I finished reading Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption over the weekend. While very raw in parts, this book was incredibly inspiring.
The book follows the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner and WWII bombardier, who was stranded on a life raft on the Pacific Ocean for more than 40 days, then captured and thrown into a Japanese POW camp. One of my favorite parts talks about the attitudes of Louis and his friend Phil while on the raft. Though they recognized their dire situation, they were able to remain optimistic, envisioning a future beyond their present circumstances. The third man on the raft, Mac, could not picture a future and was haunted by thoughts of dying out on the ocean. It made me think what my outlook would be in that situation.
The author briefly explores the idea of whether or not we're born with innate optimistic or pessimistic outlooks, then goes on to say the men's different attitudes ultimately turned out to be self-fulfilling. That really struck me. What a powerful reminder that we choose how we react to life's circumstances and challenges. We can't always choose what happens to us, but we can choose faith and optimism or fear and despair.
Just reading Zamperini's tragic but incredible story has caused me to view things in my own life differently. I've found myself more inclined to tell myself "things will work out," even if it's different than I might want or expect. I've thought more about the blessings in my life and the immense gratitude I have for those men and women who've served in the military for this country. It was definitely a thought-provoking read!
Have you read or heard of Unbroken? Do you think we are born with a tendency toward optimism or pessimism? What book have you read lately that caused you to think long after you finished it?
17 comments:
My mom and I talk about this all the time--it blows me away how two people from one family can see the world so differently--this idea of optimism and resiliency. I'm both optimistic and resilient and I owe it all to my faith. I have no idea how I'd be otherwise.
~ Wendy
It's all perspective.
The book sound interesting.
I recently read a biography of President (General) Grant.
I had to stop and think...I know about his life as a general during the Civil War, but not much about his presidency. He really did accomplish some awesome things. We're still talking about it this week.
Wendy - I was reading something about that just yesterday - how people in the same family experience things differently. Lovely thought about faith and resilence!
Loree - I like nonfiction books like that - when you learn something about someone or an event that you didn't know.
I would have to say Unbroken is one of my all time favorite books. I was so impressed with not only the story, but how well written it is. I write WW2 as well, and this truly inspired me to press deeper into the issues and events of that time. It's a great history lesson - even though it is tough to read in a few areas. I would read it again.
Jan - I write WWI stories and I was thinking the same thing - how can I dig deeper to capture some of the emotion in Unbroken.
Stacy, the author took 7 years to write this book....I think that was key - plus the fact she had an ongoing phone relationship with the subject. But it does make me rethink some things about how I write.
I love stories that impact me to change as Unbroken did for you.
This book is one of my favorites from my recent reads. Definitely made me wish that I was more naturally optimistic!
Jan - Wow, seven years! Taking that time, though, clearly made the book and writing phenomenal.
Sandra - Me too. Espeically when it's a suprise, like it was with this book.
Glarcy - I had the same thought! :)
I haven't heard of that book, but I love how it affected you. Those are the best books, I think--the ones that make you reconsider your own approach to life.
I've read a few books that had that affect on me, but of course you know I can't remember them, lol. :P I swear it's not a statement on the quality of the books--just on my lame brain.
And I think I'm definitely an optimist. :)
Ali - Yes, I think you're an optimist too! :)
I read this about a month ago and couldn't put it down. What an incredible story of endurance and forgiveness!
Meghan - I was the same way! I had to keep reading. :) And the forgiveness part was so powerful and moving.
Stacy - I just started reading this book this week! I'm just barely into it, but already I am so enthralled with the story...
I have not heard of the book, but I do love seeing the effects of how we choose to react to life's circumstances and challenges.
Kim - Glad to hear you're liking it too.
Jennifer - My heart really went out to all these POWs and what they had to deal with and how they survived.
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