The Time of Our Lives

While I've always been a huge fan of Tom Brokaw, I've yet to read any of his previous books because they always seemed a little...disconnected in relation to my life. I knew that books about the "Greatest Generation" and the "Baby Boomers" would be valuable to read for the very reason that I DIDN'T know nearly enough about them; it's our history, and it's important; but somehow, I've yet to pick one up.

That was a large reason I jumped at his newest work as soon as it came out. This book still talks about the past, but does so in order to tie it in with the present and then suggests how we could take what HAS happened, and what IS happening, and see what we can learn about it to help shape our future.

Please be assured this is NOT dry reading! It's funny, extremely personal, and totally brilliant. There were many times I cracked up alone in the car while listening to it. Mr. Brokaw covers a myriad of important, fascinating, topical subjects, from the state of education in the world, to the housing crisis, to politics, to personal finance, to being a grandparent; and he does so in a way that is relevant to everyone. (I'm a 39 year old single woman, and the portion on grandparents was one of my favorites).

If you are a fan of current events or politics, I'd be extremely surprised if you didn't love this book. As is typically for Mr. Brokaw it's superbly balanced and well thought out. It's was so good, in fact, he's convinced me to jump into his early works that I've heretofore held out on. Greatest Generation, here I come!

This book, since of course narrated by Tom, himself, was like sitting in the living room with Tom Brokaw and listening to his ideas about American life in current times. His observations and advice to the new generation, their fields of study and opportunities is hopeful and useful. If you are patriotic and you know why you are, you may relate to and be inspired by his useful thinking.

I thought I would enjoy this book but I found it some what boring. There were no great moments for me. I finished this book just a few days ago but find myself already forgetting most of the things that were in it.

I was surprised to find myself a little annoyed with his voice by the end of the book.

First, listening to Tom read the book was divine...there's a reason he was so pleasant on the news for all those years.

The book does come across in conversation form of Brokaw's experiences and insights on America and how where we've been has gotten us where we've gotten. In a very grandfatherly way, he offers advice to Americans of all generations about how we can improve ourselves, our country and our world. I agreed with most of what he said and so found myself often thinking, "preach it!" as he talked about the need for service, living within our means and escaping the curse of materialism.

One of those books that will make you nod your head in agreement, like, "Yes, that IS messed up," or "Amen, we need to fix that!" Listening to this for me was a bit like hearing my parents/aunts/uncles tell stories of when they were my age (I'm in my 30s) and I think, "Houses and cars cost HOW MUCH less than they do now and you made as much or MORE than I do today at a similar-level job? No wonder I feel poor and unsuccessful... it was so much easier back then to have the 'American Dream'! ...And don't even get me started about college!"

Yeah, who does not like Tom's own voice?

Tom's personal touch, he shares his life with everyone. Kids can learn from him, how life was simple and fruggle, but fullfilling too.

no

Tom Brokaw! A great story teller

A sane voice in these days of the 24 hour new cycle

Enjoyed the read.

Tom Borkaw is a great story teller and let's us into stories about his family. We hear about his roots and what shaped him into the person he is today.

Just okay - Most of the ideas I knew about, Lots of anecdotals stories, Kind of felts like a lot of feel good news stories put together plus a history of his life

The appeal for our age group was the ease Brokaw has in telling his story. We relate to his life adventures in so many ways.

The true nature of the narrative comes through consistently. The sense of

It seems he is so honest and sincere about his life, his family, his nation's history.

It seems that this isn't really a film-type of book.

Brokaw might investigate the proper way to state dates after the year 2000. He is consistent is saying,