The best Holocaust Biographies: Reddit reviews

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You aren't looking hard enough then. Read a few books about the Holocaust, everything you can imagine happened in concentration and extermination camps.

I can't recommend this one enough: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Volunteer-Story-Resistance-Infiltrated-Auschwitz/dp/0753545187/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1P8YW6SUGLIVA&dchild=1&keywords=escape+from+auschwitz&qid=1604689189&s=books&sprefix=escape+ausc%2Cundefined%2C169&sr=1-6

If more people read books like the one I just linked then more people would more easily understand how abhorrent the Holocaust was.

This book stood out to me for a few reasons. It's an insane story, it's very easy to read and it contains detailed sources including photos of most of the people mentioned (including Nazi guards etc.).

You've got some heavy shit to deal with. Lots of serious situations, all going down at the same time. I can offer some perspectives & procedures that have helped me, and maybe help you.

1- You are NOT your thoughts. Your thoughts are instantaneous electro-chemical impulses that are so transitory, they can barely be said to exist. They will rise. They will fall away.

They're like a massive cascading waterfall- the trick is to position yourself behind the waterfall

2- Acknowledge your feelings. Allow them to pass. The physiological effects of emotions on your body can be profound- but even the strongest ones pass in moments. Unless you continue to regenerate them. "Noting"... the act of recognizing a thought or emotion... is often enough to dispel it. Note what you're feeling in a depersonalized way ("That's anger", "That's anxiety"... NOT "I'm angry" or "I'm anxious").

3- Focus on what you CAN control, Accept what you can't. This is one of the pillars of Stoicism. There's no profit in getting twisted up about things you can't change. Viktor Frankl said that even in the worst situation, each individual has the ultimate power, "The last of the human freedoms: to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way"

4- The Obstacle is the Way Understand that every crisis, every hardship, is an opportunity to develop some other virtue. Patience, Endurance, Compassion, Courage, Resourcefulness... skills that would lie dormant unless you were challenged.

5- See things as they are, not as you wish, not as you fear. Optimism and Pessimism are for suckers. Realism is the way to go. Your fortunes will rise and fall. Determine that no matter what happens, you'll be able to handle it, with competence and dignity.

​

I wish you well.

Finding purpose and direction.

Check out this book. It's by a psychologist who was imprisoned in Auschwitz who made it his purpose while there to understand (and teach) what helps people through hopeless adversity.

https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X

Thats exactly where this quote is from. What makes it even more powerful is that this thought is in response to being sent to a concentration camp to die.

If Frankl could maintain this mentality while being worked to near death and having to constantly outsmart gestapo, no one here has any valid excuse as to why they can't cultivate that same mindset.

Seriously, everyone get this book. Its like 200 pages (if that) of some of the most compelling writing you'll ever read.

I was you, about two years ago. I had fully committed to being a great dad and a great husband, but had stopped developing as an individual. Figuring that out is an excellent first step to, as you said, getting your life back in balance.

Here are two books that helped me:

Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl: It's a short book by a Holocaust survivor that deals with controlling your attitude at all times, and having perspective on where you are compared to where you want to be.

A Guide to the Good Life, by William Irvine: A good modern take on Stoicism, or the philosophy of taking life in stride. Contrary to common belief, it's not about eschewing all emotions and being joyless; it's about embracing joy in all things, acknowledging and preparing for grief but not letting them overwhelm you, and being mentally present in day-to-day life. Plan for the future, but don't forget to take joy in the small moments of the present.

Edited in links.

I’m sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time and wish you all the best.

1. Man’s Search For Meaning https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X

2. The Stoic Challenge https://www.amazon.com/Stoic-Challenge-Philosophers-Becoming-Resilient/dp/0393652491

I’ve read many books that I think could help but I’ll start by recommending these based off what you have said.

His writings and story is told in a fantastically gripping book "The Volunteer" by Jack Fairweather.

Viktor Frankl - "Man's Search for Meaning"

He was a Jewish psychiatrist who survived multiple of the worst concentration camps of WWII. It's an incredibly powerful book. It's sometimes published under the title: "From Death Camp to Existentialism: Man's Search for Meaning". The dude actually figured out how to find meaning and purpose in his life from surviving the worst horrors of the Holocaust.

https://www.amazon.ca/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X

This situation is not like yours, but it may bring you insight: Man's search for meaning. It's a book of a holocaust survivor and his story on how he managed to stay optimistic despite his torture. "...Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose"

As some one in occupation for 2 month and almost no hope to escape, I fear of death I see the bearers of death every day it may happen. I 'm your age lived very same life and have same thoughts before war. Now I'm despaired because I don't have anything to even feed my cats. But I know life worth live I have so much to do and I have mom to help, I simply must. Try this book!

Well, it depends in your personal interests and leanings, but I would probably recommend Frankl's book Man's Search for Meaning. It's a classic and an easy read: https://www.amazon.ca/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X

I can only add my support for you. This is hard. This sucks. But you are striving for something that has true meaning. My go-to in this context is Victor Frankle. (I highly recommend the audio version and getting it from your public library through the Libby/Hoopla/Overdrive app).

Reaching out, venting, processing your emotions are such healthy steps and I'm so glad you are taking them.

There is a discussion about the emotional health of men in infertility treatments (not specific to any type of infertility). It is free and about 90 minutes at www.andrologysociety.org. It gives context to the emotional health of men in general and leading up to a MFI.

That's a tough one, I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling with these. Existential crises are the worst. Once you're in the dark hole it can seem impossible to experience anything but that.

I took a grad course on mindfulness and meaning. This book, Man's Search for Meaning, is one of my favorites. The author is Dr. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist, neurologist, and Holocaust survivor. The book was published in 1959 but holds up today. It's a really incredible book. He's kind of the essence of inspiring quotes about meaning today.

The way I found meaning was through mindfulness. Getting to know myself better, and what I value. It's a process. It won't happen overnight, it takes time and patience, and reminders to be kind to yourself.

I highly recommend Dr. Frankl's book. Or even just google him and look up some of the things he's written. He's so so so inspirational, at least to me. If he can find light in the darkest of times, we all can.

But it isn't easy and sometimes it's so frustrating because it isn't apparent!! Like what the hell, why doesn't meaning just materialize?

For me, when I was in a dark place, I went back to basics. I've always loved animals. I wanted to be a vet as a kid. Start with something small that you love. Keep going.

I wish I could help you more. I hope you research Viktor Frankl and check out his book.

Wishing you the best <3

Man's Search for Meaning is the memoir of a psychiatrist who survived labor in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz

Maybe reading "Man's Search for Meaning" will help you find the right mission for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=victor+frankl&amp;qid=1558638288&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-3

It sounds like your life lacks purpose. Perhaps step outside yourself and try to help others? Volunteer? You're in your head too much. Once you can give yourself to a community, I think you'll worry less about your own problems while providing solutions for others.

I've been there man. Some days I'm still in it. What helped me immensely was starting Brazilian Jujitsu. I belong to an amazing community of like-minded people. Every day I get to help people newer than me while testing myself against people that are better than me. But you don't have to do exactly that, just try to fill your time with a purpose. Look into Viktor Frankl.

Best of luck my friend.

Hi! I wrote this to OP but I want to leave it for you too-

Please please read/listen on audio book to “Mans Search for Meaning” by Dr. Viktor Frankl. He was a psychiatrist that survived multiple concentration camps, and while in the camps he would treat patients. After the war treated survivors who had lost all sense of purpose and meaning in life. He has some deep, powerful wisdom on finding meaning in suffering. Man's Search for Meaning https://www.amazon.com/dp/080701429X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zeNCBbEPS3SG3

Hugs to you fellow warrior, you will find your “why” that will make surviving worthwhile. I believe in you ❤️ You have something unique only YOU has ever brought to this planet, or ever will again. You have a purpose, an impact to make. I personally would’ve killed myself years and years ago but I have found my “why” that keeps me going and gives me strength. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk.

Ok but we're still mostly Christian.

He was a closeted supporter in many ways. https://www.amazon.com/Hitlers-Pope-Secret-History-Pius/dp/014311400X

Mussolini had a treaty with the Pope for support, despite Mussolini being an atheist

Kx is in.. table minimized... no reason to watch... its a clear spot... i focus on what I can control; not what i can't which is the result of a hand once I shove my stack in.

We have busted directly into AKo apparently as I checked the hand history; as long as I don't look at it real time.

In fact I wouldn't have even acknowledged it in real time if I wasn't writing this.

The point is: You've read it in Man's Search for Meaning and you will hear it from me a professional poker player: You are only stunting your growth as a player and person by giving something 'power over you' which you have no control of. In that MTT I either have more chips and feel neutral, or I'm busted out of the tournament.

The problem is by looking at the meaningless result real time the best possible scenario is I feel NEUTRAL; and the worst possible scenario is RAGE.

IT IS A TRAP DOOR MY FRIENDS. The only way to avoid the trap door in the first place is to refuse to open it. It then loses any power over you and you can find a better door.

The more self aware you become the more trap doors you will avoid. The more trap doors you will avoid; the more you free up your resources to have a chance of opening a NEW DOOR ENTIRELY. This is where the fun begins my dears.

Maybe try reading some work by Viktor Frankl. He wrote a lot about the meaning of life. https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1476438491&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=viktor+frankl

Reading philosophy in general may also be a good one to get your mind off things. Marcus Aurelius and Marcus Cicero are some good ones. If you are into eastern philosophy, books by the Dalai Lama are really good.

Reading your request, I instantly thought of Man's Search for Meaning. It's part actual story, part inward journey, of a man who survived the camps during the Holocaust when everyone around him perished. It's a short read, but honestly one of the most uplifting and powerful books you'll ever read.

Forgiving others who were responsible. Then forgive yourself for viewing the world negatively.

Then letting-go of the past is the only way to progress.

Try reading this book, [Man's Search for Meaning](www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X/).

Absolutely even if youre in a nazi concentration camp you can control your mindset. Your mindset is not influenced by your environment rather your perceptions. Read Man's Search for Meaning

I wish I was as good at suggesting solutions as I am at breaking down problems. What I can tell you is that you have been profoundly injured through no fault of your own. There are scars all over your psyche, and I do not presume to be able to fix them here.

What I can do is attempt to point you in the right direction. Here are some useful places to start: http://www.voicelessness.com/essay.html Read those essays and see if they apply to you. What I want you to get from them is an understanding that you are not alone. I want to instill in you an understanding of what made you the way you are. LIE, none of this is your fault. No one deserves to feel so profoundly lost and rudderless like you do. There is a subreddit called /r/raisedbynarcissists, maybe that will also help you find the understanding that you are desperately seeking.

After you do that, I want you to read this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X

I am running out of energy here. For your future outlook, you need to forgive yourself for the way you currently are. But you need to accept that in order to feel fulfilled, you must change, fundamentally. You need to learn to set boundaries, hold yourself accountable for your work, hold others accountable for their actions and the way they treat you, you need to learn how to put yourself in others' shoes. The more we seek to understand others the more we learn about ourselves.

But I am optimistic about the outlook for you because you have sought help. You exhibit the desire to change, and at such a young age as well. Hold onto this desire, LIE, and be brave during your adventure of self discovery and change. I see you, I feel you, I'm rooting for you. Good luck!

Here's the source. He kept the manuscripts and willed them to the Netherlands Institute for War Documentation, where they were authenticated before being published in full.

It's not hard to come by. The 'censorship' that took place was in the 1940s. Her original diary and her self-edited version have been available for 30 years.

If you want to move on to something a bit more heavy check out Man's Search for Meaning At 2.99 for a Kindle edition you can't argue too much.

As a Master's student I found to love of reading when I could read what I wanted to and not what I was told to read. For me reading non-fiction helped me get more interested in reading. Something about a real person living what I was reading made it that much more interesting. Hope you find the love of reading. Stick with it!

Hello, Mr Singer, first may I say one of the most compelling books that I've read in recent yrs was your work about your grandfather who was a contemporary of Freud and who perished in a concentration camp. http://www.amazon.com/Pushing-Time-Away-Grandfather-Tragedy/dp/0060501316 (wonderful book, for those who haven't read it) How do you think your grandfather's story colours your world view? Do you think your aversion to unkindness comes directly out of learning about the horrors he lived through?Thank you for the book and for trying to be a force of good in the world.

Have you read Man's Search for Meaning? It probably won't answer your questions, but it deals with a lot of them. Viktor Frankl was a psychologist who was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp during WWII and as a result, developed his theory of Logotherapy which assists people in finding meaning in their own life.

I don't agree with everything he says (I don't believe that suffering well, in its own right, is enough of a meaning but I also was never in a concentration camp) but it might help you frame your thoughts.

Man's Search for Meaning is a fantastic book, especially (I would think) for someone feeling down or lost in life. I just finished it and it has given me renewed purpose and direction in my increasingly confusing life. I will say that I am not, nor have I been depressed before, but he talks about finding meaning in life be it though a vocation, another person, or even suffering, if it can't be avoided. He uses his experience in Nazi Concentration Camps during the Second World War as a backdrop for discussing what brings people happiness and fulfillment in their lives, even in the most dire of circumstances.

If you're interested, the reviews on amazon do a pretty good job of describing it in more detail, but I have nothing but praise for this book.