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Boom! (Abridged): Voices of the Sixties Personal Reflections on the '60s and Today Audiobook
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(3.03) - 1,082 listener ratings
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In The Greatest Generation, his landmark bestseller, Tom Brokaw eloquently evoked for America what it meant to come of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War. Now, in Boom!, one of America’s premier journalists gives us an epic portrait of another defining era in America as he brings to life the tumultuous Sixties, a fault line in American history. The voices and stories of both famous people and ordinary citizens come together as Brokaw takes us on a memorable journey through a remarkable time, exploring how individual lives and the national mindset were affected by a controversial era and showing how the aftershocks of the Sixties continue to resound in our lives today. In the reflections of a generation, Brokaw also discovers lessons that might guide us in the years ahead. Boom! One minute it was Ike and the man in the grey flannel suit, and the next minute it was time to “turn on, tune in, drop out.” While Americans were walking on the moon, Americans were dying in Vietnam. Nothing was beyond question, and there were far fewer answers than before. Published as the fortieth anniversary of 1968 approaches, Boom! gives us what Brokaw sees as a virtual reunion of some members of “the class of ’68,” offering wise and moving reflections and frank personal remembrances about people’s lives during a time of high ideals and profound social, political, and individual change. What were the gains, what were the losses? Who were the winners, who were the losers? As they look back decades later, what do members of the Sixties generation think really mattered in that tumultuous time, and what will have meaning going forward? Race, war, politics, feminism, popular culture, and music are all explored here, and we learn from a wide range of people about their lives. Tom Brokaw explores how members of this generation have gone on to bring activism and a Sixties mindset into individual entrepreneurship today. We hear stories of how this formative decade has led to a recalibrated perspective–on business, the environment, politics, family, our national existence. Remarkable in its insights, profoundly moving, wonderfully written and reported, this revealing portrait of a generation and of an era, and of the impact of the 1960s on our lives today, lets us be present at this reunion ourselves, and join in these frank conversations about America then, now, and tomorrow.
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"I enjoyed Boom! as much as The Greatest Generation, but in quite a different way. The Greatest Generation taught me about a time period that my grandparents lived through, inspiring me because of the unity of a nation. The events in Boom! took place during the first 10 years of my life, so I grew up knowing of them, but not necessarily a lot about them. Because of my interest in 60's music and all that I've read about it, I feel like I knew pieces of the picture of that decade; the music of that time had a big impact on the culture, both as a catalyst for change and a strong reflection of attitudes and events. So for me, Boom! filled in the gaps, showing me how everything fits together so that I could see the big picture and understand the lasting impact those times and events have had on our country... for better and for worse."
— Allyson (4 out of 5 stars)
Boom! Listener Reviews
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" This is a great 1960s book, and I enjoyed reading more about the Baby Boomer generation. "
— Cathi, 2/18/2014 -
" I loved Brokaw's books on The Greatest Generation, and was expecting this book about the sixties to be like it-- personal experiences of those who lived through it. And it was, somewhat, except they were mainly politicians and public figures, and their opinion about the politics of the time. Since I was so young when it was going on I didn't understand the significance of it all at the time, so this was a good review. My favorite part was James Taylor's take on the whole thing... love him! "
— Sandy, 2/9/2014 -
" A bit too condescending at times. "
— Ken, 1/30/2014 -
" I am ingrossed in this review of the 60's--adding historical parts I missed living through it as a newlywed. "
— Margaret, 1/23/2014 -
" Good coverage of historical events and some surprising info about his connections to Atlanta. After awhile, I wasn't sure where the book was going though and I got bored. "
— Laura, 1/22/2014 -
" A fun yet intellectual look at the changes in the 1960s from Tom Brokaw's experience. Leans a little left, but if you're ok with that then you'll love this book. "
— Abby, 1/20/2014 -
" Interesting the entire way. Many different accounts and opinions of what happened and how it changed the country. "
— Erik, 1/14/2014 -
" Very interesting to get personal opinions from a respected journalist. "
— Ron, 1/9/2014 -
" Tom Brokaw provides a compilation of mostly well-known individuals' perception of the 60's. For someone born at the end of this era, it was an eye-opener. Thanks for the recommendation, Mom! "
— Susan, 12/30/2013 -
" I like learning and reading about History, but this one was very long! All about the 60's and what America was going through at that time, which was a LOT! History buffs will love this book! "
— Heather, 12/12/2013 -
" While I enjoyed the book and learned many things, I didn't like Brokaw's narration. He is a great anchor but I found his reading too intense. I am sure I would've liked reading the actual book more than listening to it on CD. "
— Kathy, 12/2/2013 -
" Spent the last half of the sixties stoned, so this is fascinating to learn about what I missed and remember what I'd forgotten. "
— Cheryel, 11/30/2013 -
" this was a very interesting book. I really got a better idea of the 60's and what was going on, and from all types of people. I would recommend this to everyone. Its important for us all to know our past. Great book! "
— Debby, 7/23/2013 -
" Good, but very dense - I can hardly remember what I read because it was basically just a million small stories about different important people in the 60s. But I am glad I read it. "
— Audrey, 4/14/2013 -
" Very enjoyable. Maybe because I lived through the times. Interesting interviews and a great perspective looking back on events. "
— Thelma, 3/23/2013 -
" Excellent! Brought back a lot of memories! "
— Leanne, 2/2/2013 -
" A very interesting examination of the 60's and it's major events/achievements from varying perspectives. It was interesting to read about the same events and hear at least two extremely different versions. Fascinating! "
— Jenn, 1/24/2013 -
" I appreciated the work that must have gone into this book, and all the personal accounts that were taken. Unfortunately, Tom Brokaw is not the best writer. Things seemed a little disjointed at times. "
— Andrea, 10/10/2012 -
" A great look at personal stories from the most turbulent decade in the 20th century "
— Bmelchior, 7/28/2012 -
" So good. Everyone should read it. Get a thorough outlook on American history. "
— Justin, 4/26/2012 -
" A calm a measured view of this significant era. Very interesting to read the stories of people who were active in various social and cultural events of the 60s, and how they view it now. Good reporting, with a personal story appropriately woven in. "
— Rock, 4/7/2012 -
" This should have been a good book, but Brokaw's condescending tone destroys what could have been honest recollections of an exciting chapter in American history. "
— Jim, 3/12/2012 -
" great reading of the 60s for all those who lived through them or wish to learn from them. A kind of middle of the road narrative with people from all points of view presented "
— Tim, 12/23/2011 -
" Tom has finally exhausted his trove of noble subjects. Few people and fewer events featured in this book were truely exciting and worth the trip back to the 60's, even for one who was there. "
— Gary, 12/12/2011 -
" Great read! I have come to like books by journalists - they present their opinions, while still presenting both sides of the argument so you can form your own opinion. "
— Deborah, 10/15/2011 -
" I liked the broad brush stroke Brokaw took of the defining moments of the 1960s. "
— Rob, 9/23/2011 -
" The 60's were a mess. Good things came about such as improvements in women's rights and racial equality. Sadly we didn't learn anything about how not to get into a ridiculous war with no clear objective. "
— Geof, 4/12/2011 -
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charles julian, 2/1/2011
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" Excellent commentary on the times I grew up in. A chance to remember those times. "
— Sara, 1/19/2011 -
" I had a hard time getting into the book but really loved it once the short stories started. "
— Jackie, 1/3/2011 -
" Great book, that sums up the 60s for those who were not born during that famous or infamous (depending on your view) decade! "
— Zaki, 1/1/2011 -
" Been there, done that. I was in college and grad school in the sixties, so most of the people and events mentioned in the profiles were old hat to me. "
— Susan, 10/25/2010 -
" Moderately interesting. It's basically a collection of rough transcripts of short interviews Brokaw had with various figures who lived through the 60s, either notable then or notable now. While a few of the interviews are fascinating, on the whole they quickly become tedious and repetitive. "
— Josh, 10/1/2010 -
" Took me a while to complete and assimilate, since this book essentially covers my entire lifetime. I had one of those reactions of "where was I and what was I doing" as I went through the chapters. I had emotional reactions, unlike reading "history". Definitely worth reading. "
— Barbara, 9/8/2010 -
" I loved Brokaw's narrative style (he really is America's dad) and the different perspectives on each issue that shaped the 60's. This helped me understand my conservative parents and their role in a decade that was complex, chaotic and a game changer. "
— Laura, 5/24/2010 -
" I liked the broad brush stroke Brokaw took of the defining moments of the 1960s. "
— Rob, 4/27/2010 -
" Definitely some fascinating accounts, but I think I prefer The Greatest Generation. "
— Amanda, 3/8/2010 -
" A bit too condescending at times. "
— Ken, 3/8/2010 -
" This is a great 1960s book, and I enjoyed reading more about the Baby Boomer generation. "
— Cathi, 2/10/2010 -
" If you know me, you know that I usually read fiction. I read this for a book discussion. Boy, did it bring back memories! Very interesting take on the 60s, a must read for all baby boomers. "
— Maryellen, 2/4/2010 -
" Not nearly as good as "The Greatest Generation." but still worthwhile.... "
— James, 2/1/2010
About Tom Brokaw
Tom Brokaw is the author of several books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller The Greatest Generation. In 2014, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and he has won every major award in broadcast journalism, including two DuPont Awards, a Peabody Award, and several Emmy Awards. He is a regular contributor to the op-ed pages of the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal, as well as writing for Time, Newsweek, and Men’s Journal. A native of South Dakota, he graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in political science. He joined NBC News in 1966, serving as the White House correspondent during Watergate and anchoring Today on NBC from 1976 to 1981. He was the sole anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw from 1983 to 2005.