Once again, though not often enough lately, I have found myself with an abundance of time to read and no deadlines or assignments looming. So, I chose to pick up this intriguing book that has been sitting on my shelf waiting for just such a time. Boy am I glad I did.
This story is a great STORY. I read a lot of nonfiction. As a matter of fact, in the last two years it seems that all I ever read is nonfiction. Most of it I enjoy. I read a lot of biographies. I read some psychology and philosophy. I rarely take time anymore to read for pure pleasure. I find myself now in a place where I can and I hope to continue to do so for a while. As a matter of fact, I last read "The Litigators" by John Grisham. When my children came to see me and saw what I was reading, one of them said, "What's that?" A friend commented that, for me, that is like them walking in on me watching soap operas. It never happens! But honestly I needed something that was complete and total 'candy' reading. After I finished that book (which was great Grisham if you're a fan), I wanted to read another story that I could just loose myself in and enjoy. But, I couldn't quite bring myself to more 'empty reading calories'. And that is how I chose "Unbroken".
Technically, this book is a biography. Louis Zamperini was an Olympic runner and then a WWII lieutenant in the US Air Force. His plane went down in the Pacific Ocean and there began a saga unparalleled in human history. His story is one of courage, survival, and determination. He faced a challenge of body, mind, and soul.
This is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages as quickly as you can. I read by the side of the pool while my children swam, laying on the grass at the park while they played, one hand holding a book while I cooked dinner with the other hand. Bedtime was bliss because I could read uninterrupted until I could no longer hold my eyelids open. It is that kind of story. Kudos to Laura Hillenbrand and her excellent research and story-telling.
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