The Sixties, by Terry H. Anderson, takes the reader on a journey through one of the most turbulent decades of American life. Beginning with the brush-cut conformism of the Cold War culture of the 1950s and ending with the transition into the difficult 1970s, Anderson notes the rise of an idealistic baby boomer generation, widespread social activism, and a revolutionary counterculture. Anderson explores the country's rapidly changing mood with optimism during the Kennedy years, the liberal advances of Johnson's "Great Society", and the growing conflict over Vietnam that nearly tore America apart. The book also explores several themes regarding the different currents of social change of the decade; including the anti-war movement, the struggle for civil rights and the liberation movements. From the lunch counter sit-in in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1960, to the rise of Martin Luther King, Jr. to the Black Power movement at the end of the decade, Anderson illustrates the brutality involved in the civil rights backlash, radicalization of some of the movement's youth and eventual triumphs that would change America forever. She also discusses women's liberation and the feminist movement, as well as student rights, gay rights, and environmental movements. There are several significant, but also less significant, themes that are addressed by the author. Some themes that are not as meticulously worked out, but still contribute to the book, include the idea that war can corrupt the government and its actions, police brutality was part of the norm in the 1960s, and the word "power" it had more than one meaning during the civil rights era. All of these themes are important to consider when reading this book; however… middle of paper… War and civil rights movements to illustrate how the 1960s were a time of “turmoil and change.” For Anderson, it was these events that triggered the call for recognition of social and economic equity. It highlights the idea that the 1960s were the origin of activism and the birth of the civil rights movement, forever changing the ideals that embody America. The book overall is comprehensive and definitely attention-grabbing. It shows how the decade had the effect of dramatically transforming life in America and challenging the unequal status quo that characterized much of the nation's history. Despite the violence and conflict caused by these changes, the activism and liberation movements that took place left a permanent imprint on the country. Works Cited Anderson, Terry H.. The Sixties. New York: Longman, 1999. Print.