Great book that should be read by everyone who was alive in 1968 as well as those who have been born since. Kurlansky has done his research and gives us insight into many of the events both in America and around the world. As someone who lived through many of these events, I enjoyed reminiscing.

If found a lot of this book interesting, however it's not what I thought it was going to be. The strong focus on student movements didn't allow for much else. I'm surprised that the music of that year didn't get more discussion, after all the the year that "rocked" the world made me think this would be a bigger part of the book, not to mention glossing over the two assassinations that I thought were going to be major parts of the book. So, I'm glad I read it but feel like the focus was not what I expected.

The author does a lot of research for his books. I did enjoy Cod, Birdseye, and Salt more than this book. His research took him backward in time as well as forward showing the connection of events. This basic premise is the one year 1968 which shaped America and world history. He addresses the Vietnam war, Martin Luther King, Junior, Robert Kennedy‘s assassination, the protests and riots, the civil rights movement, and many other topics. I always find his books interesting and informative and this is no exception.

I didn't read this book to learn about 1968. I read it because I was in the mood for another Kurlansky book, and not a re-read. Readable. Gripping. Educational. And really very current. Other than lack of mention of recent politics by name, this book read like it was written yesterday and not 18 years ago. And it also read like an early Doonesbury for some obvious reasons and yet Doonesbury didn't start until later. Prague Spring. For each of the events covered, Kurlansky went deep to give context but not too deep to lose the thread of the story.