Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Laura Hillenbrand

“Unbroken” chronicles the amazing life of American, Louis Zamperini. An Olympic competitor in the 1936 Berlin Games, Louis starts training for the Tokyo Olympics in 1940. However, when World War II breaks out in Europe, the Tokyo Games are cancelled. Drafted into the Army Air Corps, Louis is posted to an island in the Pacific. One day, whilst out on a search and rescue mission, Louis’s bomber ditches into the ocean, leaving Louis and two other crewmen adrift on a tiny raft in shark infested waters. After many weeks floating along on the current, starving, thirsty and constantly harassed by sharks, the survivors wind up in Japanese territory. Louis’s journey has only just begun.

“Unbroken” is the extraordinary true story of a juvenile delinquent turned Olympic runner turned War hero. A riveting read, it will appeal to a wide readership.

(Reviewed by Jill)

The Distant Hours

Kate Morton

A letter delivered in 1992 – 50 years late – provokes such an emotional response in Edie’s normally-repressed mother, that Edie becomes determined to find out why. Her search leads her to a crumbling castle in the English countryside where she finds three elderly sisters and becomes entangled in their tragic family mysteries.
Set in both 1992 and wartime England, this is an intriguing story of madness, lost love, forbidden love, family duty, and a literary mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and got completely drawn in to the mysterious world of the Blythe family. Readers who enjoy historical and family dramas with a bit of mystery thrown in should enjoy this.

(We also have this book on CD in our Adult's Spoken word collection)

(Reviewed by Angela.)

Do you love mysteries?

Stop, you’re killing me! is an online resource for lovers of mystery, crime, thriller, spy, and suspense books.

This is a great website for any fan of mystery fiction of all kinds. Over 3 200 authors are listed, along with 36 000 of their titles. A great place to start if you’ve run out of ideas for what to read next or want to check what comes next in a mystery series.

The site has numerous ways to access information and compiles lists of mystery award winners, mysteries set in specific locations and historical periods, and readalikes. You can also discover lists of books by character name, character job (e.g. lawyers, teachers, librarians, clergy) or character “diversity” (e.g. Jewish, Seniors, Gay & Lesbian).

Go to www.StopYoureKillingMe.com and explore … if you dare!

Haunted heart: the life and times of Stephen King

Lisa Rogak

Ever wondered where Stephen King comes up with his scary story ideas? Well, this book goes some way to answering this question. It seems the books are often based on his own fears, and he feels writing about them helps keep them under control.

I found this unauthorised biography fascinating reading: from King’s dirt-poor childhood, to his college years, to the publication of his first book, to his battle with alcohol and drug addiction, to his huge success, and his battle back from the life-threatening injuries sustained when hit by a van while out walking. Fans of King will enjoy learning some of the background to his most famous works, plus find out what he really thought about the film version of The shining!

(Reviewed by Angela.)

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