Laura Hillenbrand

Laura Hillenbrand is one of the most acclaimed authors of our time. Born in 1967, she has written two New York Times bestsellers, Seabiscuit: An American Legend and Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. She has received numerous awards for her writing, including the Critics Choice Award, the Pacific Coast League Historical Award, and the Humanities Award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Hillenbrand first discovered her passion for writing at a young age. After high school, she attended Kenyon College and received a degree in English literature and history. Upon graduating, Hillenbrand began pursuing freelance writing opportunities, eventually finding success with magazines and newspapers.

In her early twenties, Hillenbrand was very much in touch with her own mortality when she was diagnosed with the incurable chronic fatigue syndrome. This experience changed her life by teaching her to appreciate the everyday moments and the power of the human spirit more than ever before. After her diagnosis, she was able to channel her hardships into her writing and found solace in working on stories of struggle and courage.

In 2001, Hillenbrand's first book, Seabiscuit: An American Legend, was released. The book chronicled the life of the legendary racehorse and his jockey, Red Pollard. The success of this book, which became a major motion picture and earned Hillenbrand numerous awards, completed her transformation from chronic fatigue syndrome victim to celebrated and successful author.

Hillenbrand's second book, and arguably her most famous work, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, was released in 2010. This book follows the extraordinary story of the World War II prisoner of war camp survivor, Louis Zamperini. Told in vivid detail, Hillenbrand brings the reader along the man's journey, from his cocky, youthful days as an Olympic hopeful on the track to his horrific experiences in Japanese prisoner camps and his eventual return home.

This book has become an international bestseller, with Hillenbrand herself traveling the world to promote it. Unbroken was adapted into an Academy-Award nominated movie, further catapulting Hillenbrand's name and writing into the global spotlight.

What any reader of Hillenbrand's work will readily recognize is her tireless research and dedication to her craft. It is no wonder so many of her books, articles, and essays have earned recognition. What is even more impressive is that she is able to write on so many levels, creating works of art that are popular among all ages.

From her first book, Seabiscuit: An American Legend to her latest work, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, Laura Hillenbrand has demonstrated that she is a masterful storyteller and gifted journalist. With her captivating accuracy and vivid detail, she is able to bring the reader deep into the lives and hearts of her characters while conveying strength, tragedy, and the beauty of the human spirit.