Every once in a while, you read a book that sticks with you—not just for a few days, but for years. For me, that book is Hiroshima by John Hersey. And if you ask me what book everyone should read at least once in their life, this is it. Hands down. No contest.
Hiroshima isn’t a long book, but wow, does it pack a punch. Hersey tells the true stories of six survivors of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, following their lives before, during, and after the bombing. It’s not just a history lesson or a list of facts—it’s a window into real, ordinary people who were suddenly thrust into extraordinary, horrifying circumstances.
Reading it, I felt like I was standing right there with them, watching their lives change in an instant. There were moments that had me in tears, moments that made me stop and put the book down just to process what I’d read, and moments that made me think about things I’d never really considered before. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
I won’t sugarcoat it: it’s not an easy read emotionally. But it’s so worth it. Hersey’s writing is simple, clear, and unflinching, which makes it all the more powerful. He doesn’t sensationalize the events—he just tells them. And sometimes, that quiet honesty is the most devastating thing of all.
If you’ve never read Hiroshima, I highly recommend picking it up. Whether you’re a history buff or not, it’s one of those books that puts humanity front and center. It reminds you that behind every historical event are individual people with families, dreams, fears, and resilience.
Definitely a five-star read for me. If you’re looking for something that will move you, challenge you, and maybe even change the way you see the world, this is it. Just… maybe have some tissues handy.
