Comments (123)

Unbroken

a World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
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Sep 23, 2023Luckybe rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The brutality of the Japanese to POWs is new to me. There are volumes of the Nazi horrors which compared to the Japanese appears almost mild. This is a very detailed accounting of war, imprisonments, torture, brutality then redemption and…
Sep 12, 2023avidFVreader rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Great read. Graphic descriptions of the inhumane treatment of POWs by the Japanese.
Jul 07, 2023NRBBrady rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Powerful. Gripping. Sad. Enraging. This provides such close insight into the experience of our POWs. Such grit, determination, and will to survive. I am disappointed by the failure of our government to support these battered survivors.…
May 25, 2023greenacres rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 stars The beginning is a bit dry as we are introduced to the servicemen and their childhoods but as the story progresses I found it gripping. This story of the Pacific POWs had me in awe of man’s will to survive. Exceptional!
Apr 19, 2023becker rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The Ultimate survival story. A bit long winded at times but totally worth reading. It's a fascinating what this man survived.
Jan 23, 2023jasnadzinic rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I have a love hate relationship with this book. The first half of the book dragged on for me and I almoooooost pulled a DNF because of it. Glad I pushed through because the second half of this book was fantastic. Sad and powerful.
Sep 01, 2022maipenrai rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I don't know why it took me so long to finally read this book, especially because I read extensively about WWII. After beating the odds when his plane is downed in the Pacific leaving Lt. Louis Zamperini and a friend trapped on a drifting…
Jul 28, 2022amccannel rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This is an incredible story of the strength of the human spirit.
Mar 20, 2022kathylock rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
This book should be half as long with better editing. It seemed to repeat itself.
Oct 05, 2021Jyclibrary rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Excellent book. There seem to be so few books covering WWII in the Pacific, this one brought home daily life at every stage. I would have given the book a five except it seemed to get bogged down with detail during the time lost at sea…
Aug 15, 2021
The story Unbroken tells the tale of a young man named Louis Zamperini and his life during World War 2. Louis Zamperini was a well-accomplished man and was working towards the 1936 Olympics as a track runner. However, Louis was soon…
Mar 16, 2021TEENREVIEWCREW rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Unbroken is an outstanding book about the life of Louie Zamperini. Written by Laura Hillenbrand this book tells the story of Louie’s childhood, Olympic career, the devastating plane crash he was involved in, his life at sea, his…
Jan 09, 2020LynJoan rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I am a huge fan of this story. Educational, inspirational and entertaining; what more can you ask for? I Listened to the audio CD; I couldn't recommend it more.
Dec 03, 2019IndyPL_SteveB rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
In 1936, 19-year-old Louis Zamperini of Torrance, California ran the 5,000-meter race in the Berlin Olympics. He finished 8th but was looking forward to the 1940 Olympics in Tokyo. Then World War II began and the Olympics were called off.…
spudwil
Sep 01, 2019spudwil rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Remarkable story but not as well written as I hoped. It read more like an essay to me. I would recommend watching the movie instead. One thing I appreciated was the focus on the barbaric treatment that the POWs in Japan had to endure. …
Jan 16, 2019cjbenjamin rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
First-person account of WWII on the Pacific front. Incredible story of persistence, brotherhood, despair and resilience. Provided detailed accounts regarding the barbaric treatment of POWs by Japanese soldiers and civilians. Made me…
Aug 03, 2018WoodneathShirlee rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
It’s 1943 as an Army Air Force bomber crashes into the Pacific Ocean with one survivor, a young lieutenant, the plane's bombardier, Louis Zamperini. This unforgettable true story follows his struggles of endurance to survive on a raft,…
May 27, 2018janicehelliott rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Totally remarkable...worth 10 stars!
Apr 13, 2018Clwebber rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This is well written and inspiring in its way but it is heavy - This is a true story and the main character when through very difficult experiences, even torture. Not to be read unless you are in a good mindset.
Mar 17, 2018JXV158 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent biography about Zamperini, his early childhood and success as an Olympic athelete intertwined with the story of his Military service, internment by the Japanese and how his life was transformed. I especially like Hillenbrands…
Jan 20, 2018
I’ve always liked historical fiction (particularly those focused around WWI and WWII), but I have not had luck in finding a good non-fiction/biography until now. “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand felt as though I was there are knew Louis…
Oct 24, 2017alexander_paster rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I feel this book deserves a 4.5 star rating because of the imagery that the author uses through out the whole book. It really does seem like it was told from this person directly.
Oct 24, 2017
I read this book for English class as a project. I think this book is a great non-fiction book about the troubles of a veteran and a prisoner of war because it highlights the transformation of the main character, Louie Zamperini, in a…
Jul 18, 2017Jogr77 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A Truly, remarkable Story. Many stories amongst the main story. Transformation. Loving your enemies, under great duress, heart break, cruelty. Giving back to those, who, need someone to really care.
Jun 02, 2017DCL_Cheryl rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I listened...then relistened, and am now listening again. The first time through, I listened during runs and hikes, then progressed to listening to it here, there, everywhere just so I could hear more. It is so well done, and so worth…