In this captivating and lavishly illustrated young adult edition of her award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller, Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of a former Olympian’s courage, cunning, and fortitude following his plane crash in enemy territory. This adaptation of Unbroken introduces a new generation to one of history’s most thrilling survival epics. On a May afternoon in 1943, an American … afternoon in 1943, an American military plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary sagas of the Second World War.
The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. As a boy, he had been a clever delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and stealing. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a supreme talent that carried him to the Berlin Olympics. But when war came, the athlete became an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.
Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a sinking raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would respond to desperation with ingenuity, suffering with hope and humor, brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would hang on the fraying wire of his will.
Featuring more than one hundred photographs plus an exclusive interview with Zamperini, this breathtaking odyssey—also captured on film by director Angelina Jolie—is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to endure against the unlikeliest of odds.
Praise for Unbroken
“This adaptation of Hillenbrand’s adult bestseller is highly dramatic and exciting, as well as painful to read as it lays bare man’s hellish inhumanity to man.”—Booklist, STARRED
“This captivating book emphasizes the importance of determination, the will to survive against impossible odds, and support from family and friends. A strong, well-written work.”—SLJ
“This fine adaptation ably brings an inspiring tale to young readers.”—Kirkus
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Excellent read detailing the life of Louis Zamperini from young adulthood and student years through his Olympic experiences and WWII trials. Lots of information about the Japanese prison camp life and his life triumphs.
One of the best books I have ever read!
This was one of the best books I have ever read! I loved it!
Amazing story! I would recommend this to anyone and everyone to read. When I was reading the first chapter I thought, ‘Why am I reading about a rogue?’ But I kept reading and it was well worth it! The young rogue was motivated to do something big and he did it. Then the war came and he did something else big, but turned into an almost impossible situation. Eventually his life was changed and in his later years he did something big again and changed lives in the process. Take my word for it – read this book!!
Great story but it could have been written in 300 pages rather than 400+. Too wordy in places, more editing please.
This book shows the power of the human spirit – how mental attitude can affect the physical body’s ability to to deal with stress situations. I read the book before seeing the movie so that I would have a good background. Not to negatively critique the movie but more to see how well they were able to represent what happened.
World War II, based on a true story of a Japanese war prisoner. Very well written, story stays with you!
This true story of a remarkable American athlete and soldier in WW II who became a prisoner of the Japanese. An unforgettable account of how the Allied prisoners of war were treated by their Japanese captors, with insights into Japanese culture and training. Chilling.
I read a lot of books and this is one of the top 5 books I have ever read. This is one of those books that you read and then want to research the main character and learn everything you can about him. Such an inspiring read. A true masterpiece.
One of my favorite books. I don’t purchase a lot of books, I usually get from library, but I own this one and recommend it to everyone, especially high school runners.
This was a hard book to read because of the cruelty but we need to know what others have gone through. In the end Mr. Zamperini left us with a beautiful testimony of how God can work in a life. And a great example of forgiveness.
I became a fan of Louis Zamperini after reading this book. This story has stuck with me more than any other book I have read. The story of forgiveness it was really gets to your heart. If he can forgive the wrongs done to him, anyone should be able to forgive.
Very descriptive
an amazing true story
One of the best books I have ever read!
True story of a war hero…
Top book. Character is a new hero. Glad he told his story before his death. So inspiring.
This was a hard book to read in places, due to the subject. Be sure you’re ready for the raw truth of 200+ days drifting in the ocean in a survival life raft, only to be captured and taken through far worse by the Japanese. The ending is rather surprising post survival. I was glad I read it and it was well written and researched.
Amazing book
One of the best books I’ve ever read.