Lorena Mendes answers “Would this book be ok for ages 12 and up?”

Gemma asked this question about Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption:

Would this book be ok for ages 12 and up?

Lorena Mendes The best answer would be "Maybe".
The story is real and so are the characters and their struggles, losses and suffering, as well as their bravery, comp…moreThe best answer would be "Maybe".
The story is real and so are the characters and their struggles, losses and suffering, as well as their bravery, compassion and comradery, enlightment and growth.
So it will definitely add to anyone´s life´s perspectives and lessons, in a remarkable, amazing and even spiritual way, not necessarily in the religious sense; but it is still a war and prisioner story, depicting the hardships they were put through and their consequences.
Albeit there are marvelous lessons and grownth to be taken from the book and inspiration to any person who wishes to learn from Louie´s resilience, survival, strength, redemption and unbroken-ness, it depends much on the reader´s maturity to be able to see and read through the dark side of the silver lining it achieves.
In short, you would have to know if the 12-year-old in question is mature at this moment to deal with the dark parts in order to comprehend the light parts (as in enlighting, not as in easier or less maturity-demanding).
I would say ages 15 and up are sure to profit from this book, either personally and/or academically and historically, so little is told about the Pacific part of World War II and Hillenbrand fills in this gap with mastery.
But as for between 12 and 15, I would say it depends on the reader and whoever considers introducing this book to them, should read it first and be available to help with questions that may rise about human nature.
Hope to have helped.(less)

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Gemma Thanks so much! That really helps! I think I'll get this book and read it, like you said, to see if they can handle it. I'm grateful for a detailed an ...more
Mar 12, 2015 03:43PM · flag

Lorena Mendes You´re welcome!
Do tell what you thought about the book and what you decided about the age to read it, please =)
Mar 14, 2015 12:21PM · flag

Gemma Alright, I'll do that! :) ...more
Mar 14, 2015 03:20PM · flag

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