Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

If you have already read my Best of 2014, then you already know that Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand made the list as an Honorable Mention.  BUT, this book needs more of an explanation than just the mention.  This book NEEDS to be talked about.

Hillenbrand shares the story of Louis Zamperini . . . a rough and tumble kid who grows up to be an Olympic runner and most importantly, a survivor of brutal torture as a prisoner of war.  Most of the book focuses on this latter portion of Zamperini's life, but Hillenbrand also highlights some key features before the war as well as the man's destruction and healing afterwards.  She was able to achieve a fine balance between facts of the war and Zamporini's life, as well as the many other lives affected.

Unbroken was a fascinating read, particularly focused on a portion of World War II that we don't always hear about.  I was educated by Hillenbrand, and I have read a number of books on the subject.  I found this new material interesting, but I found Zamperini's story extraordinary.  What this man, as well as all the other soldiers endured was inspirational to say the least.  They experienced physical abuse and psychological torture that was unimaginable.  Yet, they survived to tell their stories to the world.  Of course, many continued to suffer after their return home, and this part of Hillenbrand's story was just as important as the rest.

If you have not yet read Unbroken, I urge you to do so.  Recommend it to a friend.  Recommend it to a stranger.  Unbroken is not only a story that needs to be told; it is also a piece of history that should never be forgotten.

Angelina Jolie directed the latest theatrical release of Unbroken, released in December 2014.  I have not yet seen the movie, so please chime in with your thoughts if you have.

Have you read Unbroken yet?  What are your thoughts on Hillenbrand's work as well as Zamperini's life?

4 comments:

  1. I really enjoyed the book, more particularly Louie's story. The writing wasn't my cup of tea, though. I would’ve preferred to read it from Louie’s perspective rather than an overall view of everything. And, it was hard to visualize some of the stuff. But, the movie helped with that and I liked it a lot even though it did leave out a lot. I do think it's worth the read even if I didn't like the way it was presented.

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    1. Jenni Elyse ... I really want to see this movie. I just heard from someone this week and they said they really enjoyed this movie. I am curious how it compares. I'm glad to hear you liked it.

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  2. I saw "Seabiscuit," the movie based on her book, but I've yet to read her words. I highly doubt I'll get to either : / Who knows? Maybe someday!

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    1. writersideup.com ... I say someday for sooooo many books! There is simply just not enough time to read everything!

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