This week, I took a more serious turn. After Fight Club, I wanted to read something inspiring, something gut wrenching, but something strong. I actually had the book in my room the whole time- I had brought it from home in the hopes that I would have the chance to finally read it. And luckily, the time came. After a quick search on the Penn State Library data base to be sure they carried it (they do!), I was off.
Pages: 398
I was hooked by page 4. I remember thinking to myself, "oh man, I'm in for a good one". I would be horribly remiss if I didn't address the most amazing thing about this book; the writing style.
Personally, I think that is the most important thing about a book, it can make or break it. You could have the most interesting plot in the know literary universe, but if it isn't conveyed properly, it will fall flat. Luckily for me (and you who choose to read it), Hillenbrand is a goddess among writers. I can tell you the exact lines that prove my point too.
With those few lines, the setting was established, and my heart was invested. I mean seriously, that is some beautiful writing. Thus began three days of only moving to go to class, sleep, and occasionally eat (if I could tear myself away from the book for long enough). To be honest, I did bring it to the dining hall one night, to the confusion of my friends. I felt emotionally attached to this book, and it's pretty clear to see why.
It preface opens with three men, apparently shipwrecked, about to be attacked by Japanese pilots. Only one full page in length, it sets an ominous tone for the book. However, then Part I begins, and you are thrown back to August 26th, 1929 where you meet Louis Zamperini. One of 4 children (two girls, two boys) born to Italian immigrants, Louie is thieving and uncontrollable. Hillenbrand masterfully recounts his youth, having done a copious amount of research by both working with Mr. Zamperini, and talking to anyone who knew him. This weaves a wonderfully rich, and at times amusing, tale of a boy, who eventually becomes a man.
Without giving too much away, I will say this; Louie Zamperini could run. Coached by his older (and by Louie's account 'better') brother Pete, Louie is able to channel his childhood rambunctiousness into training for a multitude of track events, and then finding his niche in distance running. A whole swell of amazing things happen from there (you'll have to read the book to find out what!), but then the war comes.
This is where the book gets difficult. Without giving anything away, I can say this much; Louise joins the war, and has to go to hell and back to get home.War is horrific. And as I've said before, Hillenbrand has a knack for writing things just as they are. I'd advise anyone who is squeamish or anxious to take care; this is not a book that can be taken lightly. It will take you to the deepest parts of humanity, so be prepared.
That being said, it is not a book that will every leave you, nor will you want it to. It is a story of, as the title promises, 'Survival, Resilience, and Redemption'. Interspersed are helpful footnotes that give the reader a better understanding of the world in which the books takes place, as well as pictures to give faces to the heroic men who's stories adorn the pages of this book.
Unbroken was one of the most powerful books I've ever had the pleasure of reading, and I urge all of you to give it a go yourself.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
Genere: Non-Fiction
Genere: Non-Fiction
Setting: World War II
Published: 2010
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| Via newportbeachindy.com |
I was hooked by page 4. I remember thinking to myself, "oh man, I'm in for a good one". I would be horribly remiss if I didn't address the most amazing thing about this book; the writing style.
Personally, I think that is the most important thing about a book, it can make or break it. You could have the most interesting plot in the know literary universe, but if it isn't conveyed properly, it will fall flat. Luckily for me (and you who choose to read it), Hillenbrand is a goddess among writers. I can tell you the exact lines that prove my point too.
"...The ship passed over Nuremberg, where fringe politician Adolf Hitler, whose Nazi Party had been trounced in the 1928 elections, had just delivered a speech touting selective infanticide. Then it flew east of Frankfurt, where a Jewish woman named Edith Frank was caring for her newborn, a girl named Anne..." (page 4)
With those few lines, the setting was established, and my heart was invested. I mean seriously, that is some beautiful writing. Thus began three days of only moving to go to class, sleep, and occasionally eat (if I could tear myself away from the book for long enough). To be honest, I did bring it to the dining hall one night, to the confusion of my friends. I felt emotionally attached to this book, and it's pretty clear to see why.
It preface opens with three men, apparently shipwrecked, about to be attacked by Japanese pilots. Only one full page in length, it sets an ominous tone for the book. However, then Part I begins, and you are thrown back to August 26th, 1929 where you meet Louis Zamperini. One of 4 children (two girls, two boys) born to Italian immigrants, Louie is thieving and uncontrollable. Hillenbrand masterfully recounts his youth, having done a copious amount of research by both working with Mr. Zamperini, and talking to anyone who knew him. This weaves a wonderfully rich, and at times amusing, tale of a boy, who eventually becomes a man.
Without giving too much away, I will say this; Louie Zamperini could run. Coached by his older (and by Louie's account 'better') brother Pete, Louie is able to channel his childhood rambunctiousness into training for a multitude of track events, and then finding his niche in distance running. A whole swell of amazing things happen from there (you'll have to read the book to find out what!), but then the war comes.
This is where the book gets difficult. Without giving anything away, I can say this much; Louise joins the war, and has to go to hell and back to get home.War is horrific. And as I've said before, Hillenbrand has a knack for writing things just as they are. I'd advise anyone who is squeamish or anxious to take care; this is not a book that can be taken lightly. It will take you to the deepest parts of humanity, so be prepared.
That being said, it is not a book that will every leave you, nor will you want it to. It is a story of, as the title promises, 'Survival, Resilience, and Redemption'. Interspersed are helpful footnotes that give the reader a better understanding of the world in which the books takes place, as well as pictures to give faces to the heroic men who's stories adorn the pages of this book.
Unbroken was one of the most powerful books I've ever had the pleasure of reading, and I urge all of you to give it a go yourself.
I absolutely agree that the writing style is what truly determines if a book is worth reading- the most epic story of all time could be less intriguing than a moldy piece of cheese if the writing is poor. This sounds like an awesome book and I'll have to check it out sometime!
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