Book SummaryNever Give Up, by Tom Brokaw

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Never Give Up

The lineage of the Brokaw family and the obstacles they encountered at the onset of the 20th century in South Dakota.

The story segment recounts the initial phase of the Brokaw family's existence, their relocation to the Great Plains lured by the chance of fresh opportunities in the time of westward expansion, and the challenges they faced while attempting to establish themselves on the harsh South Dakota landscape. The story explores the difficult beginnings of Red Brokaw, the significance of the Brokaw family's hotel, and the early job experiences that shaped his tenacity and solid work ethic.

The ancestral lineage of the Brokaw family led them to settle in the expansive Great Plains.

In this section, Brokaw recounts the westward migration of his ancestors across America during the 1800s. The narrative delves into the aspirations and obstacles encountered by Tom Brokaw's ancestors, who were among the early settlers venturing across the Great Plains and contributing to the westward expansion.

Brokaw's family, who were descendants of the Huguenots, migrated to America heading west in the late 1800s.

Brokaw narrates the odyssey of his Huguenot ancestors, French Protestants who escaped oppression in France, sought refuge in Holland, and eventually made their home on American soil. Upon reaching a different environment, numerous Huguenots flourished, forging successful paths in diverse sectors such as property management, cultural endeavors, and community involvement. R.P. Brokaw set out to explore the wild frontiers of the American West following his tenure as a quartermaster in the Civil War. R.P. ventured west, cultivating the land as he went, and his pursuit of stability and opportunity led him to what was known at the time as the Dakota territory.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal exploration challenge by setting a goal to visit a new natural or historical location in your region each month. Document your experiences through photography or journaling to reflect on what you learn about each place. This could be as simple as hiking a trail you've never been on or visiting a town with a rich cultural heritage.

Other Perspectives

• The term "settling in America" could be misleading, as it suggests a single, unified experience, whereas Huguenot immigrants settled in various parts of America at different times and under different conditions.
• While many Huguenots may have found success in various fields, it is important to recognize that not all Huguenots were able to achieve such success, as individual experiences can vary widely.
• Cultivating land during westward expansion often meant altering or disrupting existing ecosystems, which could have negative environmental impacts.
• The concept of stability is subjective; what R.P. considered stable might have been seen as risky or unstable by others, given the uncertainties of frontier life.

The creation of the Brokaw House Hotel and its importance to the surrounding community.

Brokaw recognized the need for temporary housing in the growing town of Bristol, R.P., to accommodate the rising number of newcomers arriving via the Milwaukee Road railway. He utilized the circumstances to create a center that provided accommodation and served as both a home and a hub for community gatherings. The business, managed by R.P., together with his offspring William (from whom the author is descended) and William's associate Elizabeth, evolved into an essential hub and focal point for assembly within the city of Bristol. The author skillfully portrays the hotel's vibrant environment, famous for hearty cuisine and modest lodgings, as well as the unwavering commitment of the Brokaw children to managing it.

Context

• During this era, it was common for businesses to be family-run, with multiple generations involved in operations, which helped ensure continuity and a personal touch in service.
• Family-operated hotels were common, with family members often living on-site, which helped create a welcoming, home-like atmosphere for guests and reinforced the hotel’s role as a community hub.
• R.P. likely refers to a key figure in the establishment of the hotel, possibly a patriarchal figure or a business partner, who played a significant role in its operations and strategic direction.
• The design and construction of hotels during this period often reflected the architectural trends of the time, contributing to the town's aesthetic and historical landscape.
• Their commitment would have helped build strong relationships with the townspeople and travelers, enhancing the hotel's reputation and ensuring repeat business.

Tom Brokaw's initial years and the onset of his career in journalism.

This subsection explores the initial difficulties faced by the author's father, Red Brokaw. Brokaw...

Never Give Up Summary Red and Jean's pursuit of the American Dream was characterized by unwavering commitment and a persistently energetic effort in all their pursuits.

In this segment of the narrative, the author skillfully blends the personal accounts of Red Brokaw and Jean Conley Brokaw into the broader historical backdrop of the Dust Bowl and the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. The writer emphasizes their journey through the period's difficulties and how they achieved success and stability by remaining dedicated and consistently putting in effort.

Red and Jean united in marriage during the financially tumultuous period known as the Great Depression.

Brokaw recounts how his parents' love grew stronger as they faced the challenges of the Great Depression together, showing that their relationship was strengthened by both individual and shared struggles.

Red's adeptness with machinery and his skill in construction tasks create opportunities for job prospects.

Red's natural talent for handling heavy equipment, particularly his adeptness with sizable graders, contributed to his professional progression at a time when many were struggling to find work. The writer chronicles Red's progression from guiding horse-drawn wagons to skillfully operating heavy machinery, quickly gaining the necessary skills for major road...

Never Give Up Summary The Brokaw family was deeply affected by major historical occurrences, such as the financial crisis of the 1930s, the subsequent worldwide strife, and the ensuing era of economic growth.

In this segment of the narrative, the focus is on the profound impact that significant historical events like the Great Depression, World War II, and the following period of economic expansion had on Tom Brokaw's relatives. Brokaw skillfully weaves his family's story into the broader historical context, highlighting the way these events posed challenges and opportunities for American families from the working class.

The journey of the Brokaw family spanned the period characterized by the Great Depression and the environmental disaster referred to as the Dust Bowl.

Brokaw delves into the hardships his family faced during the Depression, emphasizing their unwavering resolve to persevere despite the compounded hardships of the Dust Bowl and the financial downturn.

The Conley family moved to Andover due to economic challenges.

The narrative details the significant impact on the Conley family, particularly on the author's grandfather, Jim Conley, as they grappled with the forfeiture of their farm due to the economic downturn and the Dust Bowl. The family faced challenges that led them to move to a small town near Bristol, where they lived in simple rental homes and took...

Never Give Up Summary Tom Brokaw's existence is intricately linked to the events of history and the individual stories of his ancestors.

In the final section of the book, Brokaw reflects on the profound influence his ancestors' heritage has exerted on him, emphasizing the values they imparted and how their successes and struggles have molded his personal and career journey.

Tom Brokaw imparted strong ethical principles and a dedication to diligent effort in his offspring.

Brokaw delves into the fundamental principles imparted to him and his sibling by their parents, highlighting the way these values molded his personality and influenced his perspective on life.

The Brokaw family placed high importance on hard work, perseverance, and shared principles.

Brokaw reflects on the profound impact his parents' steadfast commitment to diligence, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their commitment to communal values have had on shaping his character. The values ingrained in his early life served as a guiding force across all aspects of his life, both personal and professional. He underscores that the resilience and collective strength of his parents were forged during the challenging times of the Great Depression and further solidified by the worldwide turmoil of World War II.

**Practical...