The Happiest Man on Earth

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In this uplifting memoir, a Holocaust survivor pays tribute to those lost by sharing his story and wisdom. Born in Leipzig, Germany, into a Jewish family, Eddie Jaku's life changed dramatically as a teenager during Kristallnacht, when he was beaten by SS thugs and sent to a concentration camp. Over the next seven years, he endured unimaginable horrors in Buchenwald, Auschwitz, and on a forced death march during the Third Reich's final days. Despite the Nazis taking everything from him—his family, friends, and country—Eddie's spirit remained unbroken. He found the will to survive against overwhelming odds and made a promise to smile every day in gratitude for the life he was given, honoring the six million Jews murdered by Hitler. Now at 100 years old, Eddie considers himself the "happiest man on earth." Through his remarkable journey, he reflects on gratitude, tolerance, and kindness, emphasizing that life can be beautiful if we choose to make it so. Filled with insights on friendship, family, health, ethics, love, and hatred, this memoir offers timeless lessons for readers of all ages, especially young people today.