Award-winning journalist Bob Greene is the author of six New York Times bestsellers and a frequent contributor to the New York Times Op-Ed page.
"...the quintessential American story..." -- Aaron Brown, from NewsNight with Aaron Brown, CNN"This pleasantly modest and meaningful account of life on the homefront deserves the widest audience." -- Kirkus Reviews"Greene reflects on his travels in the region, chronicling its citizens using the intimate style of his syndicated column." -- Publishers Weekly"... I salute the author for preserving this story of another time in another America." -- Herbert Mitgang, Chicago Tribune"Greene is a virtuoso of the things that bring journalism alive." -- Tom Wolfe"Lovely...inspiring...uplifting...I was moved to tears, and you will be, too." -- Ann Landers"This is a great story of love, country and uncalled-for service in a time of national crisis." -- Greg Moody, Rocky Mountain News"... a glimpse into rural Nebraska culture, norms and practices long since vanished." -- Joe Duggan, Lincoln Journal Star"A tale of small-town generosity in a time of war." -- Omaha World-Herald"A lively, affectionate look at small town America ...this...meaningful account of life on the homefront deserves the widest audience." -- Kirkus Reviews"Once again, Bob Greene has shown us why he is one of the best storytellers of contemporary times." -- Tampa Tribune"Greene [is] one of the great contemporary chroniclers of American life." -- Orlando Sentinel"Charming...a portrait of the can-do spirit at work." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch"Poignant and heartfelt." -- Journal Star, Lincoln, NB"This is a great story of love, country and uncalled-for service in a time of national crisis." -- Rocky Mountain News
"...the quintessential American story..." -- Aaron Brown, from NewsNight with Aaron Brown, CNN"This pleasantly modest and meaningful account of life on the homefront deserves the widest audience." -- Kirkus Reviews"Greene reflects on his travels in the region, chronicling its citizens using the intimate style of his syndicated column." -- Publishers Weekly"... I salute the author for preserving this story of another time in another America." -- Herbert Mitgang, Chicago Tribune"Greene is a virtuoso of the things that bring journalism alive." -- Tom Wolfe"Lovely...inspiring...uplifting...I was moved to tears, and you will be, too." -- Ann Landers"This is a great story of love, country and uncalled-for service in a time of national crisis." -- Greg Moody, Rocky Mountain News"... a glimpse into rural Nebraska culture, norms and practices long since vanished." -- Joe Duggan, Lincoln Journal Star"A tale of small-town generosity in a time of war." -- Omaha World-Herald"A lively, affectionate look at small town America ...this...meaningful account of life on the homefront deserves the widest audience." -- Kirkus Reviews"Once again, Bob Greene has shown us why he is one of the best storytellers of contemporary times." -- Tampa Tribune"Greene [is] one of the great contemporary chroniclers of American life." -- Orlando Sentinel"Charming...a portrait of the can-do spirit at work." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch"Poignant and heartfelt." -- Journal Star, Lincoln, NB"This is a great story of love, country and uncalled-for service in a time of national crisis." -- Rocky Mountain News
Chicago Tribune columnist Greene (Duty) provides a moving, detailed remembrance of North Platte, Neb., and its residents' selfless contribution to the war effort during WWII. The town, located in the middle of the middle of the country, was situated on the rail line to western military bases. Ignited by a letter printed in a local newspaper, the town's residents organized a canteen for soldiers headed for the front lines, bringing food, cigarettes and magazines. Greene interviews locals, war veterans and former residents, offering a genuine but unsentimental glimpse of Americana. LaVon Fairley Kemper remembers one volunteer who learned that her son had been killed in combat, yet said, I can't help my son, but I can help someone else's son. For the soldiers, Greene writes, the canteen and the townspeople's welcome was indicative of the nation's sacrifice, a point driven home in several memorable anecdotes. The young soldiers saw the brief stop in North Platte as one last chance to be carefree, an opportunity to jitterbug and flirt with the fresh-faced teenaged girls for a safe, fleeting moment. Beyond the wartime recollections, Greene reflects on his travels in the region, skillfully chronicling its citizens, evolution and love for its past, using the intimate, engaging writing style familiar to readers of his syndicated column. Those intrigued with WWII lore will find this well-crafted book an entertaining snapshot of a simpler, kinder America. Greene's skill makes this homage not just a time capsule but a work that will strike a resonating chord in those seeking to remember the generosity and selflessness of many when faced with adversity and peril. Agent, Eric Simonoff, Janklow & Nesbit. (June 3) Forecast: With a history of writing bestsellers, Greene will make the best of an extended tour in Nebraska and the Midwest to generate grassroots interest in this feel-good chronicle of wartime America. Faithful readers of his column and books will snatch this up, inspired by the current patriotic mood. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
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