2024 the best generation review

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(as of Dec 10, 2024 00:57:08 UTC - Details)

The instant classic that changed the way we saw World War II and an entire generation of Americans, from the beloved journalist whose own iconic career has lasted more than fifty years.

In this magnificent testament to a nation and her people, Tom Brokaw brings to life the extraordinary stories of a generation that gave new meaning to courage, sacrifice, and honor.

From military heroes to community leaders to ordinary citizens, he profiles men and women who served their country with valor, then came home and transformed it: Senator Daniel Inouye, decorated at the front, fighting prejudice at home; Martha Settle Putney, one of the first black women to serve in the newly formed WACs; Charles Van Gorder, a doctor who set up a MASH-like medical facility in the middle of battle, then opened a small clinic in his hometown; Navy pilot and future president George H. W. Bush, assigned to read the mail of the enlisted men under him, who says that in doing so he “learned about life”; and many other laudable Americans.

To this generation that gave so much and asked so little, Brokaw offers eloquent tribute in true stories of everyday heroes in extraordinary times.

Praise for The Greatest Generation

“Moving . . . a tribute to the members of the World War II generation to whom we Americans and the world owe so much.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Full of wonderful, wrenching tales of a generation of heroes. Tom Brokaw reminds us what we are capable of as a people. An inspiring read for those who wish their spirits lifted.”—Colin L. Powell
 
“Offers welcome inspiration . . . It is impossible to read even a few of these accounts and not be touched by the book’s overarching message: We who followed this generation have lived in the midst of greatness.”—The Washington Times
 
“Entirely compelling.”—The Wall Street Journal

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000FC1IE0
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House; 1st edition (February 23, 2000)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 23, 2000
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 6079 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 464 pages
Reviewer: Rick Spell
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A Perfect Tribute to Great People
Review: A recent storm in Memphis, TN knocked my power out for 6 days. How fitting that during this period of no air conditioning, Satellite Television or DVDs, one of the books I selected to read was The Greatest Generation. As one generation removed from a family raised on a farm in Missouri, I'm very familiar with the work ethic of my grandparents born around the turn of the century.This book was spectacular! Brokaw weaves his descriptions of what the influences of this generation were, mainly the Depression, with their stories of the war, but also their stories of coming back home and how they lived their lives. Now that they had rescued the world from a tyrant, they came back to America and built a new country filled with conveniences not previously imagined by our rural population.Brokaw does a good job of covering the many different factions of the generation, not just the soldiers. After covering stories of soldiers, he switches gears and covers stories of the women left behind in America and what their lives were like. He also spent a great deal of time covering minorities such as African-American, native Indians, Hispanic, and Japanese Americans. These are fascinating stories and allow the reader to visualize the problems these minorities faced and how they overcame adversity.The most touching chapter for me was the stories of the two girls that married and the husbands immediately were shipped overseas. Both ladies had babies that never met their father. Some of the chapters are just OK but some may bring you to tears as it did me. When I reached one of the final chapters that was titled "Famous People" it felt inappropriate to read this like these "famous people" needed a special chapter when the previous chapters had clearly shown the ultimate sacrifices made by real Americans. I debated stopping right there. After a day, I picked the book back up and read through this section and I'm glad I did even though I didn't find these stories as touching. Some of these people had excellent stories of valor also and the fact they are famous should not be held against them as they sacrificed also. And that is the theme of this book; a generation that made the ultimate sacrifice so that the remainder of us could live excellent lives.The fact that this generation of soldiers felt no need to come back and brag about their exploits is really amazing given the "me" first environment we now find ourselves in. My father-in-law passed away this year and he never mentioned the war although I was aware he was twice wounded in the European effort. So, knowing his days were numbered, I brought the subject up one day in front of his family. He had no problem talking of his exploits but it was really unfulfilling how he described it. It was no longer a big event to him. Just something that happened a long time ago. He was much more interested in the latest football game on television or the four children he raised while working in a blue-collar job.READ THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! Recognize the responsibility we have to live to this great standard.Addendum: After rereading some of the negative reviews on this book I'm compelled to at least mention them. It seems the negative reviews fall into journalistic complaints, political dislikes for Brokaw, or jealousy that their generation was not honored. I was actually surprised by the venom directed a the book and there are substantial reviews like this. It does not change my opinion although I certainly honor their beliefs. True, he is not the best writer. But I did not let that limit my emotional attachment to the sacrifices made for some of these people. One writer mentioned watching Saving Private Ryan instead. I have watched that movie repeatedly and feel it is an artistic masterpiece of reflecting the brutality of war.I don't think Brokaw was trying to compare generations. He's just saying that what this generation was called on to do, ie, depression followed by a World War, is deserved of an honor. I am a 49 year old boomer. I do not believe that our generation would be as dedicated to the task although there are massive numbers that would are still there. I'm certainly happy to admit that I'm glad I did not have to fight this type war.I respect everyone's opinion but still felt thrilled to read about the sacrifices made for later generations. I hope to visit Normandy soon and maybe in some way honor this great sacrifice.

Reviewer: gary76
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Have heard about his book for a long time.....
Review: With another passing of a D-Day anniversary I thought it was time to read about the people behind the scenes. I have read a lot of history books on WWII but the perspective of reading about the everyday people who served was very interesting. A great read for those that had relatives from this generation that served and did not like to talk about it....

Reviewer: Tall Thinker
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Very Good - But Not What I Expected
Review: This book was very well written and contained many good anecdotes about those who - and I agree with Brokaw - were of the "Greatest Generation". I guess I was expecting a little more about their time during the war and maybe not so much about their lives after the war. In fairness, the accomplishments they made after were, in some cases, more significant than those made during.Nonetheless, it was a good read. Maybe a few too many stories to tell but it was probably hard to choose which ones to leave out, and there were probably many.

Reviewer: Amazon Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Very Inspirational Read
Review: As a baby boomer I have always been interested in the lives of the greatest generation including my own parents. This book filled me with awe at the bravery and loyalty displayed by this generation. Although I shed a few tears , I also laughed aloud and welled up with pride to be an American after hearing the individual heroic stories that unified our country at a time when unity was what was most needed. It was nostalgic while at the same time prophetic in revealing the void that could be left in our country if we don’t heed the examples of faith, of courage and of the determined national optimism of those who belonged to the greatest generation. Thank you Tom Brokaw for this book which could instill hope in our future for this great country if shared with the younger generations. My plan is to share with my children and grandchildren and would like to recommend all who read it to do the same.

Reviewer: Paola
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Wonderful
Review: Wonderful read.

Reviewer: C. R. Nelson
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: so much food for thought……
Review: Loved the “snapshot” approach to telling this perspective of the time. Allows the reader to read, reflect and be amazed by the Greatest Generation!

Reviewer: Katy
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Loved the book
Review: I just love reading about real people and especially this generation. The suffering they went through and yet most people have no idea. They just went in with their lives.They are the greatest generation!

Reviewer: Harriet Boe
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: The Greatest Generation
Review: Tom Brokaw wonderfully depicts the stories of the men And women who fought with honor, dedication,courage, patriotism, and selflessness during World War II. a great reminder of the generation that made this country great. I could not resist reflecting on the juxtaposition of the world we have today under the Trump administration of corruption, crudity, deceit, greed, dishonor, treason, and vilification by the president and name Calling of individuals and deprecation of American institutions and honored values. This griped my entire being. The war era was not devoid of prejudices and wrongs but paths were kept open to justice and the new deal raised spirits and hope. (Of course, much was changed by the ME generation and the drug culture and promiscuity heightened by the pill.) WWII and the post war era was this country’s assent and Halcyon days.............now I feel descent and nadir. I was born during WWII, 1943, I have the values and feelings of that time and they are being torn from their moorings. Thanks to Mr. Brokaw for the elucidating reminder and nostalgia.

Reviewer: agnes ngima
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: the only problem I experienced was that i didn't have any tracking information with the nile...

Reviewer: Barbara Babbage
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: My husband always enjoyed Tom Brokaw's reports and asked for this book. He has enjoyed reading about things that he remembers from the past and learning things he did not know before about.

Reviewer: Luca
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: The book is exactly as advertised by seller. It was shipped quickly and I'm satisfied with the purchase. All good.

Reviewer: Milita Webb
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: What a book! Excellent reading and so true. Large book with black and white photos. Very quick delivery, exceedingly cheap making it excellent value. A keepsake.

Reviewer: dwarfy
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I personnaly think highly of the author, but sincerely believe he has given us a somewhat eutopic Norman Rockwell vision of the people he presents. Though the stories are true, they have been romantisized to portray an American Ideal which does not really exist in the real world. I found it to be almost propaganda for the "Good Ole US of A". Dispite this, it is a good read and is worth having.