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The Greatest Generation (Abridged) Audiobook
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(3.01) - 6,169 listener ratings
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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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 lasted more than fifty years.
“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
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 Women’s Army Corps; 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.
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"My father was part of this generation, as was my father-in-law. I am so proud of both of them, and because of their heroism during WWII, I enjoyed this book all the more. So many stories have gone untold. These are some great ones that are preserved for the current generation, one that has the potential to be just as great."
— Sher (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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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 -
Don't miss the heartwarming New York Times bestseller that gives voice to The Greatest Generation:
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The Greatest Generation Speaks: Letters and ReflectionsComing in July 2001 from Dell
Awards
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A #1 New York Times bestseller
The Greatest Generation Listener Reviews
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charles Beck, 1/14/2023
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" a very interesting window into the lives of some of the folks who came of age during WW2. i found this book to be incredibly moving and inspiring. it was also challenging, in a lot of ways, to examine the values of a generation past and see what it might be important to hold on to. highly recommend this book. "
— Shay, 2/16/2014 -
" I believe my Mom & Dad are from the "Greatest Generation" and although their stories aren't in here and they are the stereotypical parents of the baby-boomers, they fit the bill in terms of what this book describes as hearty, resourceful, reserved and committed role-models. "
— Benji, 2/14/2014 -
" I enjoyed the stories, but the writing is not good. "
— Sunny, 2/2/2014 -
" Great stories from my parents generation. My generation and my children's generation should read this and maybe learn it isn't always about "me". "
— Pat, 1/25/2014 -
" the book hails people like caspar weinberger. "
— Mariya, 1/22/2014 -
" Good to read from a historical view. "
— Alice, 1/19/2014 -
" I really liked reading this and understanding my parent's generation and what they experienced. Made me much more cognizant of how their life has been framed based on their experiences. "
— Jeanne, 1/9/2014 -
" Inspiring accounts from the Depression/World World II generation. "
— Val, 1/8/2014 -
" I loved this book. It made me want to go start a conversation with my grandparents. "
— Michelle, 1/6/2014 -
" Their stories are heart warming and inspiring. "
— Chip, 12/21/2013 -
" I'm not very well-read in nonfiction yet (I'm a teenager), but I thought this was a very moving, persuasive book of anecdotes. I can see why Brokaw calls them the "greatest generation." "
— Cerise, 12/17/2013 -
" If you have not read this, please do.... put into the perspective of our Grandparents and the WWII generation - their struggles, faith, and CHARACTER "
— Zac, 12/16/2013 -
" Good but not as much as it was built up to be. Still, it reminds me of the sacrifices of my grandparents generation. "
— Eddie, 11/21/2013 -
" Incrediable!!! Made love my grandparents all the more. "
— Brandon, 10/20/2013 -
" I liked this book so so so much. It was touching to hear the stories that these brave people went through. It is too hard for my granparents to talk about, so this was a good insight for me. What respect I have for this generation! "
— Stefie, 10/8/2013 -
" I liked this book, but felt it was weakened by its use of stories of celebrities/politicans. I thought it would have been stronger if it just focused on people none of us had heard of. "
— Jo, 10/6/2013 -
" This was an interesting book, and a great way to better understand what our relatives went through in the past. "
— Rebekah, 9/1/2013 -
" This is one of the most amazing books I have read. I learned so much and became more appreciative of all of the people who have served for us. Thanks to all of you! "
— Madres, 6/26/2013 -
" Every generation following the one outlined in this book should hang their heads in shame. "
— Stacey, 2/19/2013 -
" Gave me a new appreciation for my parents generation. "
— Mike, 1/4/2012 -
" this book was seven kinds of interesting. "
— Stephenie, 11/7/2011 -
" History lesson like no other "
— Margaret, 6/20/2011 -
" Excellent reminder of where we came from and where we could end up. "
— Sailor, 6/14/2011 -
" Great true stories from the generation. "
— Elaine, 4/29/2011 -
" I really enjoyed this book as it gave me a better sense of the world war II generation. I wouldn't say that Tom Brokaw is the best writer, but he is good at giving you a sense of the everyday heros of the times. "
— Patrice, 4/10/2011 -
" Great stories from a generation that shaped this country for the better "
— Ben, 4/4/2011 -
" When this came out, Dad gave a copy to almost everyone he knew! "
— Joelle, 4/2/2011 -
" Read this during my "Proud to be in the military" phase, hahaha! "
— Teresa, 2/3/2011 -
" very facinating collection of tales. if you enjoy WWII history or personal acccounts of events, i highly recommend "
— Marie, 2/1/2011 -
" Great stories. Really appreciate all that the generation did for us. If you don’t know much about the greatest generation, read the Greatest Generation. "
— Jeff, 1/25/2011 -
" Excellent - readable - the reason to interview our elders! "
— Tori, 1/22/2011
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.