"Unbroken" Book Discussion

[Kimberly Ann]

I agree- it was so grim, so unbelievable sad. However, I think I was dying to know how Zamperini was going to get back home, how he was going to survive at each stage of his awful ordeal.
I was so amazed at what he endured. That kept me going.

[Brandi]

I am over half way through with the book, I agree with the critics... gripping and almost impossible to put down. It is beautifully written. I hope to finish by Monday and let you know what I think about the grim subject material. I am amazed that people can endure so much hurt and abuse (both physical and mental, yet still come out of it because they never lose hope.

[Kimberly Ann]

I'm glad someone else is reading this - I would love to discuss it more. It would make for interesting contrast with The Help re:prejudice.

[Brandi]

I finished the book this weekend, but have been sick. I am feeling better and thought of his suffering much during my simple cold. I was moved deeply by his story.

Which one of his trials in life did you most relate too?

He had so many... I don't even really know after I just asked, will have to think about it more.

[Kimberly Ann]

I have never had near the disappointment, difficulty or troubles he had. I just couldn't believe how he came back after all he had been through. I have tried to be forgiving in my life but the things he endured would be so hard to forget.

[Brandi]

I would say that I agree that he has experienced things that are horrific. I can relate to his plight with the alcoholism. I can relate with having to forgive people and move on. If you don't forgive, then people do haunt you in your dreams. I remember thinking through out this book, is he going to catch a break? Then would read on and think nope.... but he had such a great hope and will to live, a faith that he would get through. I was humbled by his experience and have learned a great deal from his life.

I love searching for questions about books I read on-line.... here is one I have been thinking about for a couple days.

Even before his wartime travails, Louie Zamperini’s athletic abilities had already guaranteed him a notable life. Do you think certain people are predisposed to greatness or do situations bring it out in them?

[Cindy]

The title is very appropriate, I know I would have gladly given up around the time of the sharks! Louie is a tough man and it was interesting reading about his mother's love, his sister's love when he was such a rowdy, tough little guy coming up.

I saw him interviewed on book tv. I was surprised to learn that the author is housebound (can't remember why) and they had not met during the writing of the book. Louie is in his nineties and he was flown back east where they finally did meet. Each said the other had given them reason to live. Inspirational on every side.

[Brandi]

I totally agree. I don't think we know what we would do in a situation like that until we are in it. I do believe it is an internal strength and great faith in something greater gets you through tough and often unbelievable circumstances.
I also think that once you are passionate about something, it is a huge part of you and you can use it for the greater good and share your experiences with others to be an inspiration and help them through their struggles in life.
I like to think that some people are predisposed to greatness, but what they do with it is the most important. I also think that situations bring out greatness in an individual, turns them into someone they themselves do not know they could be.

[Maggie]

Cindy, the author is homebound due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Thanks for the info. about them getting to meet. Brandi, I agree that being put to the test is the only way to know for sure how strong you really are.

[Brandi]

The title of the book is perfect for the story, but Louis said he was a “broken man” after the war. How do you think he overcame this feeling of self?