Name: Ellen Ivey's review of The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku
Item: The Happiest Man on Earth
Rating: 5
Author: Ellen Ivey

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'.

The Happiest Man on Earth

Aurore

So, after you put this book down, please, remember to take time to appreciate every moment of your life – the good, the bad. Sometimes there will be tears. Sometimes there will be laughter. And if you are lucky, there will be friends to share it all with, as I have known throughout my life.

Here is what I learned. Happiness does not fall from the sky; it is in your hands. Happiness comes from inside yourself and from the people you love. And if you are healthy and happy, you are a millionaire. And happiness is the only thing in the world that doubles each time you share it.

Jane Lawn

Easily one of the best and most worthwhile books I have read.

Ellen Ivey

Sandrin

"There is no medicine for your morals. If your morals are gone, you go." 

A truly tragic story filled with optimism from a man who has survived unimaginable atrocities and still retained his humanity. The way he writes is fairly simple, but that is what makes it more impactful for me. Even though what he went through is horrific and at times hard to read about, he never fails to express his hope for the future and belief in the goodness of people.

Elspeth calcraft

an incredible mindset for someone who has been through the worst human kind has done

WINNER OF THE ABIA BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR 2021 Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you. Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country. But all of that changed in 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 a 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'. Published as Eddie turns 100, this is a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times. SHORTLISTED FOR THE ABA NIELSEN BOOK BOOKSELLERS' CHOICE - ADULT NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021 SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS FOR NON-FICTION 2021 LONGLISTED FOR MATT RICHELL AWARD FOR NEW WRITER OF THE YEAR 2021 Praise for The Happiest Man on Earth 'This simple, moving account of a remarkable life offers plenty to think about and reflect on . . . Highly recommended.' Canberra Weekly 'I have never met Eddie Jaku, but having read his book I feel like I have made a new friend . . . This is a beautiful book by a truly amazing man.' Daily Telegraph 'A reminder of the power of love, kindness and hope . . . A life-affirming story, beautifully told.' Sydney Morning Herald 'Jaku's memoir can be our private celebration of evil that was ultimately vanquished.' Country Style 'His tale is compelling and particularly pertinent as we struggle to make sense of challenging times.' Weekend Post 'He acknowledges suffering but resists being defined by it, adhering instead to his philosophy of choosing a radical form of humanity, a resistance both potent and infectious.' Australian Book Review 'What an amazing, beautiful human' Magda Szubanski 'A beautiful soul' Lisa Wilkinson 'Eddie is a human diamond, and his story of survival, hope and the importance of kindness is what the world needs now.' Zoë Foster Blake

Melissa Palmer

Powerful

A powerful and moving book of a holocaust survivor. A must read. I highly recommend to high school and adult readers.

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku is a touching book about his incredible survival during a very difficult time in history, the Holocaust. Jaku tells his story with a lot of feeling, describing the big challenges he faced in Nazi concentration camps and the sad losses he experienced. Despite these very hard times, the main idea of the book is about Jaku's strength, his ability to forgive, and his strong belief in the kindness and positivity that can help us overcome tough situations.

Jaku also talks a lot about how important family is to him. He shares personal stories that show how his family's love helped him through the worst times. Family is like the most important thing in his life, and he talks about it a lot in the book.

For me, this book was very touching and made me think in a new way. It made me consider what's really important in life. I wondered how reading this book when I was younger, maybe around 15, could have changed how I see the importance of family and how harmful hatred can be. Eddie Jaku's story shows that love is really strong and that holding onto hate causes a lot of harm. 🤍 

Magaly Belmontes

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku is a touching book about his incredible survival during a very difficult time in history, the Holocaust. Jaku tells his story with a lot of feeling, describing the big challenges he faced in Nazi concentration camps and the sad losses he experienced. Despite these very hard times, the main idea of the book is about Jaku's strength, his ability to forgive, and his strong belief in the kindness and positivity that can help us overcome tough situations.

Jaku also talks a lot about how important family is to him. He shares personal stories that show how his family's love helped him through the worst times. Family is like the most important thing in his life, and he talks about it a lot in the book.

For me, this book was very touching and made me think in a new way. It made me consider what's really important in life. I wondered how reading this book when I was younger, maybe around 15, could have changed how I see the importance of family and how harmful hatred can be. Eddie Jaku's story shows that love is really strong and that holding onto hate causes a lot of harm. 🤍 

Fortune Atuakpoho

Keven Wang

One of the best books I've ever read. Truly shows what humanity is and why it will be always stronger than hate. Has many beautiful messages and I will definitely re-read it!

Dominik Hofer

The moving and inspiring story of an Auschwitz survivor who shares what he's learned about gratitude, tolerance and kindness.

The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor

Vishwa

Jaku's story is gripping, and not as depressing as I expected - which made this a much more positive/forward looking/hope filled read. (Though his circumstances were, by all means, absolutely horrible — but this book does not go into as much visual detail of holocaust horrors as some other things I've read.) I enjoyed the message: friendship and hope enables tenacity. Happiness is a choice. Good, fast moving storytelling. Felt a bit repetitive at times with reiteration of what kept Jaku motivated, but that's how he processed his circumstances. Overall would recommend if you're interested in the genre as it's well written!

Tracie McMurray

This book is incredible. The way that a centenarian writes about his life is very different from how a 40 year old or 50 year old tells their story of survival. It is brimming with perspective. Also, it will appeal to young people because Eddie did what students think they would do. He stood up for himself, he figured out ways to escape, and more. I loved it! Wonderful life advice from someone who lived life well.

Eva Bailey

I am speechless. I read this in one sitting, my new friend Eddie Jaku is the most courageous and beautiful person. I cried many times reading this but Eddie's positivity, even with everything that he was dealt made this impossible to put down. This should be mandatory reading.

Euodias

When I say I cried really hard reading this... I meant this book completely wrecked me. It was so sad listening to his story that by the end of the book, I was full-out sobbing. Like snot and all. There were so many great moments and inspirational lines that were so beautiful and touching. 

Knowing everything he's gone through in life, when he said "We are here, Hitler is down there. This to me is the best revenge. And the only one I'm interested in. To be the happiest man on earth." 

I was in tears. 

I loved everything about this book. SO SO GOOD.

Laura Mitchell Hutchinson

Shocking, eye-opening and beautiful. (As Glennon Doyle would say, BRUTIFUL). Soooooo important. Everyone should read/listen to this story. I would like to give it one hundred stars out of five.

Megan Rose

** spoiler alert **
           This memoir is sorrowful and heart-wrenching, but also filled with hope. It is not a very long book, but every page is important and impactful and everyone should add it to their reading list.

Eddie starts off his book and continues throughout to call us his friends, and by the end, I truly felt that.

Thank you for sharing your story, Eddie.

Jane Lawn &
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

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Jane Lawn &
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku