What do you think?
Rate this book
GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are
The G.I. Generation. Slients. Baby Boomers. Gen Xers. Millennials. Generation Z. Every generation has its label and box. But the real question is: Why?
Enter GenTech
It’s a whole new way to look at American generations. Instead of the conventional fixed and linear dates for generational cohorts, Dr. Rich Chromey proposes a fresh understanding that’s loopy and fluid, rooted to the technology each generation experiences in the “coming of age” years.
Since 1900, there have been more technological change than in all of previous combined history. The airplane. The automobile. Radio. Television. Nuclear energy. Rockets. Internet. Cellphones. Robots. Furthermore, there’s been a massive cultural shifting unlike anything witnessed since the Dark Ages gave way to the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, Scientific, and Industrial Ages. Consequently, postmodern generations (born since 1960) have grown up in a new, cyber, wireless and visual high-tech culture that’s forever changed how we do business, learn, socialize, broadcast, entertain and worship.
It’s technology that shapes us. It’s technology that gives every generation its personality. It’s technology that gives every generation it’s personality. It’s technology that seeds who we’ll become tomorrow. GenTech opens a whole new perspective on how to view the world and understand why every generation matters.
About the Author:
Dr. Rick Chromey is a cultural explorer, social historian, and generational futurist. He’s also served as a pastor, professor, speaker/trainer, and consultant over the last 20+ years. In 2017, he founded MANNA! Educational Services International to inspire and equip leaders, teachers, pastors, and parents. Rick has a doctorate in leadership and the emerging culture; and travels the U.S. and world to speak on culture, faith, history, education, and leadership topics. He has authored over a dozen books on leadership, natural motivation, creative communication, and classroom management. He lives with his wife, Linda, in Meridian, Idaho.
Enter GenTech
It’s a whole new way to look at American generations. Instead of the conventional fixed and linear dates for generational cohorts, Dr. Rich Chromey proposes a fresh understanding that’s loopy and fluid, rooted to the technology each generation experiences in the “coming of age” years.
Since 1900, there have been more technological change than in all of previous combined history. The airplane. The automobile. Radio. Television. Nuclear energy. Rockets. Internet. Cellphones. Robots. Furthermore, there’s been a massive cultural shifting unlike anything witnessed since the Dark Ages gave way to the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, Scientific, and Industrial Ages. Consequently, postmodern generations (born since 1960) have grown up in a new, cyber, wireless and visual high-tech culture that’s forever changed how we do business, learn, socialize, broadcast, entertain and worship.
It’s technology that shapes us. It’s technology that gives every generation its personality. It’s technology that gives every generation it’s personality. It’s technology that seeds who we’ll become tomorrow. GenTech opens a whole new perspective on how to view the world and understand why every generation matters.
About the Author:
Dr. Rick Chromey is a cultural explorer, social historian, and generational futurist. He’s also served as a pastor, professor, speaker/trainer, and consultant over the last 20+ years. In 2017, he founded MANNA! Educational Services International to inspire and equip leaders, teachers, pastors, and parents. Rick has a doctorate in leadership and the emerging culture; and travels the U.S. and world to speak on culture, faith, history, education, and leadership topics. He has authored over a dozen books on leadership, natural motivation, creative communication, and classroom management. He lives with his wife, Linda, in Meridian, Idaho.
303 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2020
13 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 11, 2020
Thank you Iread Book Tours and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
GenTech: An American Story Of Technology, Change And Who We Really Are
By: Dr. Rick Chromey
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆☆
It's funny what you remember. For example, I clearly recall the day my mother bought our first ever Nintendo and my brother and I playing Duck Hunt obsessively. And, the day my dad bought my first ever cell phone- I was standing in a Radio Shack (Google it) holding this weird thing wondering what??? And so many more-buying a desktop PC, installing a CD player in my truck (getting my first CD one Christmas), the giant radio with two!! cassette players in my room, my Sony Walkman, our VCR player (physically going to a video store and being so angry when my movie was checked out), recording mixtapes. A lot of you know exactly what I'm saying. A lot of you don't have a clue what I'm saying. And why? Because we have grown up in different technological generations. When I think about the technology of my teen years and the technology of right now, it's like a different culture on a far away planet. There are things I miss, things I'm sorry my children will not experience, like the old school library with actual books and a card catalog. I visited my favorite college library recently, and I wish I hadn't. Gone were the endless rows and mazes of bookshelves and staircases and ladders and my favorite place to sit on the floor and hide and read in peace. Instead, a sleek, modern, open space filled with advanced technology coldly and impersonally greeted me. I hated it. I may sound insane and totally backwards, but I don't want my kids to learn that way, the lifeless way, and lose the experience of finding answers by actually, physically and literally looking for them with time and effort. Again, it's a generational issue of what influenced and shaped me into who I am versus what influences the current generation. Advanced doesn't always mean better, especially when it comes to people. As time passes, the value of important things decreases, and I can't agree with that. I've rambled on about my history because Dr. Rick Chromey's book, GenTech, is an amazing in depth analysis about the history of influential technology through generations. He has meticulously organized and categorized the past several generations (20 years is a generation fyi) with dates, historical contexts and the most important technological innovations that influenced a particular generation. It's rather fascinating and wholly unique to read, and I urge you to take a look at GenTech, and find your generation. I learned a bit about myself, a lot about the history of innovation and more than enough about why younger people look at me like I'm crazy when I say their music is, mostly, awful.
GenTech: An American Story Of Technology, Change And Who We Really Are
By: Dr. Rick Chromey
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆☆
It's funny what you remember. For example, I clearly recall the day my mother bought our first ever Nintendo and my brother and I playing Duck Hunt obsessively. And, the day my dad bought my first ever cell phone- I was standing in a Radio Shack (Google it) holding this weird thing wondering what??? And so many more-buying a desktop PC, installing a CD player in my truck (getting my first CD one Christmas), the giant radio with two!! cassette players in my room, my Sony Walkman, our VCR player (physically going to a video store and being so angry when my movie was checked out), recording mixtapes. A lot of you know exactly what I'm saying. A lot of you don't have a clue what I'm saying. And why? Because we have grown up in different technological generations. When I think about the technology of my teen years and the technology of right now, it's like a different culture on a far away planet. There are things I miss, things I'm sorry my children will not experience, like the old school library with actual books and a card catalog. I visited my favorite college library recently, and I wish I hadn't. Gone were the endless rows and mazes of bookshelves and staircases and ladders and my favorite place to sit on the floor and hide and read in peace. Instead, a sleek, modern, open space filled with advanced technology coldly and impersonally greeted me. I hated it. I may sound insane and totally backwards, but I don't want my kids to learn that way, the lifeless way, and lose the experience of finding answers by actually, physically and literally looking for them with time and effort. Again, it's a generational issue of what influenced and shaped me into who I am versus what influences the current generation. Advanced doesn't always mean better, especially when it comes to people. As time passes, the value of important things decreases, and I can't agree with that. I've rambled on about my history because Dr. Rick Chromey's book, GenTech, is an amazing in depth analysis about the history of influential technology through generations. He has meticulously organized and categorized the past several generations (20 years is a generation fyi) with dates, historical contexts and the most important technological innovations that influenced a particular generation. It's rather fascinating and wholly unique to read, and I urge you to take a look at GenTech, and find your generation. I learned a bit about myself, a lot about the history of innovation and more than enough about why younger people look at me like I'm crazy when I say their music is, mostly, awful.
July 1, 2020
Great book about rethinking generations GenTech examines how we should rethink how we categorize generations and their labels. Rather than just going by merely the years people were born, instead, generations should be classified by the tech that influenced that group of people during certain decades and also the common major events that had a profound influence on those same people-- being a common shared experience and sort of cultural glue. I found the book fascinating, and could certainly relate to what I have seen and experienced in my lifetime, as well as what had happened in my childrens'. I felt the book was nicely enteraining and readable, very well researched with tons of interesting tidbits and an extensive bibliography for further research if desired.
The only thing that irritated me was at times the author repeated himself a lot, as if the reader would forget some point made a page or two earlier, but, for me, this was a minor distraction, and well worth reading-- to gain an understanding of what influences (even unconsiously) directed your generation, but also those before us, and since us.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
The only thing that irritated me was at times the author repeated himself a lot, as if the reader would forget some point made a page or two earlier, but, for me, this was a minor distraction, and well worth reading-- to gain an understanding of what influences (even unconsiously) directed your generation, but also those before us, and since us.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
May 18, 2020
Did you wonder what generation you were born into? What about the Technology that made you who you are? Well, GenTech is a book that may help with that. It a book about the American story through technology.
I have found this book to be interesting. I even found it to be informational. I now know why my grandma and my mom both seem different than me. Though not by age much but by technology. Mom seems to be born during the Boomer Generation, Technology - Space Generation, and grandma was born during the Silent Generation, Technology – Radio Generation. I was born during the Millennials Generation, But my Technology – The Cable Television Generation or PC-CP Generation.
I seem to of come of age during three different Generations. As I know, I experienced the Cable Television and the PC/CP Generation and a bit of the Net Generation as well. I was born in the last month of 1986. So I am not exactly sure which Technology Generation I fall into. As my Coming of age is spaced though more than one.
Other than that. This book was enjoyable. I do believe it explain most of America and us as we try and make our world better. It does explain Generations better then laters and or what we are dubbed when we are born. I believe the technology does make us who we are and our country as well. The technology that we grow up on is what defines us more than anything else. Some historical events will define us as well.
I have found this book to be interesting. I even found it to be informational. I now know why my grandma and my mom both seem different than me. Though not by age much but by technology. Mom seems to be born during the Boomer Generation, Technology - Space Generation, and grandma was born during the Silent Generation, Technology – Radio Generation. I was born during the Millennials Generation, But my Technology – The Cable Television Generation or PC-CP Generation.
I seem to of come of age during three different Generations. As I know, I experienced the Cable Television and the PC/CP Generation and a bit of the Net Generation as well. I was born in the last month of 1986. So I am not exactly sure which Technology Generation I fall into. As my Coming of age is spaced though more than one.
Other than that. This book was enjoyable. I do believe it explain most of America and us as we try and make our world better. It does explain Generations better then laters and or what we are dubbed when we are born. I believe the technology does make us who we are and our country as well. The technology that we grow up on is what defines us more than anything else. Some historical events will define us as well.
June 1, 2020
The Seventh-Generation rule was handed down from the Iroquois nation.
The Abraham/Isaac/Jacob biblical philosophy is considered in the GenTech (Gen Z; Gen Alpha) generation concept.
In the 1800’s Kodak captured the horrors of the Civil War.
A generation only lasts approximately 20 yrs. (Numbers 32:13).
The GI generation (1901-1924) & Silent generation (1925-1942) came next.
WWI, Transportation (air, ground), movies, radio, record player, inventions of all sorts/nature, & manufacturing skyrocketed all over the world.
Silent generation (1925-1942) FM was beginning to replace AM. If you had a shortwave radio you could listen some nights to music from other countries. Vinyl records were a thrill for all ages.
WWII produced the Baby Boomers generation (1943-1960). Black/white TV’s, radio’s & movie theaters were everyone’s favorite who could afford it. NASA space was born. Korean War came/went, Vietnam War started.
Gen X (1961-1981) Woodstock & the love generation was born. The Vietnam War ended. Color TV, cable, VCR’s replaced Betamax, CD players replaced boom boxes, school overhead projectors were used, MTV, Soul Train, ESPN, CNN, the weather channel, crude cell phones, Sony Walkman, & video games were the popularity. AIDS/HIV Was taking its tool. Outer space was no longer just a dream.
Millennial (1982-1999) PC’s, the internet provider kept most of us updated worldwide.
In the 1990’s the Photo CD system & the 1 MB memory card came along. Windows 95 helped almost every student.
Cannon; Olympus; & Nikon cameras were hording the market.
The newspaper & magazines were still the top world-wide news reporters.
12/31/1999, Social media networks were non-existent.
Most preferred Alta Vista & Ask Jeeves.
Amazon was being born.
Steve Jobs & Apple (i-products) had come alive.
Microsoft Windows was used by almost everyone.
The Y2K virus was going to hit everyone’s computer.
9/11/2001, Gen X (1961-1981) & Millennial (1982-1999) generations had vanished.
The Millennial’s (1982-1999) produced Instagram; Facebook; & Snapchat.
Internet news sites were multiplying. The Gulf War’s had ended.
CD’s & DVD’s replaced records, 8 tracks, cassettes, Beta & VHS tapes.
Electronics & Computers of all types drastically changed.
iTech (2000-present, i-Gen; Gen Z; Gen Wii) has currently taken over.
The Afghanistan war is ongoing.
Twitter; YouTube; Netflix; Hulu; Pandora; Amazon Prime; & Sling just to name a few emerged.
Drones are used for military operations. The Human Genome Project well help the future of DNA testing. Windows 8 & PlayStation 4 hit the markets. Nintendo is taking a beating.
The next generation might be called the Robotics (2010-2030).
Manufacturing & cars are beginning to use Robotic already.
I don’t know about anybody else but I can’t wait to see what comes along next.
Especially COVID-19.
Like all tech or any theory, they soon are replaced by others.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written GenTech (Gen Z; Gen Alpha) technology book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great GenTech (Gen Z; Gen Alpha) technology movie, PP presentation, or better yet a mini TV series or even a documentary (A & E; History channel). There was a lot of repetition, so it was just OK for me. That said I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Morgan James Publishing; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The Abraham/Isaac/Jacob biblical philosophy is considered in the GenTech (Gen Z; Gen Alpha) generation concept.
In the 1800’s Kodak captured the horrors of the Civil War.
A generation only lasts approximately 20 yrs. (Numbers 32:13).
The GI generation (1901-1924) & Silent generation (1925-1942) came next.
WWI, Transportation (air, ground), movies, radio, record player, inventions of all sorts/nature, & manufacturing skyrocketed all over the world.
Silent generation (1925-1942) FM was beginning to replace AM. If you had a shortwave radio you could listen some nights to music from other countries. Vinyl records were a thrill for all ages.
WWII produced the Baby Boomers generation (1943-1960). Black/white TV’s, radio’s & movie theaters were everyone’s favorite who could afford it. NASA space was born. Korean War came/went, Vietnam War started.
Gen X (1961-1981) Woodstock & the love generation was born. The Vietnam War ended. Color TV, cable, VCR’s replaced Betamax, CD players replaced boom boxes, school overhead projectors were used, MTV, Soul Train, ESPN, CNN, the weather channel, crude cell phones, Sony Walkman, & video games were the popularity. AIDS/HIV Was taking its tool. Outer space was no longer just a dream.
Millennial (1982-1999) PC’s, the internet provider kept most of us updated worldwide.
In the 1990’s the Photo CD system & the 1 MB memory card came along. Windows 95 helped almost every student.
Cannon; Olympus; & Nikon cameras were hording the market.
The newspaper & magazines were still the top world-wide news reporters.
12/31/1999, Social media networks were non-existent.
Most preferred Alta Vista & Ask Jeeves.
Amazon was being born.
Steve Jobs & Apple (i-products) had come alive.
Microsoft Windows was used by almost everyone.
The Y2K virus was going to hit everyone’s computer.
9/11/2001, Gen X (1961-1981) & Millennial (1982-1999) generations had vanished.
The Millennial’s (1982-1999) produced Instagram; Facebook; & Snapchat.
Internet news sites were multiplying. The Gulf War’s had ended.
CD’s & DVD’s replaced records, 8 tracks, cassettes, Beta & VHS tapes.
Electronics & Computers of all types drastically changed.
iTech (2000-present, i-Gen; Gen Z; Gen Wii) has currently taken over.
The Afghanistan war is ongoing.
Twitter; YouTube; Netflix; Hulu; Pandora; Amazon Prime; & Sling just to name a few emerged.
Drones are used for military operations. The Human Genome Project well help the future of DNA testing. Windows 8 & PlayStation 4 hit the markets. Nintendo is taking a beating.
The next generation might be called the Robotics (2010-2030).
Manufacturing & cars are beginning to use Robotic already.
I don’t know about anybody else but I can’t wait to see what comes along next.
Especially COVID-19.
Like all tech or any theory, they soon are replaced by others.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written GenTech (Gen Z; Gen Alpha) technology book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great GenTech (Gen Z; Gen Alpha) technology movie, PP presentation, or better yet a mini TV series or even a documentary (A & E; History channel). There was a lot of repetition, so it was just OK for me. That said I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Morgan James Publishing; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 20, 2020
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I normally do not read this genre, so this is the first book like this for me to read. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are by Dr. Rick Chromey. First of all, taking a look back from the 1900’s until the present made me think of my grandparents. Grandaddy was 19 at the time, grandma wasn’t born until 1903. It’s fun wondering what grandaddy’s live was like in 1900! As I read through the book and as the years passed, it was fun thinking about other family members and what it was like for them as the world was rapidly changing. For me, it wasn’t until the late 1950’s that I can even barely remember. I was amazed at how much life has changed over my lifetime. It was also a good trip down memory lane for me, remembering much of what this author has written.
In this book, Chromey starts with 1900 and tells the changes that has happened in our world until now, but he also writes his take on what the future hold for us living in the US. Chromey’s book is full of facts, so his extensive research clearly shows on this pages. I was in awe the whole time I was reading. There are hundreds of fact here, but I just pulled out one that I find fascinating. It is: 12/31/1999, Social media networks were non-existent. This seems almost unreal when you look at now and the many, many social media platforms that have popped up, and still popping up almost every day.
It is impossible to even touch on everything that is in this book because it covers such a wide time span. But this is a book that everyone will enjoy! It is certainly a book that you want go keep on your shelves for many years to come. I highly recommend Dr. Rick Chromey’s “GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are.”
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I normally do not read this genre, so this is the first book like this for me to read. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are by Dr. Rick Chromey. First of all, taking a look back from the 1900’s until the present made me think of my grandparents. Grandaddy was 19 at the time, grandma wasn’t born until 1903. It’s fun wondering what grandaddy’s live was like in 1900! As I read through the book and as the years passed, it was fun thinking about other family members and what it was like for them as the world was rapidly changing. For me, it wasn’t until the late 1950’s that I can even barely remember. I was amazed at how much life has changed over my lifetime. It was also a good trip down memory lane for me, remembering much of what this author has written.
In this book, Chromey starts with 1900 and tells the changes that has happened in our world until now, but he also writes his take on what the future hold for us living in the US. Chromey’s book is full of facts, so his extensive research clearly shows on this pages. I was in awe the whole time I was reading. There are hundreds of fact here, but I just pulled out one that I find fascinating. It is: 12/31/1999, Social media networks were non-existent. This seems almost unreal when you look at now and the many, many social media platforms that have popped up, and still popping up almost every day.
It is impossible to even touch on everything that is in this book because it covers such a wide time span. But this is a book that everyone will enjoy! It is certainly a book that you want go keep on your shelves for many years to come. I highly recommend Dr. Rick Chromey’s “GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are.”
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 2, 2020
GenTech Offers a Well Developed Look at Culture, History, and Technology. I am not a technology buff, but I do love history and books that show our world's changes through time. This book took a fantastic look at the historical timeline of technological development and social changes, cultural development, and the merging of technology and generations through the world's ups and downs. The author offers well researched and historically placed references to the many tech gadgets, gizmos, and developments that society was watched rise and fall in popularity over time. He also shares insights into the impacts and significance of technology on the generations affected and our futures.
GenTech Is More Than a History Book. GenTech certainly looks at historical events and the development of most of our memorable pieces of cutting edge technology. Additionally, it offers readers so many other thoughts and points to consider as our ever-changing world seems to daily spring a new reality upon us! I found the ideas presented to be even more relevant and apparent in light of recent events as I read this book. I have watched so many changes take place in my own home and life during the early months of the COVID-19--and the value (and drawbacks) of the roles technology has played to help us change and adapt to our current state of "normal."
Would I Recommend GenTech by Dr. Rick Chromey? This book will appeal to science-minded tech enthusiasts, history lovers, and others interested in cultural relationships, sociology, psychology, and more. The author writes in a way that offers readers a great deal of researched data and facts without being dry, dull, or wordy. He keeps the timeline and the context moving with thought-provoking insights and considerations as he moves back and forth throughout history. I am not always a fan of books about "the history of" something--and I am generally not the first to adopt the latest and greatest technology--but, I loved the way the author looked at the many aspects of our culture, our world and development, and growth in relation to technology. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the impact and potential of technology on society and humans.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.
GenTech Is More Than a History Book. GenTech certainly looks at historical events and the development of most of our memorable pieces of cutting edge technology. Additionally, it offers readers so many other thoughts and points to consider as our ever-changing world seems to daily spring a new reality upon us! I found the ideas presented to be even more relevant and apparent in light of recent events as I read this book. I have watched so many changes take place in my own home and life during the early months of the COVID-19--and the value (and drawbacks) of the roles technology has played to help us change and adapt to our current state of "normal."
Would I Recommend GenTech by Dr. Rick Chromey? This book will appeal to science-minded tech enthusiasts, history lovers, and others interested in cultural relationships, sociology, psychology, and more. The author writes in a way that offers readers a great deal of researched data and facts without being dry, dull, or wordy. He keeps the timeline and the context moving with thought-provoking insights and considerations as he moves back and forth throughout history. I am not always a fan of books about "the history of" something--and I am generally not the first to adopt the latest and greatest technology--but, I loved the way the author looked at the many aspects of our culture, our world and development, and growth in relation to technology. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the impact and potential of technology on society and humans.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2020
GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are is a great read. It was well written and easy to read. I was intrigued by how much has changed with technology for the past one hundred and twenty years. I found it to be nostalgic to be reminded at some of the advances that happened during my childhood. It brought back some good memories. In addition to the technology, the book tells about many other changes socially and culturally. I am amazed at how far of advancement there has been through the years in my country.
GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are made me think of my grandmother, who passed away at almost a hundred years old. It was fascinating to read in this book at all of the inventions and changes she lived throughout the 1900s and early 2000s. Some of which includes: radios to compact discs; airplanes to rockets; silent movies to watching movies at home; film cameras to phone cameras; televisions; three based television networks to cable; remote controls; credit cards; etc etc. That is not even including the wars, culture and social changes through the years she lived through.
I am giving GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are a very well deserved five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy to learn about twentieth century American history. I see Dr. Rick Chromey has other books he has written that I am looking forward to reading, as well.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are made me think of my grandmother, who passed away at almost a hundred years old. It was fascinating to read in this book at all of the inventions and changes she lived throughout the 1900s and early 2000s. Some of which includes: radios to compact discs; airplanes to rockets; silent movies to watching movies at home; film cameras to phone cameras; televisions; three based television networks to cable; remote controls; credit cards; etc etc. That is not even including the wars, culture and social changes through the years she lived through.
I am giving GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are a very well deserved five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy to learn about twentieth century American history. I see Dr. Rick Chromey has other books he has written that I am looking forward to reading, as well.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
March 28, 2020
A compelling and fresh look at the generations
Dr. Rick Chromey digs into a wealth of research, provides and inviting delivery, and helps the reader understand the use of technology in understanding generations. Chromey’s unique perspective is worth the time, especially in light of our current Covid Crisis. I found myself pondering the developments of the last two generations considered in light of today’s pandemic. His conclusions become even more likely when we consider how quickly we are adjusting our own lives in this health crisis.
This was a compelling and interesting read!
Dr. Rick Chromey digs into a wealth of research, provides and inviting delivery, and helps the reader understand the use of technology in understanding generations. Chromey’s unique perspective is worth the time, especially in light of our current Covid Crisis. I found myself pondering the developments of the last two generations considered in light of today’s pandemic. His conclusions become even more likely when we consider how quickly we are adjusting our own lives in this health crisis.
This was a compelling and interesting read!
June 22, 2020
FIVE STARS. A really interesting book. The first three chapters alone are worth getting the book for their explanation of how we’ve traditionally thought about generations in America.
Dr. Chromey starts out by asking some very basic questions. What exactly constitutes a “generation?” What are the criteria for saying when a generation starts and stops? How long is a generation?
The author explains that traditionally it has been major political and socio-historical events that have been used as generational markers. Using that criteria there are currently six living generations in America:
• G.I. Generation (1901-1924) – WWI, Great Depression
• Silent Generation (1925-1942) – Pearl Harbor and WWII
• Boomer Generation (1943-1960) – Eisenhower, JFK, Vietnam
• Gen X (1961-1981) – Watergate, Iran Hostages, Reagan
• Millennials (1982-1999) – Desert Storm, OJ, Columbine, 9-11, Katrina
• Gen Z (the author uses iTech) – Those born after 2000 – Great Recession, War on Terror
Drawing on the work of Neil Howe and William Strauss, the author illustrates how identifying generations, going as far back to the middle ages, has focused primarily on these sorts of random historical events.
The book challenges this approach by arguing instead that technological change is what shapes the personality of a generation:
Technology is what creates our cultural awareness. It could be argued that the “printing press” generations were more “aware” because of Gutenberg’s invention. The historical events that shaped them were exposed and explained through print technology. The same could be said for radio generations or television generations or web generations. The automobile and airplane allowed people to travel great distances, to personally experience what they once only heard through story or read in print.
In short, it is the technology of a generation that that determines its personality.
Chromey also offers the interesting observation that most of us begin to retain memory of cultural events between the ages of 5-7. Consequently, it’s very difficult for someone, like myself, born in 1959, and so classified a Boomer, to relate to JFK’s assassination (even though it’s one of the seminal events used to identify Boomers), because I was too young to remember it. On the other hand, my generational psyche (like the author’s), was formed by other, later events like Neil Armstrong’s stepping onto the moon in 1969. Essentially, we are the product of certain technologies that shape us between our tenth and twenty-fifth birthdays.
The remaining chapters make the authors case in more detail – covering technologies from the invention of the telephone to the iPhone. From automobiles to robotics.
Any criticism? I wish the author would have addressed the work of Ray Kurzweil and what it may mean for the very concept of a “generation.” For readers unfamiliar with Kurzweil, in his blockbuster book, “The Singularity is Near,” he predicts that technological change, already growing at an exponential rate, will reach a point in time (he predicts 2045) at which technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, resulting in unforeseeable changes to civilization and the human species.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
Dr. Chromey starts out by asking some very basic questions. What exactly constitutes a “generation?” What are the criteria for saying when a generation starts and stops? How long is a generation?
The author explains that traditionally it has been major political and socio-historical events that have been used as generational markers. Using that criteria there are currently six living generations in America:
• G.I. Generation (1901-1924) – WWI, Great Depression
• Silent Generation (1925-1942) – Pearl Harbor and WWII
• Boomer Generation (1943-1960) – Eisenhower, JFK, Vietnam
• Gen X (1961-1981) – Watergate, Iran Hostages, Reagan
• Millennials (1982-1999) – Desert Storm, OJ, Columbine, 9-11, Katrina
• Gen Z (the author uses iTech) – Those born after 2000 – Great Recession, War on Terror
Drawing on the work of Neil Howe and William Strauss, the author illustrates how identifying generations, going as far back to the middle ages, has focused primarily on these sorts of random historical events.
The book challenges this approach by arguing instead that technological change is what shapes the personality of a generation:
Technology is what creates our cultural awareness. It could be argued that the “printing press” generations were more “aware” because of Gutenberg’s invention. The historical events that shaped them were exposed and explained through print technology. The same could be said for radio generations or television generations or web generations. The automobile and airplane allowed people to travel great distances, to personally experience what they once only heard through story or read in print.
In short, it is the technology of a generation that that determines its personality.
Chromey also offers the interesting observation that most of us begin to retain memory of cultural events between the ages of 5-7. Consequently, it’s very difficult for someone, like myself, born in 1959, and so classified a Boomer, to relate to JFK’s assassination (even though it’s one of the seminal events used to identify Boomers), because I was too young to remember it. On the other hand, my generational psyche (like the author’s), was formed by other, later events like Neil Armstrong’s stepping onto the moon in 1969. Essentially, we are the product of certain technologies that shape us between our tenth and twenty-fifth birthdays.
The remaining chapters make the authors case in more detail – covering technologies from the invention of the telephone to the iPhone. From automobiles to robotics.
Any criticism? I wish the author would have addressed the work of Ray Kurzweil and what it may mean for the very concept of a “generation.” For readers unfamiliar with Kurzweil, in his blockbuster book, “The Singularity is Near,” he predicts that technological change, already growing at an exponential rate, will reach a point in time (he predicts 2045) at which technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, resulting in unforeseeable changes to civilization and the human species.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
June 24, 2020
If you love technology and love knowing the history of its creation, then this book is for you. It lays out how and when new tech developments came about, and how each of these developments changed the landscape of our lives. Starting in the early 1900's and leading up to the present - with a nod to the the future in the final section on the Robotics Generation - the author uses the development of technology along with important historical events to separate us into unique generations.
Gen Tech is full of interesting details and numerous lists. While I found the introductory chapters a bit hard to get through, once I got to the chapters featuring his generational groupings, it became more interesting. Each chapter opens with the birth years and coming of age years for this generational grouping. Next comes the primary tech development, a generational personality, a generational archetype, relevant icons and a list of the main historical events that happened during their youth and young adulthood. Each chapter closes with a timeline of technological events and a list of influential people born during this generation. In between, the author writes an easier to read narrative that walks us through the important history and events of that time. This is where all the information he's presented starts to come alive.
Well researched and well written, I did find many parts interesting. The one negative for me is that with all the research shared and numerous lists, it feels on the edge of more an academic book. I found myself skipping through the introductory chapters as well as just doing a quick scan down the lists. However, when the author steps away from the data and narrates the story of each generation, the book becomes much more interesting. This was especially true when I was reading the material that related to my generation.
Gen Tech is full of interesting details and numerous lists. While I found the introductory chapters a bit hard to get through, once I got to the chapters featuring his generational groupings, it became more interesting. Each chapter opens with the birth years and coming of age years for this generational grouping. Next comes the primary tech development, a generational personality, a generational archetype, relevant icons and a list of the main historical events that happened during their youth and young adulthood. Each chapter closes with a timeline of technological events and a list of influential people born during this generation. In between, the author writes an easier to read narrative that walks us through the important history and events of that time. This is where all the information he's presented starts to come alive.
Well researched and well written, I did find many parts interesting. The one negative for me is that with all the research shared and numerous lists, it feels on the edge of more an academic book. I found myself skipping through the introductory chapters as well as just doing a quick scan down the lists. However, when the author steps away from the data and narrates the story of each generation, the book becomes much more interesting. This was especially true when I was reading the material that related to my generation.
June 29, 2020
An exceptional book about technology and history
Reading this book is so much fun and entertaining. It likes looking back at old times and what we accomplished in the future. The book is so educational. There is so many facts to learn about history. It makes me so happy to learn about the past and move on. This book is like going back to memory lane.
Being born in the year 1973 in a different country which is nothing compared to America makes me proud of what I become speaking of learning technologies. Those were the days when everything is slow but beautiful. Nowadays, catching up and learning new stuff from my kids is even more fun. The TikTok and Xbox game is common in our household. Kids nowadays are into technology while me growing up is more about hands-on games that does not include electricity.
We live in a modern world where everything is complex yet inspiring and beautiful just like this book.
Reading this book is so much fun and entertaining. It likes looking back at old times and what we accomplished in the future. The book is so educational. There is so many facts to learn about history. It makes me so happy to learn about the past and move on. This book is like going back to memory lane.
Being born in the year 1973 in a different country which is nothing compared to America makes me proud of what I become speaking of learning technologies. Those were the days when everything is slow but beautiful. Nowadays, catching up and learning new stuff from my kids is even more fun. The TikTok and Xbox game is common in our household. Kids nowadays are into technology while me growing up is more about hands-on games that does not include electricity.
We live in a modern world where everything is complex yet inspiring and beautiful just like this book.
June 14, 2020
Fascinating analytical look at a different way to break down generations - by the important technology of the period and how it spread news of the key events of the time. Instead of generations of baby boomers or letters (X,Y,Z) we have tech generations based on transportation, TV or internet. There was some overlap of information, just as our generations overlap. I enjoyed the review of how historical events, inventions and influencers how affected our society especially those coming of age. I was lucky to receive a free promo copy. It will be interesting to see if the current robot generation experiences things the way Rick Chromey anticipates
.
.
September 24, 2022
A remarkable in depth analysis of technology since 1900 and how it shapes generational thinking, attitudes, and priorities.
Of the ‘how to lead different generations in the workplace’, this is by far the most innovative and useful way to look at ‘generation gaps’.
This book will serve as my reference text for both understanding past technical emergence and the mindset and worldviews this tech shaped.
Of the ‘how to lead different generations in the workplace’, this is by far the most innovative and useful way to look at ‘generation gaps’.
This book will serve as my reference text for both understanding past technical emergence and the mindset and worldviews this tech shaped.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews