I love books. I am always reading and as soon as I finish one book I am straight onto the next. But I don't want to do that anymore. I want to mull over it for a little while and process what it all means and what I need to do about it.
I was talking to my husband about how this latest book I've read has affected me and how I don't want to forget how it made me feel, and he suggested I write a book review for the blog. So here you go darl...
Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand, is the true story of Louis Zamperini, a runner who competed in the 1936 Olympics and served as a bombardier for US Army Air Forces in World War II. Louis' plane went down over the ocean and he and two others were lost at sea for over a month, only to be captured by the Japanese. I don't want to share too much because once I start I won't stop (just ask Cameron) and I don't want to give anything away, but I will talk about the emotions it stirred in me.
Firstly I was struck by the determination of the POW's - they never gave up. How easy is it today to give up on things that are too hard, yet here are men under severe torture (such as we could never imagine) resolved to keep fighting and keep living. Amazing.
The next thing that stirred something in me was the injustice. A lot of abusers escaped without being charged for their war crimes and even those who were charged were released early because of national security issues, where treaties with Japan were needed. Dwelling on the fact that men got away with horrendous acts against humanity will only drive you to anger and hatred and you don't want to go there. In the past I've usually been someone who sees the black and white in a situation however I am trying to understand the difficult decisions governments need to make and oftentimes (most times?) they are unpopular. However we fail to see the other side of the coin in these decisions and that is why we must pray for our government. Also, as regards to the injustice, I must remind myself that our God is a just God and vengeance is His.
This book was an amazing reminder of what can be done with one life. We all have just one shot - what am I doing with my one life? I don't want to blow it. I want to make a difference and I know the little things count.
This book was not an easy read, as you feel emotionally connected to these people and what they suffered, but definitely life changing for me.
Blessings,
