This is by far the best WWII true story I've read, and I've read quite a few. Louie Zamperini was training for the 1940 Tokyo Olympics when they were suddenly cancelled, and the nation was at war. Louie enlisted in the Air Force and soon was in Hawaii, in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. His incredible tale includes extremely aggressive sharks, world records for time as a castaway, prisoner of war camps, sickness, injuries, mental illness, and redemption. Before reading this book, I wasn't as aware of the extent of Japan's involvement in WWII. It is fairly descriptive: I recommend to 12+.
Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive
By Laura Hillenbrand
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 9 - 12 | Grades 4 - 7 | n/a | 6.4 | 63138 |
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 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
On a May 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
Publisher: Ember
ISBN-13: 9780385742528
ISBN-10: 0385742525
Published on 4/25/2017
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 320
Book Reviews (11)
This is the best way stories ever I own the movie and hard back book Louis zamperini is my biggest role model this book is a must read I promise you won't regret it
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This book is off of a movie called "UNBROKEN" the movie is pg-13. why Pg-13 the mild cursing and and more...
This book is a really good book because my favorite part was when the soldiers had to survive the crash and make a way to get food.
I really enjoyed Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. My favorite part about it was all the action always happening. Even if there was no action at the part I was reading it was still very interesting.
Awesome read... sometimes hard to believe the level of physical endurance, but still very good read.
It is realistic and very cool to see how he survived and it is sometimes funny. I think everyone should read this great book.
I am still in the very beginning of this book. So far I am blown away at his life. Smoking at 5 years of age, stealing food from his neighbors and fighting all the time. It is making me want to read more that is for sure. However, I keep checking the references to see if the author made things up or it is real.
I am still in the very beginning of this book. So far I am blow away at his life. Smoking at 5 years of age, stealing food from his neighbors and fighting all the time. It is making me want to read more that is for sure. However, I keep checking the references to see if the author made things up or it is real.
best book ever