a touching and realistic look at the men and women who served our country without a second thought and became heroes to me. The pains of war are lifelong and it gave me such a great appreciation for those of the Greatest Generation. They truly were and are just that.

A Good Celebration of a Great Generation

I have heard about this book for years and I finally decided it was time to move it to the top of my To-Be-Read list. I have generally enjoyed Tom Brokaw's reporting style and this book is written consistent with his reporting. The stories were inspiring and helped me to understand my grandparent's generation more. I absolutely agree with Mr. Brokaw that they are a great generation and we could learn much from them. I especially appreciated the concerns raised by those interviewed about the younger generations. It was an interesting, if not absorbing read.

I very much enjoyed...

Tom Brokaws book "The Greatest Generation". As a Granddaughter to a WWII vetran I never heard my Grandfather speak much of his time in the war. From what I read in this book that was common amongst those who served at that time. After his passing I began to learn things from old photos papers and web sites. This book was a look into that time, and the people the war affected. I found the short stories interesting and I would seriously reccomend it!!!

Greatest is Good

Great teaching book and well!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A great read.

I gave this to my 82-year-old dad for Father's Day. Although he is not an avid reader, he thoroughly enjoyed this book, certainly for bringing back his own memories. He enjoyed the format---separate stories of individual people made it easy for him to pick up and enjoy for short periods of time.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Avoid if possible

I had to read this book for a summer assignment and I found that it was humanly impossible to read. For one, you know it's completely pointless. All the stories sound the same after reading the first section. It sounds like every war movie ever made. Guy falls in love, goes to war, and comes back to his girl. Oh, the stories about racism sound the same too. Or at least very similar, only the races change. The author did ruin a good oppurtunity with this book. He good have made an original piece which interested me for at least more than five minutes. Of course this is no offense to the WWII survivors and their families. I fully appreciate what they have done for this country. However, for this book I have nothing but discontempt.

0 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Tedious, Misses the Mark Badly

I began this book with real anticipation and grew increasingly disappointed as I realized Brokaw missed a golden opportunity. While his preface is eloquent and his postscript touching, the chapters in between are little more than a collection of superficial profiles reminiscent of small-town newspaper features. Insight is lacking--the author stays safely in the shallow end of the pool at all times--and the book is so politically correct as to bring yawns to any reader. It's unfortunate. A big name guarantees publication, and Brokaw does a bit better than most celebrities--but he sorely missed a chance to do something great with the greatest generation. Given the resources available to the author, it's hard to believe he didn't.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A History Buff's Must-Read

As the grandson of a WWII veteran, I have read this book cover to cover a half dozen times & each time convices me even more that Brokaw nailed the historical accuracy of this book. My congratulations go out to Brokaw for setting the record straight.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.