Rating: 
Summary: Extraordinary accomplishments from ordinary people
Review: "The Greatest Generation" is an inspirational collection of short histories about various individuals who served in various roles during World War II. Included is not only stories of soldiers, but also the wives and families left home, some who helped take up the slack in the workplace; the Japanese Americans who were sent to internment camps; and famous people who served. Mr. Brokaw says as a group they generally held high standards of moral values and because of this strength they were able to pull together and defeat the greatest threat to freedom in modern times. Although usually reluctant to discuss their wartime experiences, there are many stories shared here of battlefield experiences, as well as what became of these people after they returned home and tried to make up for lost time.
My appreciation for what these men and women did increased. Reading their stories of what they experienced and the trials they faced was very motivational. The only part that I felt wasn't on par with the rest of the book was when it discussed the celebrities and some of the famous politicians (some of whom appeared to have done nothing noteworthy during the war). But other than that it was very inspirational to read about these "ordinary" people who did extraordinary things, both during and after the war. It helped me gain a greater appreciation for my grandparents and those of their generation.
Rating: 
Summary: Joe Sixpack at his best.
Review: Common men, doing uncommon things.This theme is sprinkled throughout Tom Brokaw's book "The greatest generation". After reading it I realized why. Its twenty something Joe Sixpack at his best. The people portrayed in this collection of partial biographies show what the human spirit is capable of when faced with an overwhelming task. These men and women sacrificed for a common cause, the country was truly united.They display as much patriotism,unselfishness, and faith in God today as during World War II, if not more.The book is not only on the war and its hero's, there are stories of the struggle of women on the homefront taking jobs left vacant by men going to war. Also, the stories of African American soldiers fighting a battle on two fronts, one against Hitler the other against a racist military, are particularly compelling. Foot soldiers, medical troops, flying aces its all here in an extremely readable text. The stories are separated out so it can be picked up and read off and on at ones leisure. The likelyhood of putting it down too often is remote. As a twenty two-year-old college student, I am keenly interested in what my grandfather, a WWII veteran, might have been involved in. My grandfather, like most veterans in the book, does not furnish his past war experiences freely. I can read this book and discover what he and others of his generation, the "greatest generation", endured.
Rating:
Summary: He caused me to ponder
Review: I really don't like Tom Brokaw, the NBC News Anchorman. Although I have watched his career for more than 30 years, and recognized early on that he was going to one day occupy the top seat of his profession, I never really liked him. I remember hearing bits and pieces of his character and personal life over the years. Only two things are remembered of him at the moment; he likes the outdoors, and he is from South Dakota. Two things he has going for him. But I really don't like him.I was sent a package last Christmas. One I had been looking forward to receiving. Lots of good stuff in the package, and an unexpected item. In the bottom of the package was a book; "The Greatest Generation", and yes, you guessed it; Tom Brokaw wrote it. At least it was a first edition. Oddly enough, I had heard about this book. Some even said it was a pretty good read. That it paid tribute to a generation and a people that largely go about their business without accolades. Only now is their work being recognized. Only now are the sacrifices they made coming to the full realization of the generations that have come after them. So I decided to give Tom Brokaw a chance to impress me. Haltingly, I admit that I was somewhat impressed. By presenting this book to the public, Tom Brokaw has accomplished something of far greater value than to impress me, or anyone else, for that matter. What he did do was trigger the mechanisms that start us on the path of pondering. I have to give him that, even though I don't really like him. When I was finished with "The Greatest Generation", I put the book down and just stared at the air for a time. Slowly and ever so surely, thoughts of people exactly like those he wrote about in his book began to flow through my consciousness. A smile came to my face. Memories of the sweetest sort broadened the smile. And even though I was smiling, sometimes the smile was a sad one. Many of those helping to create the memories now flowing through me were gone. Dead. Their voices never to be heard again; their firm handshake never to be felt again; the probing look of their eyes, gone forever. No longer am I able to smell the rich smells of grandma's kitchen. Nor hear the big belly laugh of my grandfather. I am very pleased Tom Brokaw reminded me of their contributions, even though I don't like him very much. "The Greatest Generation" is an easy book to read. It oft-times fills you with pride when acknowledging the deeds and sacrifices of others. Of those that came before us. They did what they did because of a solid value system. A universal belief that right, equals might and will, no matter what it takes, be the victor, claiming the right to hoist the flag of human dignity, up the petard. I don't have to like Tom Brokaw to thank him for causing me to ponder.
Rating: 
Summary: Preachy, dumbed-down stories with no spirit or innovation
Review: I really looked forward to this book, based on my respect for Tom Brokaw and what I had heard. Unfortunately, he makes his point with a sledgehammer, telling sapppy stories with the same theme over and over, spoon feeding you the point, in case you somehow missed it. Grandma and Grandpa were great, generous, self-sacrificing gods and goddesses, and here are a thousand treacly repetitive stories why. This book condescends to the reader, unfortunately, probably with all good intentions but annoying results. I wasn't able to finish this book, and that's rare for me.
Rating:
Summary: Paying Tribute to Brave Americans
Review: I recommend this excellent book of true stories from the memories of brave men and women and their families who lived thru the great depression and fought in the second world war. Tom Brokaw walked the beaches of Normandy with American veterans who had returned for the fortieth anniversary of D-Day. He was inspired to reach out and collect individual stories from those difficult years so we will never forget the horrors of that war, the sacrifices by our service men and women and their families, and the results that followed. Finally, a memorial to this generation has been dedicated in Washington D.C. on this, the sixtieth anniversary of D-Day. THE GREATEST GENERATION should occupy a place in our home library, among the works of other historians. You will recognize some of the people in this book, you will be amazed at the achievements and the courage of these ordinary people who survived a perilous time in American history, and you will reflect on your own memories of that time if you are "over sixty". The author acquaints us with some of his own family history and why he feels it important for us to be forever grateful to all those who defend our American freedom and democracy. I thoroughly enjoyed this well researched and well written book.
Rating:
Summary: Paying Tribute to Brave Americans
Review: I recommend this excellent book of true stories from the memories of brave men and women and their families who lived thru the great depression and fought in the second world war. Tom Brokaw walked the beaches of Normandy with American veterans who had returned for the fortieth anniversary of D-Day. He was inspired to reach out and collect individual stories from those difficult years so we will never forget the horrors of that war, the sacrifices by our service men and women and their families, and the results that followed. Finally, a memorial to this generation has been dedicated in Washington D.C. on this, the sixtieth anniversary of D-Day. THE GREATEST GENERATION should occupy a place in our home library, among the works of other historians. You will recognize some of the people in this book, you will be amazed at the achievements and the courage of these ordinary people who survived a perilous time in American history, and you will reflect on your own memories of that time if you are "over sixty". The author acquaints us with some of his own family history and why he feels it important for us to be forever grateful to all those who defend our American freedom and democracy. I thoroughly enjoyed this well researched and well written book.
Rating: 
Summary: Still leaning left
Review: I've read and interviewed several WWII veterans none of them are the liberials that Brokaw tried to make them out as nor has any said to me they fought to further a welfare state. Good stories, great people but be real and stay out of left field
Rating:
Summary: Did not live upto my expectations.
Review: Long ago I learned that disappointment is often related to expectations. So it was withTom Brokaw's book,The Greatest Generation.There was never a problem in putting the book down in as much as "The Book" is a series of news bites each lasting from 30seconds to 5 minutes, with little depth,as most news bites are.I have no doubt that Mr. Brokaw was emotionaly moved when he went abroad to the 40th anniversary of WWII D-Day in 1984. His well meaning tribute to the vetrans of WWII,chronical a number of men and women with whom he had contact over some 15 years as a news analyst. Each vignette describes their war record,how they dealt with the immediate post war period and their accomplishments afterward. The men and women frequently attribute their success to self reliance and leadership skills they learned in the service.Societal changes related to Blacks and Women are woven through his "portraits".The WWII vetrans later in life were certainly the generation that helped foster the changes and deserve credit. In general the book does begin to raise one's consciousness and honors the men and women who served in WWII.
Rating:
Summary: Should be required reading for Baby-Boomers and offspring
Review: Rarely has a book been able to capture the essence of a generation like "The Greatest Generation". Being the son of a WWII veteran and the nephew of a Silver Star recipient,I can attest to the fortitude and quiet courage these people displayed. Mr.Brokaw conveys his message in a strong but subdued manner without overdramafication. It seems as if he is well aware that the stories these brave people have to tell are dramatic and suspenseful enough without having to resort to the sensationalism that is so prevelant in todays' journalistic writings. I especially liked the way Mr.Brokaw intertwined regular everyday Americans with those of some notoriety and fame. In closing, I found this to be a very powerful book and came away with a renewed sense of respect and awe for the generation that had to go from the Great Depression almost immediately into a world war.
Rating:
Summary: The Greatest Generation
Review: The Greatest Generation is a beautiful tribute to the generation whose lives were most affected by WWII. The stories put together to form this book inspire the reader to live as a hero and fight through the trials of life today in 2004. Every story helps connect the reader with the heroes of that generation. This book inspires people of today to have respect for yesterdays heroes. I would recommend this book to people of all ages. It helps connect each and everyone of us to our past and helps us to respect one another as people, as a country, and as a community. This book highlights the struggles that our grandparents had when they were young and inspires us to overcome the little trials in our everyday lives.
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