Customer Reviews

Centenarians: The Story of the 20th Century by the Americans Who Lived It

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This simply is an outstanding book!!! It offers keen insight into what it has been like to live in the 20th-century. It is similar to Edelman's other book, DEAR AMERICA, LETTERS FROM VIETNAM, in that it has been written and edited with a rare intelligence. It is a must for anyone at all interested in American history.

A truly first hand look at the times and lives of the immigrants/citizens that helped shape our country.

As we come upon the millenium, we must hold on to our roots which the centarians so dearly fought for, worked for and died for.

This is a true reflection of the personal struggles that so many families faced and yet survived!

I was comforted with warmth, saddened by some losses but fortunate enough to come from immigrants that risked their lives, not only in war, but the struggle to enter our free world.

I would like to see this book in our schools as part of the history curriculum Truly wonderful reading.

Bless them all!

I've had the chance to read several books on this topic and in my opinion, Centenarians: The Story of the 20th Century by the Americans Who Lived It, is the best book out there that covers the subject of Centenarians. Edelman has laid out this book so chapters are further broken down into subsections that cover key moments in the featured Centenarians lives. An example of this would be under the heading of The Good Old Days, it is further broken down into First memories, Fun and Games, Love and Marriage, etc... The personal recollections come from approximately 70 Centenarians who share their memories on the different subjects throughout the book. The ancedotes are short and they are followed by the name of the Centenarian. I love the personal pictures that are included that show these people in their youth. You have a variety of Centenarians who came from many different backgrounds, former slaves, immigrants, those who were wealthy, and others who weren't. Edelman also included a section called "Centenographies" at the end of the book that allows you to read a brief bio on the featured Centenarians who shared their stories along with a current picture. It really is a nice way to end the book since you will feel a personal connection with these people after reading their stories. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in this particular subject or who just simply loves American history.

Wow! This book is just fun to read. I got this book on Amazon.com at the clearance sale...you can get it almost free if you get it used. At those prices this book may be one of the best bargains around. What better way to hear the story of the 1900's than from those who lived through all of it! In six chapters (The Good Old Days, Labor Days, The Great War, Brave New World, The Gold Years, & In Winter's Light) the major periods of the century are brought to light using short, entertaining, yet extremely insightful anecdotes from the various centenarians interviewed. None of them were famous (at least I'd never heard of them). None of them had lived exceptional lives. Therefore, every story is new, yet remarkably familiar. I strongly recommend this book to any buyer. This is history for nonhistorians and historians alike, America's story told for the common American by common Americans.