The Greatest Generation Speaks

Rating:
Summary: Not Just Brokaw
Review: As the daughter of a Korean War Marine veteran, I must say it was the best gift I ever purchased for my father. This book brought light into the eyes of those who lived during this incredible time and who understood the consequences of war. I believe my father felt relieved to read the stories and letters-to see the images and to realize that his experiences as a soldier and a civilian were very similiar. I am so glad our children have a book of reference such as this; especially after the tragedy of 9/11.... it will help them to understand and appreciate the price of freedom and to better understand the stories of their grandparents. Hats off to you Tom Brokaw!

Rating:
Summary: Brokaw seems uninspired at times
Review: i read the first book by mister brokaw and was extremely impressed. his second book is not quite as significant in it's effect. there are some great follow-up stories in this book and a few examples of how people "found" each other after 50 years. this is still a book that should be purchased if you love stories about W.W. II.

Rating:
Summary: Sequel and the Normal drop you Expect
Review: I thought The Greatest Generation was an American treasure and could not recommend it higher. But this book tries to mine more of that gold and not quite as well. The Great Generation told stories by Brokaw. This book is a sampling of letters written based upon reading the Greatest Generation. And while many of the letters are touching, it doesn't read as professionally as the first book and in many cases becomes redundant. A worthwhile read but not nearly as good as the first.

Rating:
Summary: Not Just Brokaw
Review: I was terrifically moved by this recording, and Tom Brokaw was the least of it. The supporting cast really throws themselves into the letters from The Greatest Generation. Nothing is hokey or excessive, but the honest human sentiment is tough to resist.

By contrast, Tom Brokaw sounds like he's phoning in his part of the script. But he has comparatively little to do here. The heavy lifting is done by the professional narrator and actors. A stunner. It's impossible to recommend this edition too highly.

Rating:
Summary: Heartfelt look at WWII and the people it left behind...
Review: I was touched reading this true account into the lives os soldiers and families suffering their personal anguish throughout the war. The letters and real emotions came to life and I was in awe. I am a Generation X twenty-something and it's a shame my generation doesn't realize what sacrifices this generation, truly the Greatest Generation has made on behalf of our freedom.

The stories they shared and the worry the wives felt were awesome. You cannot appreciate what these men and women have been through, the war, the depression and all the after effects of coming home. To live in this troubled time was truly an accomplishment. This is well worth the money. Make sure you keep a box of kleenex nearby, you'll need it...

Tracy Talley~@

Rating:
Summary: Responses from the "Greatest Generation"
Review: In this follow-up to "The Greatest Generation," the members and children of the generation that came of age during World War II describe their experiences, in their own words. This is a first-hand look at the hardships faced and overcome by these individuals, as well as the impact these experiences had on them and their children. Many of these letters were written during the war, and are invaluable in connecting us to that period. I can't help wondering, though, how our age of e-mail, cell phones and instant messaging will be remembered without a permenant record of letters to speak for us to future generations...

Rating:
Summary: A Story That Only Personal Letters Can Tell !!
Review: This book contains the text of actual letters received by Tom Brokaw, in response to his original successful book "The Greatest Generation." Letters written by and to soldiers, wives, families and friends give a first hand account of WW II and great insight into the WW II generation, as they lived through the depression, went and returned from battle, and came home often finding that their lives would be changed forever. Many of the letters were written at the battlefront, others at the kitchen table, and paint a true picture of the scene for the reader. Families of many of the forgotten heros were anxious to pass these gems kept in old boxes and dresser drawers, on for others to examine. Readers will experience a variety of emotions as they peruse these irreplaceable jewels from love to loss, loneliness to joy. It doesn't matter if the reader agrees with how and what took place or doesn't, but every human being can learn and benefit from the experiences of these people and their families. A great reading experience, and one that you won't soon forget. Read it, and encourage others to do so.

Rating:
Summary: More of Brokaw's work, with some interesting stories
Review: Who would have known that Julia Childs worked for the OSS (the forerunner of the CIA)? I didn't. This book continues where the Greatest Generation left off, and adds the stories of the famous and the average in a deftly written manner. Brokaw's respect and even-handed treatment of all those he writes about make this very pleasing to read, and offers yet more insight into the stories of more of a generation with no two stories alike.