The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country. But all of that changed on 9 November 1938, when he was beaten, arrested and taken to a concentration camp. Over the next seven years, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors every day, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, then on the Nazi death march. He lost family, friends, his country. Because he survived, Eddie made the vow to smile every day. He pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story, sharing his wisdom and living his best possible life. He now believes he is the 'happiest man on earth'.

An intriguing story 8/1

An incredibly somber story, yet somehow told in such an inspiring and uplifting way. Easy quick read!

This is a book about the experiences of 100 year old Eddie Jaku in the second world war. We are all familiar with the terrible things that happened during the Holocaust. Although this story itself has been told before, it remains impressive and mind-boggling to read. Like Eddie, I am perplexed at the mean and heartlessness that a human being can be capable of.

The reason I don't give the book four or five stars has to do with me not always agreeing with Eddie's reasoning. As an example, he indicates that he does not understand why people did nothing to stop the Nazis. At the end of the book he says he cannot forgive Germany and the people who have done nothing to stop the nazis. I completely understand that he does not forgive Hitler. However, the people who have done nothing feared for their lives just as much as he did. Going against the Nazis meant death, he says that himself too. So I can imagine that the people were afraid and took care of their own families and safety. There were several things like this that I thought differently of.

Despite those things, I have a lot of respect and admiration for a man who has endured all this and ends up calling himself the happiest man in the world. What strength and courage you must have to be able to endure this. The life lessons described in the book include the importance of hope, courage, friendship and love. Which are also reflected in the stories. He calls the reader his friend, and I'm glad to be one!