Wow. I just finished the audio book of Unbroken - A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand (author of Seabiscuit), and I think endurance athletes are going to love it. It's a biography of Louis Zamperini, a miler/5k runner who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics as the youngest US athlete to make the team, and then went on to a life of staggering tests of courage and endurance like going to WWII, 47 days lost at sea, and years as a savagely abused prisoner of war in Japan. If you thought ultrarunning was hard, wait until you hear this insane story of survival.This book baited me with stories of Zamp's troubled youth and how running helped pull him out, and the detail of every step is much like Hillenbrand's other books. It keeps for a brisk audio pace that makes for good commuting or treadmill running. I should warn you, however, that the dozen or so detailed chapters of his harrowing days in the POW camps are simply shocking. His main adversary, a POW Camp iron hand named "The Bird", was so scary he even showed up in MY dreams. On more than one occasion, I nearly tripped over my jaw as it hit the ground as the details of his torture went on and on with rich and vivid narrative. It shows you what real courage and persistence is.
This one is a keeper for sure. Put it on your list for all that winter treadmill running! Or you can just wait for the movie - Universal Studios has already bought the rights.
Here's a CBS special about him too (part 1 of 4):
On a side note, the story of Laura Hillenbrand making this book is also a tale of unique persistence and courage. She suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, and rarely makes it out of her house. Assembling this book took nearly 10 years.
Hey thanks for the book report..sounds good..I'll go for it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I am about done. Just met the Bird, yes he is evil. I agree this book is a keeper. Tom Osterbuhr
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the review Scott. I have been looking for a new book to read since finishing "Born to Run" a while back. I have always had a problem finishing books unless they are really good - this one sounds like it falls into that category!
ReplyDeleteI just received this book for Christmas but haven't started in on it yet. I am still working on Chi Running. I can't seem to get into it. The info sounds good so far but it's not like To the Edge or Born to Run. Have you read Dean Karnazes' book yet?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite running books are Once A Runner, Born to Run, this one, and Dean's Ultramarathon Man. All of which are good in audio format too.
ReplyDeleteDean's book is great, and gives you a really good feel for Western States. I think his editor added a bit too much "I'm ripped like a prize fighter" comments, and since I saw an early draft, I know these weren't there. He sure has inspired a lot of people to run, as has Born to Run (albeit without shoes).
Unbroken has inspired me to carry cyanide capsules when I fly on a plane. ;-)
Scott!
ReplyDeleteClumsy me can't seem to find an email for you! I have some questions about Masters World Marathon in July...I have visited USATF...yet have not found answers! How to qualify? Or do you just pay and sign up? Please respond to annettebednosky@gmail.com.
Thanks sooo much!
I'm so glad you wrote this to get the word out because Unbroken was my favorite book in a long time. It gives a compelling look back at the days when track and field were major spectator sports and runners were celebrities. It amazed me that Louie got as close to breaking the 4min mile on a training regimen so different than what runners would probably do today. As for the rest of the book-- I couldn't stop reading it. It shows the absolute best, most resilient side of the human spirit in the face of evil. I'm so impressed with Laura H's exhaustive research and her ability to distill it into a narrative. Runner's World and Sports Illustrated have some great Q&As with her online.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Scott!
Hi Scott - What kind of treadmill do you have or recommend. You should do a post/review on treadmills, as it is difficult to figure out which ones are actually good for real running in a given price range - thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnnette -
ReplyDeleteNo, there are no qualifying standards for World Masters Marathon. You will see a field to enter a "qualifying mark" when you enter, but this is really for the events with qualifying heats like the 1500m (they use qualifying marks to put you with the similar-paced groups). But the marathon is an all-comers. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Anon - That's a good idea to post something about treadmills. I should do an interview with the guy at my local shop - he knows everything about treadmills. There's a fairly comprehensive review here. I have a Pacemaster Gold Elite, which I thought was the best of the fold-up treadmills I tried. It feels solid, and I can set a pace of 15 mph (for short intervals). But I also got a screaming deal on it from a company going out of business, which tends to influence the purchase. I can say I've easily put 2,000 miles on it and have had no issues short of needing to adjust the belt tension on occasion.
SD
Scott,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review and related info/links. Ditto to Sarah Lavender Smith's comments.
I also think that Laura Hillenbrand's own story is amazing and demonstrates "the absolute best, most resilient side of the human spirit." In some ways, Laura has ventured out of her own "house" to maximize and realize her own potential beyond what anyone could have imagined.
For sure, Chris M's and Dean K's books have" inspired a lot of people to run." Laura's story and her books inspire people to find a way to "KEEP running" even when life's circumstances try to "tell" them that they can't.
Thanks again for taking the time to post this; I always find your reviews interesting and enlightening. Ann
I can't wait to read this. This is why people should put their kids in athletics, because it instills character traits that encourage perseverance.
ReplyDeleteof course there is another option. if you don't want to "listen" to the book OR wait for the movie, you could opt to purchase the book and read it while turning pages the old fashioned way.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased this book over the weekend. Can't wait to start reading it...
ReplyDeleteScott,
ReplyDeletethanks for the info on that book. I was reading this amazing story a year ago in a different book. "Devil at my Heels", actually written by Louis Zamperini himself. Not sure if you have that book, should be interesting if the books tell the same exact story in the details.
Scott, good review! Might check this audio book soon as well. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLooking for a good book just got done with born to run.Was wondering about some of deans books heard good and bad things.
ReplyDeletehttp://6months2liv.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing. I will put it on the list. Beat the boredom on treadmills. LOL
ReplyDeleteSuperb blog post, I have book marked this internet site so ideally I’ll see much more on this subject in the foreseeable future!
ReplyDeleteI read this book in two days flat and I know that, had I had the time, I would have read it in one sitting. This is a book that grips you, draws you in and leaves you feeling a slightly better person for having read it.
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