The Greatest Generation

De: Tom Brokaw

Narrado por: Tom Brokaw

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 50 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)

©1998 Tom Brokaw

A must read! More than worth your time!

Tom Brokaw has written and narrates an exceptional book here that I believe is a must-read for all Americans, and for that matter any Patriot of any country. I've always been appreciative of this country and the military personnel who protect us, but this book gave me details as to why I need to step up my effort and show my gratitude even more by the way I live my life.

it's amazing to me how this generation had less to give than any other yet they gave more than any other. All I can think is my generation has more than any other and we give less than any other. That changes with me today.

Well Written...Great Narration

What made the experience of listening to The Greatest Generation the most enjoyable?

Tom Brokaw did a great job of weaving in a variety of people and their experiences. Hopefully this book helps retain the memories of this truly Great Generation.

What about Tom Brokaw’s performance did you like?

Tom Brokaw is an excellent narrator.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think the common thread of the veterans noting they felt they were/are owed nothing and their maintaining strong values and strong work ethics.

Fantastic!

Tom Brokaw gave a fitting tribute to the heroes of the WWII generation. This book is a collection of individual stories from ordinary citizens as well as national figures who gave so much to our country. However, this book does not gloss over the negative aspects of the racism of the time. Brokaw does not forget the struggles of African-Americans or the internment of Japanese-Americans. Finally, since Brokaw is the narrator, this book is easy to listen to due to his television voice.

Excellent book by Tom Browkaw

This is truly a magnificent book about America’s greatest generation. I belong to Smithsonian Associates and went to his lecture in Washington D.C. Please listen to this book and understand how hard this generation worked to support America.

Amazing

Absolutely amazing to hear the stories. Tom Brokaw does a great job bringing the stories of WWII to us. You can laugh, cry and be happy through the entire book.

Remember

My Father fought in WWII. His memory will never be forgotten, nor what he sacrificed for our right to be free.

So interesting and touching

This shortened book of Brokaw's larger text was very illuminating, particularly in comparing today's government officials and their backgrounds to those who fought during WW2. Really, there is no comparison. The vets of WW2, both who fought in the war directly, or who worked for companies domestically who made military machinery, parts, etc, were a unique and special group. My parents were part of this generation, my uncle was gravely injured in a B24 as a tail gunner over Italy, my father was deferred several times as he was considered an essential worker at an aluminum plant in Detroit that made ball bearings for military aircraft, several other uncles served in the Army, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard, etc. They were people who worked their butts off, and were totally committed to the war effort, in whatever way they could contribute. I particularly loved Brokaw's comparison of Congress members, when he profiled a few WW2 marines, soldiers, etc, and how profoundly their war experiences influenced their political opinions, positions, etc, to those we have currently, who have very little life experience in much of anything, except themselves. Those who do have military experience, and certainly there are some, fought in very different wars. WW2 was nothing like subsequent wars. The enemy was clear, the objectives were obvious, and the leaders were exemplary. So different now, particularly in this fractious, worrisome time. Yes, as some commenters have mentioned, Brokaw made some political statements, but I'm ok with that. It's his opinion, and he's writing the book. All in all, I enjoyed it. And, who knew that Art Buchwald was a Marine??? That was an interesting section, to say the least!

great book.

sometimes the audio jumped right to the next story with no pause. made it difficult to tell sometimes if you missed something. for the amount you pay for these books this shouldn't be an issue.

Brokaw captures it

I read this book in 2012 after my father passed away. It helped me feel closer to someone who I was very close to, yet didn't know when he was a younger man. It helped bridge that gap. My mother passed away this month, also from the Greatest Generation. I decided to get the audible version this time.I can't tell you how great the audible version is with Tom Brokaw's voice, inflections and points of emphasis. If you liked the book, you have to get the audible version.

A Must Listen To Book

This is a story well told from many soldiers' point of view. Extraordinary lives that made an enormous difference for all Americans. This book should be required reading for all Americans. The sacrifices made by so many, willingly so we could have the lives we have.