"Memoir" Monday! A review of Unbroken

OK, so this one isn't a memoir, but it is a biography, and perhaps one of the best books I have read this year!

In all my years of reading, only two books have made me cry. I teared up a bit reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (JK Rowling), and Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins), but The Plague by Albert Camus and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak have been the only books to truly make me weep. Until now.

Enter Laura Hillenbrand's biography of Louie Zamperini, Unbroken. Reading it, you will be inspired, but it will not leave you unbroken emotionally. All I can say is: read it read it read it read it read it. And if that doesn't convince you, let me expound further:

• An inspiring true story of survival

I love a good biography or memoir, but it can be hard to find one that balances hope and heartbreak well. It can often seem that the people who get biographies written about them have endured the most horrendous things. This is not untrue of Louie Zamperini, but Hillenbrand is exceptional at reminding the reader of the humanity of every person Zamperini encounters-- both his allies and his enemies. She does this without watering down the brutality he endured. She also does not pull her punches in regards to the brutality of his Japanese captors, like The Bird. (Please note the "adult content" note at the end of the post). But she also makes a special effort to recount in detail those who shone because of their positive humanity. Those who, like Zamperini, managed to keep their spirits somewhat intact through the hardships they endured, and in so doing, gave hope to those around them.

• A reminder of the brutality of war, which continues long after the war is over.

Hillenbrand set out to write an inspiring story of a WWII veteran and survivor against all odds, and she succeeded. But it is impossible to write anything about WWII without also including the message that war is truly horrific. However, one thing that I appreciated about Hillenbrand's telling of this story is that she does not end the book when Zamperini returns home from the war. She continues telling his story, addressing the too common difficulties that veterans face when assimilating back into civilian life after enduring the horrors of war. Namely, the toll on mental health, the unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the isolation.

• Beautifully written

From surviving 40 days adrift at sea, to enduring grotesque physical and psychological abuse as a POW; from Olympian to fighter pilot; from marrying the love of his life, to his descent into depression, Laura Hillenbrand weaves the unbelievable tale of Louie Zamperini's life as only a true storyteller can. She provides heart and poignancy, as well as cold hard facts. She includes direct quotes, as well as underlying emotion. You will not only be enraptured by the story itself, you will see how Zamperini's story fits into the bigger picture of what was happening throughout the world. And you will be brought to tears.

Read this book-- read it read it read it read it read it. You will come away inspired, maybe a little bit shook, and forever changed.

Adult content: depictions of abuse, both physical and psychological; allusions to sexual gratification through abusive behavior. Some mild language. Some domestic violence, but it is one, quick scene. Many frightening and intense scenes of significant danger. A lot of depictions of death in war.