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The Greatest Generation (Abridged) Audiobook
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(3.01) - 6,169 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
3 CDs / 4 hours
Read by the Author, Tom Brokaw
Also available on cassette
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, American's citizen heroes and heroines who came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to bud modern America.
"They won the war; they saved the world. They can home to joyous and short-lived celebrations and immediately began the task of rebuilding their lives and the world they wanted. They married in record numbers and gave birth to another distinctive generation, The Baby Boomers. A grateful nation made it possible for more of them to attend college than any society had ever educated anywhere. They have the world new science, literature, art, industry, and economic strength unparalleled in the long curve of history."
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.
"I am in awe of them, these men and women who have given us the world we have today. I feel privileged to have been witness to their stories. A I came to know many of them I became more and more moved by their everyday excellence - and more and more convinced that this is the greatest generation in our country's history." - Tom Brokaw
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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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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
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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
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.