UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand
ON SALE NOVEMBER 16, 2010
Nearly ten years ago we published a remarkable book called Seabiscuit that captured the nation’s heart and went on to become a major motion picture. It wasn’t just about a horse, it was a portrait of American history as well as a universal story about an underdog.
In her long-awaited new book, Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand has done it again. Writing with the same immediacy and vivid narrative voice, she tells the unforgettable story of Louis Zamperini, a man who journeyed into extremity and persevered. Louis ran in the 1936 Berlin Olympics nearly breaking the record four-minute mile. But war interrupted and overnight the athlete became an airman. When his plane crashed into the Pacific, Louis was set adrift on a raft. What followed is an extraordinary true tale of sacrifice and heroism.
Like Seabiscuit, Louis is an unlikely hero. And like Seabiscuit, this is a book you simply can’t miss.
Enter to win an advance copy. While supplies last.
I can hardly wait to read UNBROKEN. I read Zamperini’s book, \Devil at my Heels,\ years ago. His story is one of faith and perseverance in the face of his life’s many trials. Laura Hillenbrand is the right person to chronicle this story for all time. It will, no doubt, be a bestseller.
Flora Ann Scearce
Would love to receive a copy of this book.
would love to receive a copy of this book
Delighted Laura Hillenbrand has a new book out and looking so forward to reading it soon.
I can’t wait to read Unbroken. I loved Seabiscuit!!
I started a book club here in Leland, NC called the “Novel Lovers” and this is just exactly the kind of book we all love to read. A preview copy would be wonderful and allow me to read it and recommend it to all of our members. Look forward to hearing from you.
Darlene Smith
This book has me very intrigued, would enjoy having a copy!
Looks like a very interesting read, I would love to receive a copy!
This would be a book our bookclub would love. We loved Seabiscuit.
Sounds like a wonderful book, I would love to receive a copy!
Any time a story shows how strong human beings really are is a plus – this would be a great book to remind us of how we can achieve, no matter what lies in front of us – or for that matter, what was in our past.
I enjoy books from early 20th century.
Reading The December Vanity Fair extract from UNBROKEN revived a memory dating back to the postwar summer of 1946. Discharged from the Army Air Force with months to spare before enrolling at the University of Southern California, I returned to my high school-evening job handling mail/baggage at American Airlines. Late one sunny morning, standing on the ramp at Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank waiting for an inbound AA plane to arrive, I saw a uniformed USAAF officer come to stand next to the AA ramp agent, inside the gate and fence — a no, no per airline rules — and asked the agent who he was, why he was there. It was none other than Lou Zamperini, invited in order to be the first to greet his fiancee, who was aboard the inbound flight. The extract from your book, which I definitely mean to buy and read, didn ‘ t mention an incident I was aware of at the time. While a member of the Olympic team, the saucy individual and cut-up you described in the extract ‘ s opening paragraph resurfaced in full force during the competition in Berlin , 1936, when Zamperini tore down a Nazi swastika banner as a souvenir. This “desecration” of the Aryan superiority symbol was severely frowned upon by not only Hitler, who happened to be in attendance, but the Gestapo. It created a minor international incident, and made Lou a legend in track & field circles. At USC, I competed in the pole vault circa ‘ 47, ‘ 48, and the track coach, Dean Cromwell, who ‘ d been the Olympic coach in Berlin , loved to relate the tale of Zamperini ‘ s adventure. I managed to pass a few words with Zamperini, telling him I planned to enroll at SC shortly, but about then the plane rolled up to the ramp.
Bill Walling
Discharged from the Army Air Force in 1946, with months to spare before enrolling at the University of Southern California, I returned to my high school-evening job handling mail/baggage at American Airlines. Late one sunny morning, waiting on the ramp at Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank for an inbound AA plane to arrive, I saw a uniformed USAAF officer come to stand next to the AA ramp agent, inside the gate and fence — a no, no per airline rules — and asked the agent who he was, why he was there. It was none other than Lou Zamperini, invited in order to be the first to greet his fiancee, who was aboard the inbound flight. The extract in Vanity Fair, didn ‘ t mention an incident I was aware of at the time. While a member of the Olympic team, the saucy individual and cut-up described in the eopening paragraph resurfaced in full force during the competition in Berlin , 1936, when Zamperini tore down a Nazi swastika banner as a souvenir. This “desecration” of the Aryan superiority symbol was severely frowned upon by not only Hitler, who happened to be in attendance, but the Gestapo. It created a minor international incident, and made Lou a legend in track & field circles. At USC, I competed in the pole vault circa ‘ 47, ‘ 48, and the track coach, Dean Cromwell, who ‘ d been the Olympic coach in Berlin , loved to relate the tale of Zamperini ‘ s adventure. I managed to pass a few words with Zamperini, telling him I planned to enroll at SC shortly, but about then the plane rolled up to the ramp.
From the beginnings of WWII until now the Air Force Navigators Observers Association (AFNOA) with its “Bombardiers” has logged the histories of these military fliers.
“UNBROKEN” is the very best account, technically and history wise I have ever read. Laura Hillenbrand has done us all a great service in creating this well told record, albeit rather brutal at times. It is truthful.
We fly the mission! President AFNOA
P.S. Want to do a book signing at our Reunion this coming September 6-7-8 2011 in Las Vegas?
“UNBROKEN” UNBELIVABLE, EXCELLENT. PRETTY MUCH LEAVES YOU SPEECHLESS.
i actualylly bought the book. It was worth it