You Had to Be There

Written in 1997 when the author was 72, the generation he describes has since gone through even more change wrought by time. By interviewing 181 men and women he portrays the despair, struggles, and joy they experienced, ranging from the Great Depression through the Second World War, into the fifties, and beyond. Collins calls them Generation M, for mature. Because of the times, they were a tremendously influential generation in a era of vast change. However, younger generations absorbed a different set of lifestyle changes in the second half of the 20th century that left the two groups alienated. Collins attempts to explain how it all came about and lightheartedly invites young Canadians to take a second look at the lives of their show more grandparents (or great-grandparents) to appreciate how it happened. Some of the stories of hardship are heartbreaking but they are balanced by some very funny memories - including any involving sex education or the absence of it. Although this book describes the experience of Canadians, it has relevance just about anywhere. Most of the information is well-known, but Collins provides very personal firsthand accounts that are expressive and meaningful. This is an interesting and entertaining book. show less