11 Of The Best Resilient Books Like Unbroken

‘Unbroken’ by Laura Hillenbrand tells the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete turned World War II airman. After a plane crash, he survives at sea for weeks and is then captured by the Japanese. Enduring brutal treatment as a prisoner of war, Zamperini’s resilience and determination shine as he battles for survival against all odds. The book portrays his journey of suffering, endurance, and ultimate redemption.

If you enjoyed ‘Unbroken,’ you’ll be glad to know there are similar books waiting to be explored. These books like Unbroken share the power of resilience and courage. They tell stories of people overcoming tough challenges and finding hope. Join us as we explore a collection of books that touch the heart, just like ‘Unbroken’ does. Get ready to embark on journeys of strength and inspiration through the pages of these incredible reads.

Books Like Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Endurance (1959)

by Alfred Lansing

‘Endurance’ is a story of endurance, and is an absolute must-read for you if you liked ‘Unbroken.’ Alfred Lansing recounts the harrowing journey of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew aboard the ship Endurance in 1914. The book chronicles their ill-fated expedition to cross Antarctica via the South Pole. The crew faces numerous challenges as the Endurance becomes trapped in pack ice, ultimately leading to the ship’s destruction.

Forced to abandon ship, the crew tries to survive, enduring extreme cold, hunger, and the constant threat of death. Shackleton’s leadership skills shine as he maintains the crew’s morale, fosters a sense of unity, and makes crucial decisions to ensure their survival.

After months on the ice, the crew embarks on a perilous journey in lifeboats to reach the remote Elephant Island. Shackleton and a small team then set out on a desperate voyage to find help, crossing over 800 miles of treacherous ocean in a tiny lifeboat.

Despite insurmountable odds, Shackleton’s determination, resourcefulness, and leadership guide the crew through unimaginable hardships.

A Higher Call (2012)

by Adam Makos

This non-fiction book, like ‘Unbroken,’ recounts a remarkable World War II story. The book centres on the unlikely friendship between two pilots from opposite sides of the conflict. Franz Stigler, a German fighter ace, and Charlie Brown, an American B-17 pilot, find themselves in a life-and-death situation over the skies of Germany.

In December 1943, Stigler and Brown’s paths intersect when Stigler encounters Brown’s damaged B-17 bomber during a mission. Despite being enemies, Stigler is moved by the sight of the wounded crew and the sheer bravery of the American pilots. Instead of shooting down the defenceless bomber, Stigler decides to spare their lives and escorts them out of German airspace, offering a “higher call” of humanity and compassion.

The book details the events leading up to this encounter, the wartime experiences of both pilots, and the impact this act of mercy has on their lives.

438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea (2015)

by Jonathan Franklin

‘438 Days’ recounts the harrowing tale of José Salvador Alvarenga, a Salvadoran fisherman who becomes lost at sea for 438 days. In November 2012, Alvarenga and a young crewmate set out for a routine fishing trip, but they are caught in a powerful storm that leaves them adrift in the Pacific Ocean. With no means of communication, meager supplies, and a small open boat, they face immense challenges.

As days turn into weeks and then months, Alvarenga battles starvation, dehydration, and the brutal elements. He resorts to catching fish, birds, and even turtles for sustenance. He also grapples with loneliness, despair, and hallucinations while clinging to the hope of rescue. The book portrays his extraordinary will to survive, relying on his survival skills and inner strength.

The story explores his adjustment to life, the skepticism and fascination of the media and the public, and the psychological aftermath of his ordeal.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI (2017)

by David Grann

This is a non-fiction book that uncovers a shocking and tragic series of events that took place in the early 20th century. In the 1920s, the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma became incredibly wealthy due to oil reserves beneath their land. However, members of the Osage community began to die under suspicious circumstances, often through poisoning or violence. These deaths raised suspicions, and the newly formed FBI, under the leadership of J. Edgar Hoover, was called in to investigate.

Grann delves into the systemic corruption that allowed these murders to occur—the local authorities often turned a blind eye due to collusion with powerful white settlers seeking the Osage wealth. The book follows the investigations led by the FBI, primarily focusing on the efforts of agent Tom White. As the truth is unveiled, shocking conspiracies and a sinister plot to claim the Osage inheritance emerge.

The book sheds light on the dark history of exploitation, racism, and the struggle for justice faced by the Osage people.

Into The Wild (1996)

by John Krakauer

‘Into The Wild’ tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gives up his comfortable life to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of the American wilderness. McCandless abandons his possessions, cuts ties with his family, and hitchhikes to Alaska, seeking a raw and unfiltered connection with nature. He survives in the wild for months but eventually succumbs to the harsh conditions and lack of resources.

The book delves into McCandless’s motivations, his interactions with the people he meets along the way, and the impact of his journey on those who come to know him. Krakauer also weaves in his own experiences as a young man drawn to risky outdoor adventures, providing insight into McCandless’s mindset.

Similarities Between the Book ‘Unbroken’ and ‘Into The Wild’

“Unbroken” and “Into the Wild” share a common theme of resilience and survival. Both books vividly portray the remarkable transformations that their central characters, Louis Zamperini and Chris McCandless, undergo as they pursue freedom and independence. They both grapple with isolation and solitude in demanding natural environments, even though their settings are vastly different. The harsh surroundings in each story are instrumental in shaping the characters and their journeys. Although their narrative structures differ, both books employ non-linear storytelling and flashbacks to add depth and complexity to their characters. These stories are powerful examinations of the human spirit’s ability to endure and evolve in the face of extraordinary challenges.

The Boys in the Boat (2013)

by Daniel James Brown

This book tells the inspiring story of the University of Washington’s rowing team as they compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the rising tensions in pre-World War II Germany, the book focuses on the journey of Joe Rantz, a young man struggling to overcome a difficult past.

Joe, along with his fellow rowers, faces physical and emotional challenges as they train tirelessly under the guidance of their coach, Al Ulbrickson. The team’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the Olympics and prove themselves on the international stage.

The book beautifully captures the dedication, teamwork, and determination that lead the rowing crew to victory. It also provides insights into the personal struggles of individual team members, showcasing their resilience and the bonds they form as they pull together for a common purpose.

As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the crew’s remarkable journey to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, where they compete against other elite rowing teams and face the ideological undercurrents of the Nazi regime.

A story of courage and resilience like ‘Unbroken,’ this novel emphases the power of unity, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence.

Devil in the White City (2003)

by Erik Larson

‘Devil in the White City’ by Erik Larson intertwines the stories of two men and their contrasting roles during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Architect Daniel H. Burnham is tasked with overseeing the construction of the fair, which aims to showcase America’s technological and cultural progress. Burnham faces immense challenges in creating a magnificent spectacle while battling tight schedules, funding issues, and the pressure of living up to expectations.

Simultaneously, the book follows H.H. Holmes, a charismatic and manipulative serial killer who takes advantage of the fair’s influx of visitors to lure and murder young women. Operating a hotel designed to trap and dispose of victims, Holmes commits a series of gruesome crimes, exploiting the chaos and anonymity of the bustling city.

Similarities Between the Book ‘Unbroken’ and ‘The Devil in the White City’

“Unbroken” and “The Devil in the White City” connect through their historical settings, the extraordinary resilience and survival of their central characters, and their exploration of dark and intense themes. Both books employ a narrative style that combines non-fiction with compelling storytelling, drawing readers into the historical events. They also offer multiple perspectives, enhancing our understanding of the characters and the broader context. These similarities, despite their distinct plots and genres, make both books captivating reads for those who enjoy delving into history and the complexities of the human experience.

Man’s Search for Meaning (1946)

by Viktor E. Frankl

Published in 1946, ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ is a profound exploration of human resilience and the search for meaning in the face of extreme suffering. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, shares his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. He outlines his concept of logotherapy, a form of existential psychotherapy that emphasizes finding purpose in life as a way to endure and overcome suffering.

The book is divided into two parts: the first recounts Frankl’s personal experiences and observations in the concentration camps, illustrating how individuals coped with immense adversity. He argues that even in the harshest conditions, individuals can find meaning by focusing on their inner spiritual and mental lives. The second part delves into the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of his approach, explaining how the search for meaning can serve as a driving force for individuals to navigate challenges and discover a sense of purpose.

‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ has had a profound impact on psychology, philosophy, and self-help literature.

Hiroshima (1946)

by John Hersey

This book provides a detailed and harrowing account of the experiences of six survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, during World War II. Hersey follows the lives of these individuals before, during, and after the bombing, offering a deeply personal and poignant perspective on the devastating event.

Through the stories of these survivors, Hersey conveys the immediate and long-term effects of the atomic bomb on both their physical and emotional well-being. He describes the initial confusion, destruction, and suffering caused by the explosion, as well as the subsequent struggles with injuries, radiation sickness, and the loss of loved ones.

The book also highlights the resilience and strength of the survivors as they try to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Wild (2012)

by Cheryl Strayed

‘Wild’ is a memoir by Cheryl Strayed that chronicles her transformative journey along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) after a series of personal tragedies. The book follows Strayed’s quest for self-discovery and healing as she embarks on a solo 1,100-mile hike through the rugged terrain of the PCT.

Haunted by the death of her mother and other personal problems, Strayed sets out on the challenging hike with little experience in backpacking. The journey becomes a physical and emotional test, forcing her to confront her inner demons and face her past mistakes. Along the way, she grapples with physical exhaustion, encounters wild animals, and faces the unpredictable nature of the trail.

Strayed’s vivid descriptions of the trail’s beauty, her encounters with fellow hikers, and her internal reflections create a powerful narrative that delves into themes of loss, redemption, and resilience.

Dead Wake (2015)

by Erik Larson

A historically accurate novel, ‘Dead Wake’ chronicles the tragic events surrounding the sinking of the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania during World War I. The book meticulously examines the circumstances leading up to the ship’s demise, weaving together the stories of passengers, crew members, and the political and military decisions that influenced the disaster.

Larson delves into the complexities of the era’s geopolitical tensions and Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare tactics. The narrative reveals the passengers’ diverse backgrounds and motivations, ranging from a renowned book dealer to a pioneering female architect.

The book ends with the chilling portrayal of the Lusitania’s encounter with a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland. Larson vividly describes the sinking and the desperate efforts of passengers and crew to survive. Through meticulous research, the author sheds light on the impact of this tragedy on the course of World War I and its role in shaping public sentiment and international relations.

Conclusion to Books like Unbroken

And that concludes the list for books like Unbroken!

Voila! If you enjoyed ‘Unbroken’ by Laura Hillenbrand, you’ll likely love similar books. These stories of courage and resilience during tough times remind us of the strength of the human spirit. Look for more tales of survival and determination in the face of challenges. From ‘The Boys in the Boat’ by Daniel James Brown to ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed, there’s a world of inspiring reads out there. So, grab a book, get comfy, and let these true accounts of bravery take you on unforgettable journeys of triumph.