Book Report On Unbroken By Laura Hillenbrand

The biography, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is about the life of Louis (Louie) Zamperini, a POW surviver during World War 2. The book has a multitude of heroes. Some demonstrate heroism throughout the book, while others evolve into heroes towards the end. Then there is this hero who puts his life in danger to save people he doesn't even know—Louis, our protagonist. He sacrifices himself to save others continuously. Louie’s life was not always exemplary. He started out as a kid who would always cause mischief. He would get into trouble every single day. He pushed a teacher, he punched a girl, and even threw rotten tomatoes at a policeman. In Louie's own words his childhood actions usually ended with the words".....and then I ran like mad.”(34) Louie’s life began to change when his older brother Pete convinced him to try out for track. He began to enjoy the sport and was good at it. He started spending all his time training for the Olympics. Eventually, he gave up stealing and behaving in a bad manner.

A couple of years later, Louis was drafted into the military where he became a bombardier in the Air Force. His first act of bravery occurred on the day their B-24 plane, “Green Hornet”, crashed while searching for another plane. Only Louis and two of his crew mates, Mac and Phil, survive the crash. As they struggle to stay afloat, Louis quickly grabs a raft floating towards them. He then swims towards his crew mates, helps each one to get on, then pulls himself onto the raft. His crew mates let Louie take command of the raft. The following quote shows how someone who just meets Louie recognizes his bravery and is willing to let him take control of the plan to survive. Phil exclaims “I’m glad it was you,