Laura Hillenbrand
Laura Hillenbrand: A Biography
Full Name and Common Aliases
Laura Hillenbrand is widely recognized by her full name, without any common aliases. Her name has become synonymous with compelling storytelling and meticulous research, earning her a respected place in the literary world.
Birth and Death Dates
Laura Hillenbrand was born on May 15, 1967. As of the latest available information, she is alive and continues to contribute to the literary community.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Laura Hillenbrand is an American author and essayist. She is best known for her non-fiction works that bring historical events and figures to life with vivid detail and emotional depth. Her profession as a writer has garnered her critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.
Early Life and Background
Laura Hillenbrand was born in Fairfax, Virginia, and grew up in a family that valued education and storytelling. Her early life was marked by a love for reading and writing, which she pursued with passion. Hillenbrand attended Kenyon College in Ohio, where she began to hone her skills as a writer. However, her college years were interrupted by a debilitating illness, chronic fatigue syndrome, which significantly impacted her life and career. Despite this challenge, Hillenbrand's determination and resilience became defining characteristics of her personal and professional journey.
Major Accomplishments
Laura Hillenbrand's major accomplishments are highlighted by her ability to transform historical narratives into engaging and accessible stories. Her first book, "Seabiscuit: An American Legend," published in 2001, became a runaway success. It spent 42 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list and was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film. Her second book, "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption," published in 2010, also achieved critical and commercial success, remaining on The New York Times Best Seller list for over four years. "Unbroken" was later adapted into a film directed by Angelina Jolie, further cementing Hillenbrand's status as a master storyteller.
Notable Works or Actions
Laura Hillenbrand's notable works include "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" and "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption." Both books are celebrated for their meticulous research and compelling narratives. Hillenbrand's writing style is characterized by its clarity, depth, and ability to evoke emotion, drawing readers into the lives of her subjects. Her work has been praised for its historical accuracy and the way it brings forgotten stories to the forefront of public consciousness.
Impact and Legacy
Laura Hillenbrand's impact on literature and history is profound. Her books have not only entertained millions but have also educated readers about significant historical events and figures. Hillenbrand's ability to humanize history and make it accessible to a broad audience has inspired a new generation of writers and historians. Her legacy is one of perseverance and dedication to her craft, demonstrating that even in the face of personal challenges, one can achieve greatness and leave a lasting mark on the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Laura Hillenbrand is widely quoted and remembered for her exceptional storytelling and her ability to bring history to life. Her quotes often reflect her deep understanding of human resilience and the power of the human spirit, themes that resonate with readers across the globe. Hillenbrand's work is a testament to the enduring power of narrative to inspire, educate, and connect people. Her contributions to literature have made her a beloved figure, and her words continue to inspire those who seek to understand the complexities of history and the triumphs of the human condition.
Quotes by Laura Hillenbrand
Laura Hillenbrand's insights on:
I'm attracted to subjects who overcome tremendous suffering and learn to cope emotionally with it.
While it's really hard to do, at the same time, I'm escaping my body, which I really want to do. I'm living someone else's life. I get very intensely into the story, into the interviews and the research. I'm experiencing things along with my subjects. I have a freedom I don't have in my physical life.
I was 8 years old when I went across the street from my house to a fair, and they always had a used book sale. For a quarter I bought a book called 'Come On Seabiscuit.' I loved that book. It stayed with me all those years.
I got sick when I was 19, and I'd been a really healthy 19-year-old, so I don't have a lot to compare it to. Does it feel like the pain after you give birth? I don't know.
I've used a cellphone exactly twice. Things move on. The world changes. And I don't know it.
For me, being a writer was never a choice. I was born one. All through my childhood I wrote short stories and stuffed them in drawers. I wrote on everything. I didn't do my homework so I could write.
I think if I had been writing fiction, where the work is entirely dependent on the writer's creativity and the potential directions the narrative might take are infinite, I might have frozen.
In terms of writing about horses, I fell backwards into that. I was intent on getting a Ph.D., becoming a professor, and writing on history but I got sick 14 years ago when I was 19. Getting sick derailed that plan completely.
They bowed their heads together as Louie prayed. If God would quench their thirst, he vowed, he’d dedicate his life to him. The next day, by divine intervention or the fickle humors of the tropics, the sky broke open and rain poured down. Twice more the water ran out, twice more they prayed, and twice more the rain came. The showers gave them just enough water to last a short while longer. If only a plane would come.