Books and Jams Readalong discussion

Woohoo! We made it! What did you think of how this story ended? What will you rate this book? Has it changed your thoughts on non-fiction at all...at least narrative nonfiction? Any final thoughts?

Thanks for reading with me again this month!

I didn't read along this time, but read this book a few years ago and truly loved it. I loved the ending as well, and how he gave his life to Christ - so inspiring!!

I read this book a few years ago. His story is so inspirational, I loved how he managed to come out of horrific circumstances and make something of his life that in turn helped others. Also, the writing is fantastic! I read Seabiscuit, also by Laura Hillenbrand, and it was the same. She made me feel like I was a part of what was happening.

This was such a good, yet hard read! I'm so glad I read it and definitely gave it 5 stars. My heart broke so many times. Hearing how POWs were treated in Japan was just horrifying! And then seeing the PTSD and struggles of these amazing men once they came home was so heartbreaking. You would think we as a country would have learned and done better for our vets, but it's still a major problem. So sad. What a beautiful testament to the power of God to change a person though. I loved seeing the immediate change in Louie once he accepted Christ into his life. So powerful.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

First of all, I have to say I really adored the writing style in this book in general. These horrifying events are told so beautifully that I could not get enough of them. I especially liked how the author told all of these happenings without giving her opinion. We can sense it in the little sections but we are not really lectured about what happens. All events are just told without hiding anything at all.

This section about PTSD and how it affects all POW and even their families was interesting to read.
As a disaster worker, I can say that it is so similiar to the fact that religion/faith helps the people cope much better in post-disaster environments.

I am so glad I have read this book, I was a bit hesitant at first because I thought it would be over emotional and made me feel depressed. Instead, I read a beautiful survival story.

Berna wrote: "4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

First of all, I have to say I really adored the writing style in this book in general. These horrifying events are told so beautifully that I could not get enough..."

Glad you liked it, Berna. I agree that I didn't think it was written in a way to try to manipulate my emotions. I think I was surprised I didn't cry all the way through.