Rating: 
Summary: The Greatest Generation--Profiles of Heros
Review: We have become accustomed to Brokaw telling us stories about heros, just in a different medium. In "The Greatest Generation", he details why people of the WWII generation were considered the Greatest Generation. These are people who survived the hardships of the depression, fought with honor for our country, and then returned home to leave productive lives while dissementating values to future generations. What touched me the most about this book, was the patriotism the people profiled in the book demonstrated. Here were people, many of them volunteers, fighting for their country and against despotism. It gave me a deep appreciation of how great our country is, and how special the people who serve in our armed forces are.
Rating: 
Summary: The Greatest Generation
Review: Brokaw's book was interesting because it gave a variety of view points and stories. The book was well written except for when Brokaw tried to tell the stories of two or more people in one chapter. It became a little confusing because you had to keep track of who's who. Other than that The Greatest Generation is a very good book. It tell stories of love, honor, and dedication and it gives the reader a feeling of pride in our country. I recommend this book to everyone and am looking forward to read the follow up book.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the greatest book
Review: The greatest generation -- without a doubt. Unfortunately, the book is not so great. It is a set of stories that all start sounding the same. The author adds very little insight to the stories. Ok, nice story, but what does it all mean? All we get are cliched observations about patriotism and work ethic. I could have reached these conclusions myself, without even reading the stories -- what value does Brokaw add? Additionally, his left-leaning bias comes through (contrast the tone in the sections on Bush, Dole and Weinberger with the ones on Inouye or Cutler). The issues of this generation, what made them great, and what led the baby boom generation that they raised so far off the track have huge potential for discussion. This book doesn't even scratch the surface of any of these issues. Instead, it is a set of similar sounding anecdotes which, though inspiring, you will forget 5 minutes after you read them. Analysis, what there is of it, is incredibly shallow and hopelessly cliched. On top of that, we are subjected to Brokaw heaping praise on his cronies and showing his liberal bias. I have the utmost respect for the WWII generation and what it accomplished, but this book doesn't do their story justice. A quick and forgettable read.
Rating:
Summary: Look Through the Smoke for the Fire.
Review: Look past the NBC's anchorman's image. Kudo to Brokaw inspite of the book's negatives. More authors should focus on the positive aspects of "everyday people." Ordinary folks made America what it is; everyday people will decide its future. I like The Greatest Generation's stories because they centered on grass-root Americans. A theme Steinbeck knew well. Speaking only about America -- it is indeed a time and culture which desperately needs links with its past and grounding in that which is real. I recommend reading a less-known book entitled LIFE WITH NOAH to all who have an interest in personal narratives. In it you will find a vanished way of American life and a friendship that forged a solid trust between a young man and the Adirondack Mountains last hermit. The writing will soothe and rejuvenate anyone experiencing a meltdown toward American society. It embraces life's simple gifts. Basic human values are explored. The vast collection of vintage photographs adds to the book's appeal.
Rating:
Summary: Like Being in a Hall of Heroes
Review: My Uncles were B-17 pilots in the War. Both heroes to their families. This book is a wonderful way to gain an understanding of the sacrifice each gave in their own way. I only wish it was longer! God bless the families of those who gave their lives for our freedom!
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Summary: My Grandfather was there
Review: I wish I had listened to this book before my grandfather died. He might have discussed it with me. Like many of the people in the book, he never talked about his time in the war. He came back to his hometown and carved a life out of the Virginia farmland. He proudly saved this piece of America for his children and grandchildren. We learn in the book that men and women did all they could for the war effort. Many women were suddenly needed to do things they were never allowed to do before the war. Many used the opportunity to start down a path they had only previously dreamed of following. Each story is different, each person fighting or losing according to circumstance or fate. They knew that the force they were fighting was a dangerous one. Every American owed it to the country to do whatever was necessary to win. They fought for the right for Americans to be free to make choices, but often wonder about the choices young people make today. As we follow them through the words of Tom Brokaw from teenagers to seasoned citizens, we learn why they treasure those things we often take for granted.
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Summary: Great at War, What About at Home?
Review: Coming on the heels of the terrific movie "Saving Private Ryan," Brokaw's book is sadly repetitive. One would think that World War II was the greatest thing Humanity was capable of. There were alot of interesting anecdotes, but not much of a point; what did the "greatest generation" go on to produce? Smug baby boomers. Unfortunately, that's there legacy.
Rating: 
Summary: Unimpressed
Review: I was excited to finally get my hands on this book to read it and learn more about the generation I know least about. However, I was sorely disappointed. Mr. Brokaw repeatedly tried to point out characteristics of that generation that I clearly did not see and that I have seen many times over in other generations. When he states that the integrity and work ethic of that generation is not seen today, I am offended and appalled. That kind of position is not only wrong but harmful. The parents and youth of today have not had to deal with a draft- to no fault of their own - however they have had many other obstacles to face that did not automatically make them heroes. I was angered and disappointed by this book. It was neither informative nor inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: I agree with the title, but..........
Review: I simply cannot understand why everyone is gushing praise on such a poorly written piece of patriotic blather. Is it that you can readily identify with the author when you plop down on the couch to watch the Nightly News? The rambling, disconnected content of this book left me wanting a refund. I am a proud American, and one who has studied this period of time quite extensively, and this definitely WAS the Greatest Generation indeed! This book, I fear, is going to lead to a host of copycat writings by those who will use their celebrity exposure to command a princely sum for a cliche-ridden hack job of a novel. Enough already!
Rating:
Summary: Teleprompter journalism
Review: The storys of triumph and achievement are incredible and we owe a debt of honor to those who lived them and lived in the day. However the writing reminds me of a series of news segments on the nightly news. I found the book hard to read and bought the audio version and that too was unfinishable. I get a certain arrogance from Brokaw that I personally find hard to stomach. Just my opinion, I could be my revulsion of the product they put on the airwaves nightly and call the news.
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