Book Club : Unbroken

Unbroken : A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Written By Jen

This is an incredibly powerful book written by Laura Hillenbrand the author of Seabiscuit. Unbroken is a story of a young Louis Zamperini an Italian American growing up in Torrance, California.  He was a cunning and incorrigible delinquent in his neighborhood growing up.  His brother Pete saw Louis, though rough, was a talented runner.  As the role modle older brother he pleaded with his high school track coach to give Louis a shot.  Pete saw Louis needed attention and this would be a more positive outlet.  The coach agreed.  Louis was a track star.  He ran the 5000 meter in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.  When he returned he enlisted into the USAF and was a bombardier assigned to B-24's.  Ahead of Mr. Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, he would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.  His story of courage is told in amazing detail by Laura Hillenbrand.  It is one of the most powerful books I have read.

Louis reunited for the first time with his family; hugging her mother as her two sisters watch with overflowing happiness.