Blog Post/Book Recommendation

Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand  

This is a special holiday weekend. We are celebrating the birth of our country and also remembering the courage of those who have made great sacrifices to keep it. I am choosing to write this post about a special biography and a special author. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WUYPPG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

      I expect most of my readers have read the powerful and moving story about the life of Louis Zamperini. If not, put it on your list! After all, there has to be a reason why there are over 35,000 reviews up on Unbroken and it rates an unequivocal 5 stars every time. (As a side note, I do not recommend the movie. Unlike Hillenbrand's earlier book put to film, Sea Biscuit, it falls very short of the mark.)

     Let's talk about the author.  What a feat to move from a successful career in journalism to writing two true story narratives, and have them both become huge best sellers. Laura Hillenbrand is truly a woman whose writing talent would be difficult to surpass.

     But her own personal struggles with an neurological  disorder is a story in itself. Ms. Hillenbrand has suffered from myalgic encephalomyelitis, better known as chronic fatigue syndrome, since the age of 19.  During the years she researched and wrote Unbroken, she was an invalid bound not only to her home but often her bedroom. Severe dizziness, weakness, and pain could make a trip down the staircase an excruciating experience.

     When he became aware of her ordeal, the elderly Zamperini found himself forging a special bond with the woman who would make him internationally famous.  In cross country telephone conversations they would talk for hours. Hillenbrand in turn found herself understanding the suffering he and his comrades enduring while prisoners of war in a way others never can. 

     Due to amazing perseverance and a better understanding of this disease, the author's condition improved dramatically in the years following the success of Unbroken.  Cured is not the word that applies, she deals with it day by day. But by 2015 she was freed up from being a chronic invalid. She was able to travel and take up activities denied her for decades.

     Hillenbrand and Zamperini had a rare if short-lived friendship At the age of 97 he died in 2014. Louis overcame many challenges. The great victory was overcoming the hatred that was destroying him, a battle he was losing until he accepted God's grace. 

     Inch by inch, Laura Hillenbrand gained tremendous victory over the disease that kept her captive too. And I believe the bond forged with Louis Zamperini played a part in it.