December Book - Unbroken

Lex's Review:
I'm absolutely enthralled by World War II novels, and rarely, if ever, dislike them. Thus, I'm probably a bit biased when I say that I loved this non-fiction story of an Olympic champion turned WWII airman. Throughout the entire book, I was in awe of his strength—the strength and resilience of the human spirit.  From surviving in open waters for 47 days without food and water to enduring the Japanese POW camps and a particular officer that had it out for him, Zamperini found it within himself to not only keep going but show the enemy that they would never break him. What amazed me most about his story was his quest for peace and forgiveness years after the war had ended, and he even ended up returning to Japan to run the torch in the 1998 Olympics.

"On the morning of January 22, 1998, snow sifted gently over the village once known as Naoetsu. Louis Zamperini, four days short of his eighty-first birthday, stood in a swirl of white beside a road flanked in bright drifts. His body was worn and weathered, his skin scratched with lines mapping the miles of his life. His old riot of black hair was now a translucent scrim of white, but his blue eyes still threw sparks. On the ring finger of his right hand, a scar was still visible, the last mark that Green Hornet had left in the world.

At last, it was time. Louie extended his hand, and in it was placed the Olympic torch. His legs could no longer reach and push as they once had, but they were still sure beneath him. He raised the torch, bowed, and began running."

I'd give Unbroken 5 out of 5 stars.

Andy's Review:

As a lover Seabiscuit (and all tear-jerking horse novels), I was excited to read Hillenbrand's newest work. Unbroken captured the essence of human hope and vivacity--the ability of the average person to achieve the inconceivable and break the known boundaries of physical, mental, and emotional strength.  Louis Zamperni is the kind of man that should be an international role model of courage, perseverance, and most importantly, forgiveness.

What I appreciate most, aside from impeccable writing, is Hillenbrand's dedication to accuracy.The tone of the novel walks the line between descriptive story-telling and biographical documentary. This attention to detail makes the story even more incredible when you realize that everything scripted truly describes real events. This is one I'll keep around for a reread.

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January's book is Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres.