Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand (author of Seabiscuit) was recommended to us by my mom. She ordered a copy for Bob and herself. Unbroken is the true story of Louis Zamperini, Olympic athlete (runner) and World War II hero.
The book starts with an American Air Forces bomber crew (including Louie) stranded on rafts in the ocean being strafed by Japanese bombers. Sharks are circling. That is the prologue.
Cut to Torrance, California, and Louie's growing-up years. Louie was no saint. He had an exceptional amount of energy and it was negatively channeled...until he discovered running.
Bob blew through the book amazed at all Louie had endured and survived. Reading day and night, sharing passages with me as he read, Bob finished the book very quickly. Mom was reading the book at the same time. She kept raving to me about how good the book is.
As soon as Bob finished the book, I picked it up. Granted I am not plowing though it as fast as he did, but I am enjoying the read. I've made it through the Torrance years, his college track successes (record-setting NCAA Championship), the Olympics in Berlin, and am now into World War II where Louie is a lieutenant bomber on a B-24, flying missions over Japanese-occupied Wake, Makin and Nauru.
The writing is excellent. It's one of those books that keeps you riveted while your nose is glued to it. On amazon.com, goodreads.com and barnesandnoble.com the book is rated 4-1/2 stars out of 5.
My recommendation is: make time to read this book! I hope many young people get into this book. They will learn in graphic detail the horror of war. I won't sugar coat it because this is a book about war, about our U.S. history, about world history. Even if you think you won't like it, give it a go.
I know I will never think of World War II the same again. What horror soldiers endured...not just ours, but those in other countries as well.
Time for me to go read more of Unbroken. Good night.
A stunning wildflower meadow on our summit hike at Mt. Revelstoke, B.C. - Friday, August 2, 2024
A stunning wildflower meadow on our summit hike at Mt. Revelstoke, B.C. - Friday, August 2, 2024
I read this book shortly after it was released. I couldn't put it down. I still don't understand how all those men survived living as they did. Just an amazing story. My husband and I have recommended it to many people. So glad you chose to write about it here. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePam,
DeleteLouie and Phil have now been captured by the Japanese. I fell asleep reading it last night, staying awake an hour longer than I planned.
Now you are at the point where your eyes will be wide in disbelief. It will be hard to stop reading.
DeleteWe both loved that book and Laura Hillenbrand is an amazing author. It was such an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteI read this last year. It is really one of the best books ever. I am not sure we told you but the Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg is a must see- It is even better after reading that book.
ReplyDeleteWe were sucked into the Museum of the Pacific War last year. It's a good thing the admission was good for two days. We took advantage of the second day and finished that museum and Admiral Nimitz Museum. However, we did not make it to the Pacific Combat Zone. Looks like more Fredericksburg in our future...not that I'm complaining, mind you.
DeleteI read that book last year. The human spirit is truly an amazing thing!
ReplyDeleteI just ordered it in my Kindle...thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. It is quite the book!
DeleteRead it last year and agree it was a winner. True courage.
ReplyDeleteSandie Dixon through her blog passed the book to me. I read it, then John...then we sent it to Judy (Travels with Emma) to read. I have no idea to whom she sent it. It is a marvelous book.
ReplyDeleteWill put it in our to read books, thanks for mentioning it. I like it when others recommend a book, then you know it will be good. Sorry I haven't commented for so long, been down with the flu and all this work, too tired or too sick. I'll be glad to get back to normal. :) Whatever that is.?
ReplyDelete