Morrison and Zabusky have outdone themselves by gathering stories in immigrants own words and compiling them in this delightful book. It has been a long time since I've read any nonfiction, but because of this book and how well it captivated me, nonfiction is what I crave most. The stories are so detailed and I can honestly say that at times I actually felt the story-tellers pain. This should be required reading for all high school students. I am so glad I stumbled on to this gem!

This is a great resource and a priceless record of the immigrant experience in America. Morrison and Zabusky collected stories in people's own words and sets them down here, so we can all see first-hand just how the USA came to be such a melting pot. Stories of hardship and pride leap off the page. A terrific book to wave in the face of people who don't seem to remember that we were all immigrants at one point or another

I received this book as a gift and found it an enjoyable, quick and easy read. I'm a twentysomething who often felt I grew up in the shadow of the 60s, so I can't speak to the accuracy of the interviews but have long been intrigued by the period.

I learned a fair amount about what happened in the 60s, and the format helps put you in the minds of the selected participants. I think any historical study should include direct testimonials, and in that sense I found the book helpful but by no means comprehensive, and not that well balanced.

The testimonials shed light on a few critical areas: the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and its detractors, sexual liberation, the women's movement and student protest. The accounts included in the book are pretty weighted toward the left, which as a liberal was somewhat comfortable, but it would have been better to hear from authority and establishment figures as well: police officers, academic administrators, parents, elected officials. The book offers no analysis of the success or failures of its participants' actions, or their lasting effects. It also would help if the interviews were more current as they seem about 10 years behind. However, it was interesting to see where these people are now, and it was encouraging that most of them stand by their actions and continue living lives that manifest similar beliefs. And it was good to hear from some who became cynical and/or conservative. Some subjects interviewed were more articulate than others, but a handful I found very lucid and insightful. I gleaned several ideas for avenues I might pursue in studying the 1960s.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you are trying to make some sense of the 1960s in America. It's worth the short time it takes to read. But I would definitely include it among many books rather than relying on it too heavily; it's not an especially profound or analytical examination of the topic.