Unbroken A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Really amazing story about Louis Zamperini ... amazing tale of survival during WWII. The end was a bit rushed, perhaps because the author clearly dwelt on the incredible fortitude Zaperini demonstrated surviving over 40 days at sea, then in Japanese internment camps. Well worth reading, written in a straight-forward and painstakingly researched format.

A powerful story of survival, futility, and forgiveness that comes to life through Hillenbrand's engaging writing. Unbroken is one of those books that must be on everyone's shortlist.

Unbroken is the incredible true story of an Olympic runner turned WWII soldier and POW. This story of endurance and faith is one of the few occasions when I completely agree with the majority; this book absolutely deserves all of the high ratings! I have never read a book quite like this. It is a non-fiction that reads like a novel. I could hardly put this book down. Hillenbrand expertly balances a fantastic story, powerful emotion, and impeccably researched information. Though it is primarily the story of Louie Zamperini, it also provides a very comprehensive view and is probably as unbiased account as possible. I loved that Hillenbrand presented information about all parties involved. Though Zamperini's story is indeed astounding, she did not idolize him and is open about his flaws and struggles as well. Other people probably would have glossed over those things and ended the story with his triumphant homecoming. But thankfully Hillenbrand also chronicled his PTSD as well as providing followup on his fellow soldiers and captors. I was deeply moved by this story, and I also learned a great deal. This is an extraordinary and inspiring true story of the power of the human spirit and faith. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. RATING FACTORS: Ease of Reading: 4 Stars Writing Style: 5 Stars Emotional Level: 5 Stars Plot Structure and Development: 5 Stars Attention to Detail: 5 Stars If you like this try: We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance This review fulfills the "Book that Made Me Cry" category of the Popsugar reading challenge. http://www.popsugar.com/love/Reading-...

shockingly enjoyed this. Spurred my appreciation for memoirs

Wow. Just wow. This book was a beautifully written version of the life of a WWII vet... IT WAS PHENOMENAL. Guys. I normally don't like biographies very much, but this... this is worth a try even if you're like that too.

I was a little weary of reading this book at first. I thought it was going to be a hard-to-read war documentary. To my surprise it was an amazing book. Despite knowing a lot of what was going to happen it was still very gripping. I don't know a lot about the Japanese part of WWII and it was very eye opening for me. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. Hillenbrand did an awesome job of putting together many details that made the book so much more gripping. It is unbelievable that so many people when through so many travesties. So many men died, but so many survived. It really makes you appreciate e everything they had to go through.

Much better than the movie...

As a person that hasn't studied WW2 in the Pacific Theater much, I was shocked at the treatment of the POW's depicted in this book. And I'm not at all surprised that the war had such a traumatic impact on those that survived such atrocities. The fact that Louis was able to forgive his captors is a tremendous miracle that can only rightfully be attributed to God. What an incredible story.

This was a great book with an amazing life story of Mr. Louis Zamperini a WWII bomber who was also one of the world's fastest men. The book covers Mr. Zamperini's early years and his reason and rise to great success in his running but for the most part the book discusses the amazing struggles Mr. Zamperinin and two of his friends have in survival after crashing their plane while out looking for another downed plane. (Some spoilers below) An amazing and inspiring story of survival on the pacific ocean in a rubber raft for over 40 days - overcoming hunger, thirst, sharks and then when land is found the imprisonment in a Japanese POW camp and the brutality and disease that came as part of that. The story ends as it often does in war covering off the tragic impact that war has on our veterans lives and the struggles that Mr. Zamperini faces in what will likely be his last major life challenge. I highly recommend it!

Really enjoyed this one, even though it was tough to get through the extensive chronicle of horrific abuses heaped upon POWs. Makes me think about what defines a "good life", and appreciate the power of forgiveness. As if I needed a reminder - I have lived a pretty easy life.

Fascinating biography with captivating details throughout the book. It was definitely a book worth making into a movie. Laura's research is excellent.

What a thrilling biography. I finally got around to starting this and legitimately could not put it down once I began. Laura Hillenbrand has the magical gift of making war statistics and heavy history deeply personal and moving. I will say that the story lost a bit of its oomph for me in the end with the heavy handed religious savior stuff, but it didn't take away from the overall near perfection of this book.

How is this even true!!!! Amazing story, and fairly well written, if not a bit hokey and soft. the facts speak for themselves.

The story is amazing but the writing is disappointing. I felt as if I never really got to know any of the characters.

Unbroken is a well respected and research novel about Louis Zamperini and his life as a POW during World War 2. It was so difficult to read because of how vivid the pain and unmistakable horror prisons of war faced in Japan. These men were beaten and their humanity taken from them. Unbroken brought me to tears and I will forever remember this book. It was realistic and wasn’t boring at all. I feel like I know Louis Zamperini and I wish I could give him a hug. While it’s easy to think that this is all fake- it’s not. Real men went through pain, torture, starvation, and so many other nightmares we can’t think of. War is awful and what happened to these men in Japan is sickening. It’s easy to play video games and kill everyone you see, but war is evil. It took months for me to finish Unbroken, but the story is powerful and the grace of God is unmistakable. God used this man’s pain to bring about an abundance of good. While it might be difficult to ever want to read a book like this, I think it is important so we don’t forget why we fight for peace and why war isn’t a good answer. It reminds us why to be kind, to be forgiving, and why humanity needs to do better every chance we get.

I almost gave this three stars but ultimately ended up with four. Let me just say I think this is one of the most amazing stories I've ever heard. What this guy went through is nothing short of mind-blowing, and reading it will really throw into perspective just how much Americans have taken for granted while our military has protected us and our freedom. Like I said, the story itself, fantastic. The writing, it was good as well. But here's the thing that made it take four long months for me to get through this book. Every chapter, every story, seems to go off on a tangent. To an extent, I understand that when writing non-fiction, especially war-time non-fiction, the author wants to provide the reader with both perspective and context. But man is it exhausting trying to keep up with one man's story line while also making your way through the info about every battle and POW camp he encounters. Like I said, I understand WHY the author did it, but it made it less enjoyable to me than if I had just read his story on its own. Granted, Colonial America and The Civil War are my favorite historical time periods, so maybe this just didn't hold my attention as well. Overall, I think most people will enjoy this.

Amazing story and amazing writing. This has encouraged me to get back on track with the Camp Shows story.

One of the most inspiring stories, makes me more grateful for what I have.

Laura Hillenbrand's historical research is what makes this book so fascinating. That and her ability to reach back for the sensational story that has been long since forgotten and then resurrecting it, not just to match the information revealed when the story was news - but digging and digging and looking at it from different angles and asking others who saw it from a completely different angle and only then writing it with clarity and intelligence and respect for all all mentioned. She did that with the story of Seabiscuit and she does it with the unbelievable story of Louis Zamperini. Absolutely one to put on your to read list - and a perfect father's day gift for any WWII vet in your family.

One of my favorite books. So strong so powerful, it’s such a hard read. Must read.

Quite possibility the best book I've ever read. Definitely the best non-fiction book I've ever read.

History is not my thanggg but reviews, especially good ones, sway me so I picked up this book. And even recommended it to a friend before even reading it. Yes, GoodReads... this is how much I trust you! Really enjoyed this book. I marvel at what the protagonist had to go through, what he did to survive and am amazed that this is non-fiction. Though my grandparents lived through the war, life now just seems so distant from what took place less than a century ago. Thank you Hillenbrand for writing Louie's story in such a captivating manner. Such stories must be passed on. So we are inspired and more importantly, so we never forget.

This nonfiction kept me coming back for more. I was always interested and astounded by the events throughout this novel. Laura Hillenbrand captured all of the moments throughout this book brilliantly. I originally had to read this for a summer English assignment and was not entirely looking forward to it but as soon as I read the first chapter, I was immediately hooked on Louis and his story.

Amazing, a human beings ability to survive the worse. I learned a lot about a different aspect of WWII that I hadn't learned a lot about in school or outside. This is a book that should definitely be read by all.