An American story of resilience and respect

In this inspiring story, journalist Tom Brokaw chronicles the lessons he absorbed from his parents and other people who worked hard to build lives on the prairie during the first half of the twentieth century.

Tom’s father, Red, left school in the second grade to work in the family hotel. Eventually, through work on construction jobs, Red developed a talent for machines. Tom’s mother, Jean, was the daughter of a farmer who lost everything during the Great Depression. Although they didn’t have much money early in their marriage, Red’s philosophy of “Never give up” served them well. Late in life, Red surprised his family by recording his memories of the hard times of his early life, reflections that inspired this powerful book.

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