Book Review: "The Greatest Generation" by Tom Brokaw (1998)

NBC anchor Tom Brokaw decided to write this book as he heard stories from American WWII vets from all walks of life during the run-up to the 50th anniversary of the Normandy invasion in 1994. The values of hard work, self-reliance, personal responsibility, family, faith, patriotism, hope, sacrifice, humility and courage are demonstrated in spades throughout Brokaw's profiles of post-Depression, pre-baby boom American men and women that pulled together to liberate Europe from the grip of the National Socalist German Workers party under Hitler (along with us Canucks, of course). After fighting the war, these soldiers returned home battered and psychologically damaged but carried those values forward by raising families, participating in the civic life of their communities, and taking risks to build a new life for themselves by launching small businesses or obtaining a university degree even if they had young children to support at home. The tenor of the times were such that all of this took place without complaint, without expectation, and without any sense of entitlement.

This is an easy, inspiring reminder of a culture that at times seems to have long since passed.

Overall rating: 7/10