2024 the best-selling book on happiness review

Price: $18.99 - $12.87
(as of Dec 16, 2024 06:14:16 UTC - Details)

A New York Times Bestseller

In this uplifting memoir in the vein of The Last Lecture and Man’s Search for Meaning, a Holocaust survivor pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story, sharing his wisdom, and living his best possible life.

Born in Leipzig, Germany, into a Jewish family, Eddie Jaku was a teenager when his world was turned upside-down. On November 9, 1938, during the terrifying violence of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, Eddie was beaten by SS thugs, arrested, and sent to a concentration camp with thousands of other Jews across Germany. Every day of the next seven years of his life, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors in Buchenwald, Auschwitz, and finally on a forced death march during the Third Reich’s final days. The Nazis took everything from Eddie—his family, his friends, and his country. But they did not break his spirit.

Against unbelievable odds, Eddie found the will to survive. Overwhelming grateful, he made a promise: he would smile every day in thanks for the precious gift he was given and to honor the six million Jews murdered by Hitler. Today, at 100 years of age, despite all he suffered, Eddie calls himself the “happiest man on earth.” In his remarkable memoir, this born storyteller shares his wisdom and reflects on how he has led his best possible life, talking warmly and openly about the power of gratitude, tolerance, and kindness. Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. With The Happiest Man on Earth, Eddie shows us how. 

Filled with his insights on friendship, family, health, ethics, love, and hatred, and the simple beliefs that have shaped him, The Happiest Man on Earth offers timeless lessons for readers of all ages, especially for young people today.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Paperbacks (August 23, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0063097699
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063097698
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.47 x 8 inches
Reviewer: Kindle Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Wow
Review: Thank you so much for sharing!! It so touched my heart!! I am so impressed with your openness of how things happened. Thank you! So simple yet so true - kindness, friendship gives hope!! Loved it. Powerful and moving!! Worth reading!!!

Reviewer: Timeless49
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful, inspirational
Review: What an amazing and inspirational man was Eddie Jaku. How he was able to survive all the years of torment, savagery, hate, loss, betrayal and pain and yet still become a beacon of hope and love for millions is just unbelievable.

Reviewer: Amazon Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Heartbreaking but so inspiring.
Review: Life is beautiful, be kind,do for others and smile.This is what Eddie Jaku wants us to do! Thru his pain came happiness but never forget what happened.

Reviewer: A. D.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: eye-opening, heart wrenching and tragic to hear what a wonderful man endured. Love you Eddie, my new friend
Review: What a compelling story, to hear his own words and such detail of his memories. How we think we may ‘have a bad day’, we have no earthly idea of what others have endured. And he is so grateful for what he has now, to be able to share part of history, thank you Eddie!

Reviewer: D. Safir
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Very inspiring, but horrific, Holocaust novel.
Review: Being a child of the Holocaust (in a way - my parents escaped Austria just as it was being taken over and had to make a life in a totally new country - but I lost two aunts and one set of grandparents, while the other grandparents survived a work camp) I have been obsessed more than most with the horrors of WWII and the Nazis. I have read quite a few books on the war and the Nazis and a number of books on Auschwitz, in particular. I think this may be the last book on Auschwitz I will read for a while. It just affects me so much. This book is not a literary masterpiece, but written well enough for a person who survived the horrors of the camps and is not a professional writer. It is completely first person narrative, with no dialogue whatsoever. It comes across as totally genuine. At first I was relieved in that he seemed to escape the worst horrors of the camps. But then he eventually ended up in Auschwitz and recounted horrors there that I had not read about before. It really can be hard for me to read. He seems to have remembered so many details that I find it extraordinary. That probably is a result of his very scientific and well organized thought processes. I didn't give the book five stars for two reasons. The writing was adequate, but not outstanding. But most of all, I think the book got too preachy. The fact that having a friend who was there, after he lost his whole family, and how that kept him going is certainly something that he should relate to us. Likewise, the amount of damage a body can take and still survive when there is a positive attitude, I.e. mind over matter, is another very good point. Likewise, the idea that survival is, in essence, a way to win against evil like the Nazis. These are all very good points. But I think that the author went overboard in talking about these things. The book is what I would imagine his inspirational speeches are like. I think there could have been a little less of that and this would still have had a great impact. But four stars is still a very positive review and I highly recommend this, especially to people who don't know what being in Auschwitz was like.

Reviewer: C Melton
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Amazing Story of Amazing Grace
Review: This is the best book I've read in as long as I can remember. Thank you for sharing your story Mr. Jaku. Through unimaginable pain, suffering, and grief he experienced at the hands of his fellow man he chose joy and happiness, kindness and generosity. He did not let evil win.

Reviewer: Shhyam
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A “must-read” for everyone
Review: I couldn’t put this book down. Every sentence is so impactful, drawing me deeper into the profound stories and reflections on the Holocaust. The author brings to life the unimaginable courage, resilience, and sorrow of that time, leaving an indelible mark with each chapter. Highly recommend this read for anyone looking to understand this chapter of history on a more personal level.

Reviewer: Nidhi
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: story of survival, friendship, HOPE & love!!
Review: A shocking retelling of one man’s experiences during WII and how the power of choosing hope has made all the difference. Eddie’s story is truly touching and humbling in a world where history repeats itself, it’s wise to take advise from someone who has experienced life as he has.Make yourself a new friend and read The Happiest Man on Earth. Through the darkness, you’ll find hope and inspiration for your own life.This book wakes each us up to just how serious and dangerous hate can be in our society. As individuals we must never take for granted the precious freedoms we enjoy in our country and realize our responsibility as citizens to protect these freedoms from individuals who promote hate“Hate is the beginning of a disease, like cancer. It may kill your enemy, but it will destroy you in the process too. Don’t blame others for your misfortunes. No one has ever said that life is easy, but it is easier if you love it. If you hate your life, it becomes impossible to live. This is why I try to be kind.”“Life is not always happiness. Sometimes, there are many hard days. But you must remember that you are lucky to be alive – we are all lucky in this way. Every breath is a gift. Life is beautiful if you let it be. Happiness is in your hands.”

Reviewer: Xeniya Danilov
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: "Happiest Man Alive" by Eddie Jaku is a deeply inspiring memoir that recounts the author's incredible journey of resilience, survival, and ultimately finding happiness despite enduring the horrors of the Holocaust. Jaku's storytelling is poignant and heartfelt, offering valuable lessons on the power of positivity, forgiveness, and the importance of human connections. His unwavering optimism and wisdom shine through, making this book a profound and uplifting read. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest times, happiness can be found.

Reviewer: Roberta
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Não podemos esquecer nunca!! Um livro comovente, muito bem escrito, com uma linda lição de que o amor vence sempre!! Bravo, Mr Jaku!

Reviewer: thuytran
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: This is a book that makes me appreciate life and friendship even more.

Reviewer: Maven
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I just finished this book, and I’m left with a heavy heart and a deep sense of reflection. This book is truly a masterpiece. Reading it felt like sitting beside a wise, compassionate grandfather and listening to his life experiences.Eddie Jaku's account of the Holocaust is both harrowing and enlightening. He provides a profound and detailed perspective on the immense pain endured during that dark period. Yet, amidst the suffering, Jaku imparts invaluable life lessons on happiness and resilience. Each chapter is filled with wisdom that not only recounts history but also inspires readers to find joy and meaning in their own lives.The emotional weight of this book has shifted my perspective on life. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of embracing happiness despite life’s trials. I believe this book is a must-read for everyone. It has earned a solid 5 stars from me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a moving and thought-provoking read.

Reviewer: Sunny
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: This book is beautifully.Even though the story is heartbreaking it tells the value of life. I really cried at some parts and was close to tears most the time. But it talks about the importance of kindness. Highly recommended, I could not stop reading. He makes it clear that -with hope and kindness- you can achieve everything and after a hard time there will be happiness. If you don't give up hope you will survive.If you want a little idea of what it feels like go read this book it reminded me of the song "Beautiful Things" - Benson Boone