Unbroken
Author:  Lauren Hillenbrand
Publisher: Random House
Publish Date: 2010
Pages: 496
ISBN No.:  978-0-679-60375-7
Genre: Non Fiction,  Biography
Sub Genre: History
Reader’s Annotation:  
An inspiring true story of a man who lived through a series of catastrophes almost too incredible to believe.
Summary:
The enthralling and often grim story of Louie Zamperini, an Olympic runner during the 1930s, flew B-24s during WWII. Imprisoned by the Japanese, he endured a captivity harsh even by Japanese standards and was a physical and mental wreck at the end of the war. He was saved by the influence of Billy Graham, who inspired him to turn his life around, and afterward devoted himself to evangelical speeches and founding boys’ camps. Still alive at 93, Zamperini now works with those Japanese individuals and groups who accept responsibility for Japanese mistreatment of POWs and desire to see Japan and the U.S. reconciled. He submitted to 75 interviews with the author as well as contributing a large mass of personal records.
Evaluation: 
I truly enjoyed Unbroken and prior to this class I had given it as gifts so I decided to see why it was so popular and was not disappointed.  While this book is not for the faint of heart for it is very graphic and details the horrific beatings and mistreatment of the POW's, I marvel at their tenacity and will to survive and return home.  Excellent book and I would highly recommend it. 
Why I Would Include It:  
A lot of people read non fiction i.e. biographies and their popularity is evidenced by the fact that this book has been on the New York Times Best Seller List for 68 weeks. It would seem that there would be a demand for this book and as a reader's advisory librarian I would like to be informed of non fiction books in order to satisfy patrons' requests.  
Rating: 5