The Greatest Generation

By: Tom Brokaw

Narrated by: Tom Brokaw

Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

In this superb audiobook, Tom Brokaw goes out into America to tell through the stories of individual men and women the story of a generation. America's citizen heroes and heroines who came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to build modern America. This generation was united not only by a common purpose, but also by common values- duty, honor, economy, courage, service, love of family and country, and, above all, responsibility for oneself.

Through the stories in The Greatest Generation, you'll relive with ordinary men and women, military heroes, famous people of great achievement, and community leaders how these extraordinary times forged the values and provided the training that made a people and a nation great.

©1998 Tom Brokaw

Yes, they were that great

Having been parented by two of the greatest generation, I enjoyed learning more about what they went through. All too often, they refuse to talk about what happened to them during their amazingly challenging lifetimes, WWI, the great depression, WW2. They have suppressed their experiences or allowed their reflections to fade from their memories. There is still much for us to learn from our parents. I thank Brokaw for helping to reveal some of their stories to us.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Why abridged?

I did not realize when I bought this book that it is the abridged version, very disappointed because it loses a lot of the story between each vignette. Audible please bring back the unabridged.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Why we appreciate this generation

Finally we have a book that honors this generation who experienced the toughest trials of the 20th century. As a son of a family from this generation, I had long noticed there was always something special about them. This generation is very different from the generations that were born from around 1950 onward, and Tom helps us to understand why. The world events of the time shaped them into who they are. I also think Tom effectively captures the most admirable qualities of this generation in his words. For those of us who did not experience the events of the 1930s and 1940s, Tom's book will give you a new respect for those who did.

For those who are sensitive to foul language, realize that there are a few terms in the chapter related to Art Buchwald. It is not excessive, but you should realize it is there if you happen to have some children who may listen with you. It's the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.

I'm sure everyone has heard Tom's voice from news broadcasts, so you will know he speaks clearly and with conviction. It's a big plus that Tom did his own narration for his work.

I recommend this book for everyone born after 1950. You will gain an appreciation for this generation who lived through the early-to-mid 20th century events you read in your history book, and you will hope that your generation will also follow their example.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

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.

Should be required reading for students

Brokaw skillfully crafted this outstanding book, a collection of short stories which teaches important lessons of bravery, patriotism, responsibility, harsh reality and more.This generation did not focus on or even discuss the inhumanity and horror they experienced. Instead, they built this great and mighty post war nation and economy through their will and determination to make the world a better place for all. Important lessons for new generations

Beautiful storytelling of those who lived and loved during a time in our history that is not known by many who still live today

Tom Brokaw chose stories of ordinary people and the extraordinarily beautiful things they lived and learned during one of the worst times in the history . His voice reading the words that he penned was a cherry on top! I normally do not read or listen to historical novels or chronicles about wars or the history of our great nation, but I could not put this one down! Recommend this one for all ages !!!

Superb!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Do not hesitate to get this book.

Any additional comments?

If you thought you knew about the people who fought in WWII, you will be as surprised as I was to get the story directly from them. Great, great book.

Excellent

This is the third time I've read this book and it won't be the last. My father was a part of this Greatest Generation. I bought copies of this book for all my children and for all my brothers and sisters. Thank you, Tom Brokow for caring enough to write this stirring tribute!

fantastic and informative

I have been wanting to experience this book for a while now and just kept forgetting about it. it is an amazing and eye opening group of stories. it is well written and causes a flood of emotion. the only down side of this book is that from what was happening then and what is happening now we clearly haven't learned anything. I hope more people read or listen to this book and take something from it, I know I have. thank you for a wonderful and emotional view into history.

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.