Worthy Read: Unbroken

Laura Hillenbrand is a literary master at writing non-fiction. She has a niche for taking a true story and making it read like fiction. The only downfall is I wish she could pump out books one right after another just as many fiction authors do. Laura obviously puts a staggering amount of time and effort into her research, then fuses her knowledge of her subject with her storytelling skills, resulting in captivating books that keep you engrossed.

I read Laura's first book, Seabiscuit, published in 2001, shortly after seeing the movie in 2003. I am a lover of all things equine, which was the main factor that influenced me to pick up the book in the first place. The story of the legendary racehorse and the people whose lives were committed to the horse's journey to success, was impeccably told. 

Laura Hillenbrand

When I recently found out that Laura was publishing her second book, Unbroken, I was extremely excited! It was worth the wait. Although the subject matter of Unbroken is dramatically different than that of Seabiscuit, one thing remains the same. Just as Seabiscuit had been impossible to put down, I found myself devouring Unbroken. I was captivated once again by Laura's ability to write narrative history. 

Unbroken, A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, is so much more than a book about WWII. It is the heart-wrenching, inspiring story of a man, Louis Zamperini. Louie's life experiences are an astounding example of what a human being is capable of enduring and achieving against all odds. 

In Unbroken, we learn about Louie's character and personality beginning with his childhood. As he grows into adulthood, Louis transitions from a trouble-maker into a young man with goals. He develops an interest in track and his ambition drives him to the point of becoming a U.S. Olympian. 

Louis Zamperini training for the Olympics, 1940

Unable to continue to pursue his passion for running, duty calls. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, Louie finds himself trading in his track-suit for an Air-force uniform. In 1943, the B-24, The Green Hornet, crashes into the Pacific Ocean along with it's crew, including bombardier Louis Zamperini. This catastrophe is the beginning of a chain of events that will test Louie's will to live, and test his dignity beyond what any human should have to endure. 

Louis Zamperini,

You do not have to be a sports fan of track & field, or a WWII buff to read this book. You simply have to appreciate an amazing story portrayed with ease by a talented author.