The Greatest Generation, Tom Brokaw
The Greatest Generation, Tom Brokaw
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The Greatest Generation

Author: Tom Brokaw

Narrator: Tom Brokaw

Abridged: 3 hr 42 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/05/2000


Synopsis

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 fifty 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

About The Author

Tom Brokaw is the author of seven bestsellers: The Greatest Generation, The Greatest Generation Speaks, An Album of Memories, Boom!, The Time of Our Lives, A Long Way from Home, and A Lucky Life Interrupted. A native of South Dakota, he graduated from the University of South Dakota, and began his journalism career in Omaha and Atlanta before joining NBC News in 1966. Brokaw was the White House correspondent for NBC News during Watergate, and from 1976 to 1981 he anchored Today on NBC. He was the sole anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw from 1983 to 2005. He continues to report for NBC News, producing long-form documentaries and providing expertise during breaking news events. Brokaw has won every major award in broadcast journalism, including two DuPonts, three Peabody Awards, and several Emmys, including one for lifetime achievement. In 2014, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He lives in New York and Montana.


Reviews

AudiobooksNow review by Joan on 2008-02-28 09:12:20

A compilaton of people's stories that really inspires you, all about a generation of women and men who lived their lives not for today as so many of us do but with an awareness of the greater good and the legacy they would leave behind. Great book to read at night as it's written as a collection of short stories.

Goodreads review by Suzy on April 07, 2011

To be honest, this book wore thinner and thinner on me until I almost considered quitting (sorry Meg). I guess I liked it fine at first, but the nothing-but-profiles format became boring and pat. I was really quite surprised to find what a sophomoric writer Tom Brokaw is--is that the difference betw......more

Goodreads review by Stephanie on December 01, 2011

I have a strong interest in history, so I found this to be a fascinating peek into the lives of the WWII generation. This is a series of little real-life vignettes about various people who served in the war in various capacities, and the effect it had on their lives after they returned to civilian l......more

Goodreads review by Rob on September 22, 2012

Here are my thoughts on reading The Greatest Generation (I apologise in advance for the verbosity): Over sixteen million American men and women served their country during the second world war and estimates from the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration indicate that just over one mil......more

Goodreads review by Rosemarie on April 16, 2019

I rated 3⭐️s but really 3+. I read this book along with my book group for our 20th anniversary discussion. This book was selected because it was a best seller when we started as a group in 1999. It really put in perspective how quickly 20 years goes by. 😮 I had extremely high hopes for this book and......more

Goodreads review by Ronda on October 02, 2016

I have. even greater admiration & respect for the amazing generation of my grandparents. Thank you, Mr. Brokaw, for the stories, the history, the incredible look into the lives of the men & women in this book. I was especially shaken by the look into marriage & commitment. Sadly, our world has taken......more


Quotes

"A moving scrapbook...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 of what we are capable of as a people. An inspiring read for those who wish their spirits lifted."
-- General Colin L. Powell (ret.)

"Entirely compelling."
-- The Wall Street Journal

"Written with love and grace ... a book I will keep forever on my shelves."
-- Frank McCourt, author of 'Tis

"Heartfelt ... A sweeping tribute to Americans who saved the world. It offers welcome inspiration."
-- The Washington Times