Rating: 
Summary: Look Through the Smoke for the Fire.
Review: Look past the NBC's anchorman's image. Kudo to Brokaw inspite of the book's negatives. More authors should focus on the positive aspects of "everyday people." Ordinary folks made America what it is; everyday people will decide its future. I like The Greatest Generation's stories because they centered on grass-root Americans. A theme Steinbeck knew well. Speaking only about America -- it is indeed a time and culture which desperately needs links with its past and grounding in that which is real. I recommend reading a less-known book entitled LIFE WITH NOAH to all who have an interest in personal narratives. In it you will find a vanished way of American life and a friendship that forged a solid trust between a young man and the Adirondack Mountains last hermit. The writing will soothe and rejuvenate anyone experiencing a meltdown toward American society. It embraces life's simple gifts. Basic human values are explored. The vast collection of vintage photographs adds to the book's appeal.
Rating: 
Summary: Like Being in a Hall of Heroes
Review: My Uncles were B-17 pilots in the War. Both heroes to their families. This book is a wonderful way to gain an understanding of the sacrifice each gave in their own way. I only wish it was longer! God bless the families of those who gave their lives for our freedom!
Rating:
Summary: My Grandfather was there
Review: I wish I had listened to this book before my grandfather died. He might have discussed it with me. Like many of the people in the book, he never talked about his time in the war. He came back to his hometown and carved a life out of the Virginia farmland. He proudly saved this piece of America for his children and grandchildren. We learn in the book that men and women did all they could for the war effort. Many women were suddenly needed to do things they were never allowed to do before the war. Many used the opportunity to start down a path they had only previously dreamed of following. Each story is different, each person fighting or losing according to circumstance or fate. They knew that the force they were fighting was a dangerous one. Every American owed it to the country to do whatever was necessary to win. They fought for the right for Americans to be free to make choices, but often wonder about the choices young people make today. As we follow them through the words of Tom Brokaw from teenagers to seasoned citizens, we learn why they treasure those things we often take for granted.
Rating: 
Summary: Great at War, What About at Home?
Review: Coming on the heels of the terrific movie "Saving Private Ryan," Brokaw's book is sadly repetitive. One would think that World War II was the greatest thing Humanity was capable of. There were alot of interesting anecdotes, but not much of a point; what did the "greatest generation" go on to produce? Smug baby boomers. Unfortunately, that's there legacy.
Rating: 
Summary: Unimpressed
Review: I was excited to finally get my hands on this book to read it and learn more about the generation I know least about. However, I was sorely disappointed. Mr. Brokaw repeatedly tried to point out characteristics of that generation that I clearly did not see and that I have seen many times over in other generations. When he states that the integrity and work ethic of that generation is not seen today, I am offended and appalled. That kind of position is not only wrong but harmful. The parents and youth of today have not had to deal with a draft- to no fault of their own - however they have had many other obstacles to face that did not automatically make them heroes. I was angered and disappointed by this book. It was neither informative nor inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: I agree with the title, but..........
Review: I simply cannot understand why everyone is gushing praise on such a poorly written piece of patriotic blather. Is it that you can readily identify with the author when you plop down on the couch to watch the Nightly News? The rambling, disconnected content of this book left me wanting a refund. I am a proud American, and one who has studied this period of time quite extensively, and this definitely WAS the Greatest Generation indeed! This book, I fear, is going to lead to a host of copycat writings by those who will use their celebrity exposure to command a princely sum for a cliche-ridden hack job of a novel. Enough already!
Rating:
Summary: Teleprompter journalism
Review: The storys of triumph and achievement are incredible and we owe a debt of honor to those who lived them and lived in the day. However the writing reminds me of a series of news segments on the nightly news. I found the book hard to read and bought the audio version and that too was unfinishable. I get a certain arrogance from Brokaw that I personally find hard to stomach. Just my opinion, I could be my revulsion of the product they put on the airwaves nightly and call the news.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable book -- helped give background on a generation
Review: I enjoyed reading this book -- it tells about a generation of people who I knew little about, in a way that made it interesting -- told stories of individuals from all walks of life (public figures to everyday working class contributors, who are much like most of us and our families). Tells how they were impacted by the way, and how the war helped to frame their thought processes and value structures. I wish I had read the book years before (had it been written at that time). Would have helped me to understand my grandparents/parents even better.
Rating:
Summary: Very Nice
Review: I was deeply moved by the stories in this book. These people are like those I grew up with: my teachers, the policemen, the farmers, my pastor. What they experienced was left unspoken, what they sacrificed was known only to them. This book records some of their stories and reveals the heart of our country's soul in the process. They are not to be forgotten.
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: Every American should read this book, it tells what duty, loyalty, love, honor, service and country are all about. Men and women died & suffered to give Americans what they have today, its time to salute the flag again, not burn it. Be thankful for what we have and PROTECT IT, without young men & women & their courage that this book depicts, it could all be so easily lost.
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