Rating:  Summary: Repetitive and Boring Review: I preface my remarks by saying that as a foreigner and as a citizen of a pathologically 'neutral', state I have no first hand or cultural knowledge of what it must have been like to live through a War as catastrophic as World War II. However, part of my motivation in reading this book was to get a greater sense of the 'home front' aspects of war and since I like Mr. Brokaw's tabloid style of journalism I felt I was on to a winner. Although eminently readable as expected, there was, after Chapter 3 or so, a sameness to each bite-sized vignette that eventually lead me to discard the book in annoyance. I never finished the wretched thing ! In short, repetition is Mr. Brokaw's greatest sin and while he established firmly the decency, ordinariness and patriotism of the Greatest Generation, he did them no great service by effectively imbuing them with an undeserved tag of 'Boring' as well !
Rating:  Summary: uplifting and inspiring Review: I was really reluctant to read this book, I thought it was going to just focus on WWII and be all about the war. I was so wrong. While it did give me a much more powerful understanding of this time in history, I was also inspired by the stories of men and women who have made really significant contributions to our society.
Rating:  Summary: A flawed theory Review: Brokaw's book has interesting information about individuals who came of age to fight in World War Two. But his premise that they are "The Greatest Generation" is wrong. If he had more knowledge of American History he would realize that EVERY generation, at least from the Revolution through World War Two, and, particularly, those that fought in the Civil War and in World War One, shared all of the characteristics that he attributes to the World War Two generation. This shouldn't detract from the stories he presents but a more accurate analysis would define how the generations that followed World War Two have changed from the preceding generations. That, it seems to me, is the point he is really trying to make.
Rating:  Summary: Read this book, then give it to your children Review: My father was a World War II veteran so I somewhat understood the hardships and sacrifices that his generation had to endure, though he made every effort to shield me from the terrible atrocities that occurred. Even so, I learned a lot by reading this book. I learned how simple people, both men and women of all races,creeds and colors were able to band together when our country needed it the most. Will this ever happen again? Maybe not in our lifetime, but it may happen in the future. After you are done reading this book, save it for your children to read. It will serve as a valuable history lesson to them and I would hope it could teach them something about patriotism, selfless sacrifice, and gratitude to all the people who have served in every war in order to preserve our freedom and the American way of life.
Rating:  Summary: THE GENERATION THAT SAVED THE FREE WORLD Review: In his book Tom truly tells of how the "Greatest Generation" saved the world from a continuing spread of Evil and Communism. Some may argue that the Vietnam Veterans deserve more respect and notiority. However, jumping off the boats on the beach and watching as hundreds of men don't even hit the beach before they are killed and continuing the battle definitely defines the greatest generation that deserves respect. The Greatest Generation is definitely a good history lesson.
Rating:  Summary: Worth Reading - Barely Review: I am a veteran of WWII and was very disappointed in this book. It is totally devoid of emotion. Brokaw generates no real sympathy for his characters and the result is much like reading a dull history book filled with statistics. With the subject matter available he should have been able to bring many tears to the eyes of the reader. I suggest Brokaw read Flags of Our Fathers to discover what real writing is all about.
Rating:  Summary: A Wonderful Book But... Review: These are wonderful interviews by Tom Brokaw. And they give you a sense of pride in our country. But "The Greatest Generation"? In Vietnam, the soldiers were fighting in the dark, They didn't know why they were fighting (this generation did) and the people at home were against them. But they fought brillantly under the most horrendous circumstances. I have a friend who received 2 silver stars, 6 bronze stars, 2 purple hearts (face and leg) and 2 commendations. He was a green beret. He is not considered a hero by the citizens of the United States. A wonderful book, Tom. But come down to earth. The greatest generation was those who fought in Nam. It's easy to fight when you are right. But not so easy to fight in the dark. END
Rating:  Summary: An important read for our generation. Review: This book will not go down in history as classic literature. However, the stories it relates are important for those of my generation (I was born in 1967) who really have no comprehension of what our fathers, uncles, and grandfathers (yes, and grandmothers too) were willing to give in order that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms that we have living in the United States.It brought a lump to my throat, and a great desire to say thanks -- to the millions of men and women I will never meet, but gave of themselves more deeply than can be imagined.
Rating:  Summary: A must-own for all Americans Review: Tom Brokaw wrote this book after years of research and interviews, almost 15 years. This book represents their stories. It tells the story of America and the people who's lives were forever changed by Front-page-story events. It is the story of despair and success, triumph and defeat, women and minorities fighting for their causes, soldiers and Marines, and of ordinary people who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Many interesting people contributed to this perfectly written book. I would certainly recommend this book, as Tom Brokaw constructed a masterpiece. Just like being a US Marine, this book makes me proud to be an American. Semper Fi
Rating:  Summary: I was hesitant to read it because I think he's pompous fluff Review: and now that I've read it I still think so. He's preachy and full of himself. Stick with Ambrose for the real thing.
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