Amber C. (lemontea) - , reviewed Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 28
Narrative histories aren't always my cup of tea; Unbroken, however, was perfect. This book is exceedingly human-- the people in it riddled with flaws and wonders that I can't describe. Louis himself is a scamp, a hero, an anti-hero, a preacher, a prankster; in all his complexity, you have to adore the man. His crewmate, Allen Phillips, equally inspired me-- his quiet competence, his humor, and the depth of his love for the financee he has to leave at home only makes you wish you could protect him from the darkness he has to face.
In this narrative, I promise, you will find a character with whom you empathize-- and the story will suck you in. Whether horrified or inspired, and oftentimes both, I was always engaged with these men's lives. Their cleverness, their losses... you grow to love each character. Knowing their stories, you want each one to find safety at the end of the war. Not all of them do.
Whether or not you love history, reading this book will give you a personal stake in World War II, helping you to understand just how deeply this conflict matters to our history and to the people who lived through it. To me, it also lended perspective to the impact of decisions made during that time. I feel I understand the era more, and understand people more for having read this.
A final note: I read this book from the perspective of an atheist and adored it. It's meaningful even for those who don't relate to the elements of God in the story. I think also, however, that it will provide particular resonance for Christians, given the role faith plays in coping with the aftermath of war. The story takes a strong stomach-- there are horrors in it-- but I'd recommend this book to any person of faith who deeply loves history. It's a good present to pick up for your book-loving, history-buff Protestant uncle, if you have one. :)
In this narrative, I promise, you will find a character with whom you empathize-- and the story will suck you in. Whether horrified or inspired, and oftentimes both, I was always engaged with these men's lives. Their cleverness, their losses... you grow to love each character. Knowing their stories, you want each one to find safety at the end of the war. Not all of them do.
Whether or not you love history, reading this book will give you a personal stake in World War II, helping you to understand just how deeply this conflict matters to our history and to the people who lived through it. To me, it also lended perspective to the impact of decisions made during that time. I feel I understand the era more, and understand people more for having read this.
A final note: I read this book from the perspective of an atheist and adored it. It's meaningful even for those who don't relate to the elements of God in the story. I think also, however, that it will provide particular resonance for Christians, given the role faith plays in coping with the aftermath of war. The story takes a strong stomach-- there are horrors in it-- but I'd recommend this book to any person of faith who deeply loves history. It's a good present to pick up for your book-loving, history-buff Protestant uncle, if you have one. :)
Jay K. (COJay) reviewed Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
I received this as a Christmas present. I hadn't heard of it and wasn't too excited about it. With that being said, once I began, I couldn't put it down. This is a book that shows the will to live and a true hero. It also shows the dark side of human beings and what they are capable of. I always recommend this book to my friends. It is a must read.
Denise T. (dtny) reviewed Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
This was the best book I have read in a very long time. They don't make men like Louis Zamperini anymore. The resilience of this man was beyond anything you could comprehend. Ms. Hillenbrand had you living his life with him. She brought it all to life. Life in the POW camps were beyond heartbreaking and horrifying. I truly recommend this book to everyone. I cried like a baby at the end. I would love to meet this man and give him a huge hug!
Mari M. (marimann) reviewed Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on
Helpful Score: 8
This book is as amazingly well-written and well-researched as Hillenbrand's previous novel, Seabiscuit. An incredible story of survival written in Hillenbrand's inimitable way.
Vivian Q. (bellasgranny) - , reviewed Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 468 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I finally picked this one up because of the terrific reviews that it has generated. Ed Hermann has done a masterful job of narrating Louie Zamparini's story. I was riveted. This is one of the best books that I have ever read. Inspiring, horrifying, hopeful and so much more. Don't miss the opportunity to read or listen to this one, it will stay with you for a long. long time and you will be richer for having experienced it. I can't recommend it highly enough.