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The Time of Our Lives: A conversation about America; Who we are, where we've been, and where we need to go now, to recapture the American dream
by
Tom Brokaw
Tom Brokaw, known and beloved for his landmark work in American journalism and for the New York Times bestsellers The Greatest Generation and Boom!, now turns his attention to the challenges that face America in the new millennium, to offer reflections on how we can restore America’s greatness.
“What happened to the America I thought I knew?” Brokaw writes. “Have we simply...more
“What happened to the America I thought I knew?” Brokaw writes. “Have we simply...more
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published
November 1st 2011
by Random House Publishing Group
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Aug 26, 2012
Emily Mishler
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
first-reads,
nonfiction
I won a copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway.
I really enjoyed Brokaw's new book. He brought to light many salient points about the social and political scene in America today. Brokaw gently pointed out the failings of both ultra conservatives and ultra liberals in an inoffensive manner, chiding both sides for their sometimes hypocritical and often hostile behavior, especially towards each other. I particularly enjoyed the section on the dotcom age. While most of his points are hardly n...more
I really enjoyed Brokaw's new book. He brought to light many salient points about the social and political scene in America today. Brokaw gently pointed out the failings of both ultra conservatives and ultra liberals in an inoffensive manner, chiding both sides for their sometimes hypocritical and often hostile behavior, especially towards each other. I particularly enjoyed the section on the dotcom age. While most of his points are hardly n...more
Honestly....this book REALLY disappointed me. I loved watching the nightly news w/ Tom....reminded me of a wise grandfather (possibly because he IS a wise grandfather!) and I loved The Greatest Generation even though some may have called it an oversimplistic portrayal of a group of people. I thought it was heartwarming and informative. Anyway, I was stoked when I got this book for Christmas from John and it really bummed me out when I realized that this book was definitely rushed to press. It fe...more
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Jun 04, 2012
Doug
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
history-bio-autobio,
how-to
I've put this one in 'how to', but perhaps it should be under 'opinion'? After Tom Brokaw retired, at least for me, he seems to disappear. While I've heard of his other books, they didn't seem to grab me they way the tag line/premise of this one did. Or perhaps what I was hearing was an intimation of what I wanted to hear - how to fix the degeneration of society. While I disagree with him on some things, I think he did do a great job in trying to approach his assertion of 'how to recapture the a...more
I've never been a Brokaw fan, but I have respected him over the years. Never has his context as a privileged member of American society been made so clear to me as the voice and perspective in this reflection. I don't understand this penchant to ascribe equivalence between the Tea Party and figures such as Keith Olbermann. I suppose in his role as elder statesman as to the state of America, Brokaw thinks he has to adopt a "balanced" voice. I'd much rather an ACCURATE voice. Neither does his love...more
Simply and clearly written, nostalgic about the values and times embodied in my time (1936 - present), Tom Brokaw tries to answer a question for himself "What happened to the America I thought I knew?" The book contains autobiographical material from his growing up and the values it imparted to him. In Part one he discusses the time when he got the fundamental beliefs of his life. In part two he discusses what he learned as he began covering the news in the US. He gives suggestions which might h...more
Tom Brokaw has been in the popular culture for so long, it is hard not to hear him as you read this book. It is an interesting chronicle of the past 50 years that has a message: we need to change.
It is a noble effort from a trusted source. His scholarly approach lays out one topic after another: education, service, the internet and so on. Each chapter follows the same format: the past, the present, the challenge for the future. It all makes logical sense and is actually the kind of treatment th...more
It is a noble effort from a trusted source. His scholarly approach lays out one topic after another: education, service, the internet and so on. Each chapter follows the same format: the past, the present, the challenge for the future. It all makes logical sense and is actually the kind of treatment th...more
I give this the four star treatment because of its readability, appeal of the author, and its importance. It is a telling book that every American who cares about the future of the country should read. This volume is basically a tour de force of the big issues confronting America, its competitiveness in the future, and its legacy of the present.
Beginning with the uncivil nature of today's national discourse and moving on to issues such as health care, education, the military complex, and others,...more
Beginning with the uncivil nature of today's national discourse and moving on to issues such as health care, education, the military complex, and others,...more
Listening to Tom Brokaw read "The Time of Our Lives," I was reminded of the core values that guided the lives of my parents. Growing up with them in a rural area, the concepts of thrift, integrity and lending a hand to neighbors and relatives were a way of life. It seems that Mr. Brokaw grew up in the same culture. So, his book was a refresher course that helped me to revisit the way those values were learned.
With a large world view and a reporter's skill in observation, thinking and writing, Br...more
With a large world view and a reporter's skill in observation, thinking and writing, Br...more
I'd say this book was a huge disappointment, but that would imply that I had expectations. I'm not sure why I picked it up. I suppose the only excuse I have is that Cracker Barrel's selection was struggling. I prefer to listen to non-fiction while driving, and there were only 3 options. Anyway...chapters 1 & 2 were so boring I almost turned it off, but chapter 3 was about education so I kept listening. At the end of the book, I can honestly say I have no idea what it was really about. He tal...more
I love Tom Brokaw. He is one of the newsmen that I grew up with and trusted all through my adulthood. I remember watching him when he was "just a reporter" as well as when he was an anchorman. Along with Peter Jennings, he was a favorite, trusted source of news. And, he is close to my Dad's age, which makes him seem fatherly and wise. This was a good book. Very honest about America's situation today, which made it hard to read at times. Our world right now is very scary and facing some really to...more
I am enjoying this book. It is written in a folksy conversational style by prominent journalist who I have respected throughout my lifetime. The subject matter looks at where we have come from as a nation, where we are now, and thoughts about the future. There are many personal and family anecdotes included as well as highlights of prominent and not so prominent world events and people. Reading this book has helped me reflect on a wide range of world, national and personal events that I have not...more
Growing up watching Tom Brokaw on the 'Nightly News,' I found it interesting to hear his view on the state of our country. The book is neatly divided into Fact and Question, The Past, The Present, and The Promise sections. The topics that he chose to write about are timely and thought provoking. He writes about extraordinary everyday people, who didn't make the nightly news, such as Paul Tudor Jones, head of the Robin Hood Foundation, and Indra Krishnaumurthy Nooyi who created a strategy called...more
I read one coming from Tom Brokaw, well-respected journalist since the 60's. It was an appropriate one for the New Year as it has several ideas that could be incorporated into resolutions on a personal and national level. Perhaps Congress should have this book as a "Everyone Reads Book" and then gets together to discuss.
This books reads just like Tom Brokaw is speaking to you. He has such credibility; he's been such a part of the American and international scene reporting all the significant eve...more
This books reads just like Tom Brokaw is speaking to you. He has such credibility; he's been such a part of the American and international scene reporting all the significant eve...more
Tom Brokaw in The Time of Our Lives presents his views as a journalist and a grandparent on the challenges that faces America and how to make America great again. He shows examples of individuals that have made a difference in the educational system and how embracing technology can be employed to solve problems. Volunteerism is suggested for all Americans to serve in restoring America. He notes the sacrifices that the military veterans have made so the rest of us can enjoy freedom and urges that...more
Great book if you're in the mood for nonfiction. Tom Brokaw was on The Daily Show talking about this book so I decided to give it a try. It was so great. The way he talks about some of the big problems in America, how we got there, and how we might fix it is so great. He doesn't necessarily give hard and fast solutions. It's more about the American ideals and what we used to prioritize and value and how we've gotten away from that. He shows the attitude we need to adopt to get back on track. It...more
Thought provoking...so much so that a couple times I talked back to Tom! I'd say we have more rather than less in common. But it's the differences of opinion that made the book interesting. If anyone has the right and credibility to write a book that takes all on the big questions,it's Tom Brokaw. There's a great structure to the book Past, present and promise. Also, there's a wonderful balance between facts and personal story. I read this book on cd with a hardcover handy. That turned out to be...more
Brokaw surveys life in America, both now and in the past, with an eye towards what will make the future better. I enjoyed the personal reminiscences, but I think he puts a little too much stock in altruistic individuals setting inspiring examples for us all. The several pages he spends on an approving profile of largely discredited educator Michelle Rhee points out one of the pitfalls of that approach, but I think he also misses the need for incentives within a system that encourage change and i...more
I'm sorry to say that I was deeply disappointed in this book. I always respected Brokaw as a journalist and thought The Greatest Generation was one of the most spot on books I've ever read. I'm sorry to say that I found this examination of where we are and where we are going as a country to be over-simplified, condescending and borderline insulting in it's assumption of the readers lack of intelligence. I am getting very tired of people who will never have a financial worry in their lives (read...more
Nov 26, 2011
Richard
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Richard by:
I read a review.
This is not the kind of book you sit down and read. Maybe a chapter a day would be better. Each chapter begins with a "fact" swings to personal anecdotes from the Brokaw family and ends with how people are solving the current version of this problem and what you should do to be a part of that solution.
Very down to earth advice, and maybe too simplistic, but he is proposing a start. There are some failures listed, too, but it wasn't the fault of the people working on the solution, but they were h...more
Very down to earth advice, and maybe too simplistic, but he is proposing a start. There are some failures listed, too, but it wasn't the fault of the people working on the solution, but they were h...more
First, listening to Tom read the book was divine...there's a reason he was so pleasant on the news for all those years.
The book does come across in conversation form of Brokaw's experiences and insights on America and how where we've been has gotten us where we've gotten. In a very grandfatherly way, he offers advice to Americans of all generations about how we can improve ourselves, our country and our world. I agreed with most of what he said and so found myself often thinking, "preach it!" a...more
The book does come across in conversation form of Brokaw's experiences and insights on America and how where we've been has gotten us where we've gotten. In a very grandfatherly way, he offers advice to Americans of all generations about how we can improve ourselves, our country and our world. I agreed with most of what he said and so found myself often thinking, "preach it!" a...more
I like Tom Brokaw - especially since from SD, has a place in MT, and he has done good (e.g., on Mayo's Board). In his latest book he goes over a number of headline themes (e.g., better education, we all should do service when young, the dot com stuff redefines friends), encourages the reader to be concerned and get committed; and then he shares sometimes interesting tidbits about his 3 daughters (2 married w/children, all doing well) and the hot shots he has shared a drink or just chatted with....more
It was an interesting read. Mr. Brokaw brings up some very good and relevant issues and possible solutions. You hear the problems from everyone but few folks give possible solutions. These are important issues that will affect us all. Brokaw has some good solid insight. We have become such a selfish weak people. Yet I do have hope and really do believe we can and are a great nation I feel there are alot of folks who are strong and do what is right and are not afraid to make hard choices and stil...more
Tom Brokaw draws upon his personal and professional experiences to define a path towards a better and rejuvenated America.
The problem I have with this well written and informative book is that his concepts are still rooted in the American Dream and the 'American Century'. We did that and though many of his suggestions and information regarding education, as an example, are excellent, again, we've worked on all this with little real overall success.
This book is a bit simplistic in solution while...more
The problem I have with this well written and informative book is that his concepts are still rooted in the American Dream and the 'American Century'. We did that and though many of his suggestions and information regarding education, as an example, are excellent, again, we've worked on all this with little real overall success.
This book is a bit simplistic in solution while...more
This book has an easy-to-read style and is much like having a conversation with the author, as the sub-title promises.
The best notion promoted by the book's contents is that Americans have an obligation to rise above partisan positions, come together and work for the greatest good of America. That alone, for me, adds stars to my rating. That there are organizations like the Robin Hood Foundation functioning already on that premise gives hope that America will continue to march forward from its...more
The best notion promoted by the book's contents is that Americans have an obligation to rise above partisan positions, come together and work for the greatest good of America. That alone, for me, adds stars to my rating. That there are organizations like the Robin Hood Foundation functioning already on that premise gives hope that America will continue to march forward from its...more
Having read it I find Brokaw is a really nice friendly guy. However his presentation of our issues is over simplified and lacks depth. It's a "nice, nice," book. Everything is handled correctly and no judgments are made.
I am struck by the sections about his family in the depression. He looks with pride on their perseverance and independent pride. Yet his answers for today's issues consist of mushy wish lists. I don't see him drawing from yesterday's strength to address tomorrow's issues. To requ...more
I am struck by the sections about his family in the depression. He looks with pride on their perseverance and independent pride. Yet his answers for today's issues consist of mushy wish lists. I don't see him drawing from yesterday's strength to address tomorrow's issues. To requ...more
Jun 22, 2012
Amanda
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
19-nonfiction,
01-audiobooks
While I've always been a huge fan of Tom Brokaw, I've yet to read any of his previous books because they always seemed a little...disconnected in relation to my life. I knew that books about the "Greatest Generation" and the "Baby Boomers" would be valuable to read for the very reason that I DIDN'T know nearly enough about them; it's our history, and it's important; but somehow, I've yet to pick one up.
That was a large reason I jumped at his newest work as soon as it came out. This book still ta...more
That was a large reason I jumped at his newest work as soon as it came out. This book still ta...more
In Brokaw's "The Time of Our Lives: Past, Present, Promise ", I was delighted in some the relativity he recounts in stories about himself growing up in a white middle class family. (The similarities were accurate as far as how we reacted as boys, not by class; (I was from the poor side of town). His stories of the 'make do' with what we had during our early years, I have learned are uniquely common for our age group and the time. My view is that in early post WWII years was possibly the most lev...more
I should preface this by acknowledging that I have a huge man crush on Tom Brokaw. I could listen to his voice for hours. The book stands as an essay on what Brokaw sees as the necessary steps to right the direction of American culture and restore a hopeful future. For all he has been witness to and the relationships he has been fortunate to find from a leading career in journalism, he has more than adequate resources to call on in research. He has some good points and strong ideas. A good read.
I mostly enjoyed the book, a bit boring toward the end. It was great to listen to someone's ideas who can actually think and isn't completely brainwashed by a church or political party. Great ideas about how every person can contribute to making America more successful, primarily through getting involved (volunteering was a major idea) with disadvantaged groups to help them be more productive members of society. Also promotes the long lost idea that compromise and listening to the other side is...more
I won this book on goodreads, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to you. This book was beautifully written. Brokaw presents a reasonably moderate and respectfully non-partisan look at some of the problems America faces now and in the immediate future. Brokaw offers humble and sympathetic solutions that transcend partisan politics and political ideologies. Above all, the strength of The Time of Our Lives is its ability to inspire readers to get up, go out, and make a difference in the country--a l...more
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Thomas John Brokaw is an American television journalist and author, previously working on regularly scheduled news documentaries for the NBC television network, and is the former NBC News anchorman and managing editor of the program NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw. His last broadcast as anchorman was on December 1, 2004, succeeded by Brian Williams in a carefully planned transition. In the later...more
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