Recently, after exhausting all I could find in that genre of interest, I was looking for a change. Since “Unbroken”, by Laura Hillenbrand, was soon coming out as a movie, it is part of the NYS modules, and my colleagues all raved about the book, I decided to commit myself to reading about Louis Zamparelli and the incredible story of his life as a WWII POW.
I am two-thirds of the way through this book and can honestly say that Zamparelli’s life and experiences gives one pause. Pause to consider just how fortunate we are today, and as Americans. Most of us, at one point or another, and perhaps more often than not, take our lives for granted. We move on autopilot. But our autopilot would not be possible if not for the sacrifice of so many. This is the first time I have read a book that helped me truly consider what my father and grandfather as veterans may have experienced as their friends and comrades went down or missing. As a child, I would often as them to describe to me what they experienced, but neither ever divulged much. Now I understand why. This story gave me a glimpse of the strength of our soldiers, especially those who were/are POW’s, and made me realize just how weak I would be, given the same situation. I would never have had the strength.
This book makes one reflect; such is the point of a work of art. I hope you will join me in reading “Unbroken” before venturing out to witness the movie. It will be well worth your time! In the meantime, please, thank a veteran.