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mmajer's review against another edition
5.0
So I've owned this book for 2 or 3 years now and just never read it. I finally did and WOW. Incredible. Incredibly story and incredibly told.
joaniesickler's review against another edition
3.0
Really wasn't interested in this one, though I respect and enjoy Laura Hillenbrand's writing and research. But my Japanese American friend is heading to Japan for the first time and she's reading it so I plunged in. It is surely that - a story of survival, resilience and redemption. And about the horrors of war and man's inhumanity to man. Worthy of the time it takes to read.
catbag's review against another edition
5.0
This book was beautifully written and handles the subject matter with grace and a vast amount of knowledge and respect. It was deeply moving; Laura Hillenbrand made history feel intensely alive.
jschwenzer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.75
sld1's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most incredible books I have ever read. Louis Zamperini's story is an emotional rollercoaster. Every chapter seemed to bring twists that left me incredulous. Laura Hillenbrand's excellent writing and thorough research did this great story justice. This story of perseverance, indomitable will, and unbelievable forgiveness is a great read for many audiences. I highly recommend this book...5 stars isn't enough.
salgalruns's review against another edition
5.0
Unbroken seems like it's going to take forever, but it is truly a quick read! If you are unfamiliar with the book, it is about a World War II Army Air Corp officer that is captured by the Japanese and taken as a Prisoner of War. No, my family wasn't at all in the military, and yet, I was captivated by the story.
Unbroken starts with Louie Zamperini’s childhood and life growing up. He became an Olympic athlete in running the 5,000 meter, but was largely expected to break the 4 minute mile long before Roger Bannister did it. However, WWII came and his opportunity at the olympics was lost when they were cancelled. He then went into the war as a bombardier, flying in a monstrous aircraft at the time and dropping the bombs on his targets. Louie had several successful missions before being asked to run a rescue mission in a plane his crew was unfamiliar with. Two engines quit and they crashed into the Pacific ocean. Although he was tangled in wire and lost consciousness, he was still able to float to the top. He and two others floated for 47 days in the Pacific to a small set of islands occupied by the Japanese.
Unbroken then goes into his time as a POW and ultimately, his freedom when the Japanese admit defeat. However, the story is not over there as he has trouble dealing with his past and has some demons he has to fight.
Unbroken provides a great message of survival, resilience and redemption – all qualities of strong leadership. It truly made me feel blessed to live in the US during the time that I am. Spurred me to question whether, as a leader, I exude these same traits. It became a very introspective journey for me as I read through this book.
Unbroken starts with Louie Zamperini’s childhood and life growing up. He became an Olympic athlete in running the 5,000 meter, but was largely expected to break the 4 minute mile long before Roger Bannister did it. However, WWII came and his opportunity at the olympics was lost when they were cancelled. He then went into the war as a bombardier, flying in a monstrous aircraft at the time and dropping the bombs on his targets. Louie had several successful missions before being asked to run a rescue mission in a plane his crew was unfamiliar with. Two engines quit and they crashed into the Pacific ocean. Although he was tangled in wire and lost consciousness, he was still able to float to the top. He and two others floated for 47 days in the Pacific to a small set of islands occupied by the Japanese.
Unbroken then goes into his time as a POW and ultimately, his freedom when the Japanese admit defeat. However, the story is not over there as he has trouble dealing with his past and has some demons he has to fight.
Unbroken provides a great message of survival, resilience and redemption – all qualities of strong leadership. It truly made me feel blessed to live in the US during the time that I am. Spurred me to question whether, as a leader, I exude these same traits. It became a very introspective journey for me as I read through this book.
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
5.0
Wow....what an amazing story. Not an easy read but a very powerful one. I especially liked the story of redemption sneaking in. Light can indeed shine in the darkest places.
maryplu's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible story and one of the most well written biographical stories I've read. Never a dull point in this book.
srasax's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! Amazing story and phenomenal writing! This is a story everyone should read.