Customer Reviews

Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive

My ten-year-old reads well above grade level, but is still reluctant. Like many boys, he just doesn't want to sit still long enough to get through a story! He likes adventure stories, so I thought he would enjoy listening to the audio version of "Unbroken," while following along in the book. No dice. I lost him at the word "dirigible."

So I was delighted to learn that a young adult version was on the horizon, and I immediately pre-ordered both the Kindle and audio versions. I am pleased to report that I think this will do the trick.

Of course, the first thing I did upon receiving the new version, was to turn to Chapter One to see if the word "dirigible" had been changed! It is now "airship." Then I went back to the beginning and did a side-by-side comparison of both. The changes were immediately apparent:
On the first page, the previous version read: Somewhere on the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Army Air Forces bombardier and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay across a small raft, drifting westward.
The new version read: Somewhere on the Pacific Ocean, American military airman and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay on a small raft, drifting.
In a nutshell, Hillenbrand deleted "the endless expanse of," and simplified Zamperini's title from "Army Air Forces bombardier," to "American military airman."

Looking randomly through the two books, I'm seeing other instances of abridgement, as well as simplified language. I have high hopes that my young reader will now enjoy this story. I'm excited at the prospect, as I think our children need to read more stories about people like Mr. Zamperini. He is easily the bravest, most remarkable person I've ever read about, and a fine example of what we hope our young people will choose to emulate.

A final thought: I'm an avid reader, but I wish this version had been out when I read the original. While still long, it is shorter than the first book, and I wouldn't consider this one to be at all "dumbed down." It would not be inappropriate for an adult to read this version instead of the other.

It was nice surprise to learn about the release of Laura Hillenbrand `Unbroken' YA adaptation which again brings an amazing story based on actual events - the fate of a man who was once a member of the Olympic team of his country, few years later ending up as a prisoner in Japanese World War II camp.

Louis Zamperini was a young soldier who found himself in 1943 over the Pacific Ocean in an Army Air Forces bomber that will crash. Together with two colleagues Louis survived this accident, and although finding themselves alone in ocean was tough experience, the hardest things were still ahead of him.

Youth days of Louis were far from perfect, often near to the boundaries and even came to the edge of the law - he stole, broke into the houses, brawled and escaped from his hometown. However, such lifestyle somehow helped him to realize he was extremely talented in sports, especially in running. That fact enabled Louis to quickly progress in running and finally he achieved what all sportsmen consider as highest honor - representing US in the Berlin 1936 Olympics.

And when the WW II started, Louis Zamperini as many other young men across US replaced his freedom with the military life in the struggle against the Axis powers which will eventually led him to cold Pacific... And while survival in the ocean these days would be a challenge, it’s difficult to imagine how Louis felt in the ocean, far away from anything, hungry and thirsty, exhausted and surrounded by sharks…

Still he managed to survive this incredible challenge, though the nightmare was still far from being over - he was captured by the Japanese and sent to the camp which when it comes to brutality can be comparable to the Nazi ones, and in some ways it was even worse. But Louis didn’t lost his hope, even that was not strong enough to break his robust spirit that led him to sport success – eventually, he would need to survive next three years of torture.

‘Unbroken’ is story of his hopes and dreams about freedom, about his sufferings, about all that viewed from current time perspective is difficult to imagine. And what is particularly interesting is that the story would not end with Louis freeing from concentration camp, continuing with description of his remaining life which overnight could not become perfect after all he went through...

Laura Hillenbrand with `Unbroken' managed to once again deliver a powerful piece of non-fiction that speaks about incredible journey of a man who refused to give up, not willing to surrender, fighting against others but mostly against himself, but finally succeeded.

Speaking about the difference between this YA version compared to original – adult - version, one can observe a language is more easy-to-understand in numerous occasions therefore you will not find some complicated words within, but also story in general was simplified making it much easier to follow for younger readers. And though it’s mainly intended for kids of ten years or older, it can still be recommended for adults to compare which version will suit them more.

But whatever edition you choose, ‘Unbroken' remains dedication to the human spirit that can’t be broken and as such Laura Hillenbrand work can certainly be recommended as a lesson and an inspiration for all the battles, large and small, that we fight every day in our lives.

One of the best books I have ever read. Half way through the book I was so impressed with the writings that I could hardly put the book down. Being a former USAF airman myself (Korea) I heard many WWII stories. None even came close to this story.

Thrilled about this book! My 11-year-old son, who is a reluctant reader, could not put it down and finished it in about four school days. I love discussing it with him.

A total page turner!!
I am reading the other version while my son reads this one!!! I love both and love that there are many more photos to enjoy in the youth version! Can't wait for the movie.

The first time I saw this book was in a 7th Grade Language Arts classroom as I was substitute teaching a year ago. I am impressed that our middle schoolers are reading this. It is an amazing story of survival. I was captivated! Well written! Buy it,read it, and never forget his sacrifice and of all those who have served.

What this man went throw during the war was unbelievable yet he survived & was able to forgive! A good read - very intense - good outcome.

AMAZING If you want a great book here it is I have never read such a good book in my life it's thrilling truly amazing a must read

Absolutely phenomenal story. I'm thrilled for this adaptation so that I can share with my younger readers at home.

A great book about a great American. He survived things that most of us can't even picture. Great read.