For the last couple of months, I haven’t been able to stop telling people to read a book called Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. Of course, I have it listed on my sidebar as recommended reading. It’s one of the best books I’ve read recently. It’s a biography about a guy named Louis Zamperini, a juvenile delinquent-turned-Olympic runner-turned-Army hero.
Fascinated by his experiences, and the mystery of how a man could overcome so much, I began a seven-year journey through his story. I found it in diaries, letters and unpublished memoirs; in the memories of his family and friends, fellow Olympians, former American airmen and Japanese veterans; in forgotten papers in archives as far-flung as Oslo and Canberra. Along the way, there were staggering surprises, and Louie’s unlikely, inspiring story came alive for me. It is a tale of daring, defiance, persistence, ingenuity, and the ferocious will of a man who refused to be broken.
The culmination of my journey is my new book, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. I hope you are as spellbound by Louie’s life as I am. -The Story of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Zamperini, now 95 years old, was on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last week (watch the videos below). There are 2 parts and a third backstage interview. I don’t do many “book reviews” on this site, but this guy has a crazy story and I hope everyone makes time to read this book. High five to Kurt for telling me to read it (without telling me why).