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frommars's review against another edition
4.0
the second way of finding a meaning in life is by experiencing something - such as goodness, truth and beauty - by experiencing nature and culture or, last but not least, by experiencing another human being in his very uniqueness - by loving him.
found a lot of comfort in the idea that even if it's so hard to see at times, there is some sort of meaning to life. hidden, hard to grasp, but it's there and it's eventually what pulls us forward, no matter how much easier it would be to just lose all hope.
+ how we should stop with our dissatisfaction with what we were dealt by life, but rather find its meanin and keep going until we find something closer to our greater temporary meaning.
Graphic: Violence, Antisemitism, and Genocide
Minor: Cannibalism
annadrinksmilk's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Antisemitism, Violence, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
samdalefox's review against another edition
5.0
The book was recommended by my mental health counsellor, highlighting Frankl's finding and assertion that the only thing a person has control over, is their attitude to their circumstances. This aspect has certainly helped me in my own mental health work.
Unlike some of the other reviews, I enjoyed the second part of the book as much as the first. (I read the 80's edition). This may be because of my medical science background and interest in psychiatry. I found Frankl's way of describing his personal experiences almost objectively, quite comforting and appealed to my natural way of thinking. Although the field has developed since his writing, I found it very interesting learning about logotherapy and found it complemented my interest in existentialism. I do think some of the observations he makes are still very relevant today, especially his comments relating to existential boredom.
The first part of the book where he describes his experiences in concentration camps was, of course, difficult to read. However this is the first time I've 'enjoyed' (for lack of a better word) reading about the Holocaust. Previous historical iterations from secondary sources always had the whiff of political war propaganda to me. Frankl's lived experience retelling has no such endorsement of war. What was significant for me, was he not only described his and other's various suffering, but attempted to explain it too. E.g. Why the prisoners and guards reacted in the ways they did. How their psychology and identity was affected as well as their physical health. Frankl goes through each stage of the prisoner's psychological response to his trauma.
Overall, a harrowing, but important read. I think it has the potential to help many people. Maybe be more compassionate to others, maybe employ some logotherapy principles to their own life, maybe become more consciously opposed to war.
Moderate: Genocide, Emotional abuse, War, Suicide, Death, Confinement, Antisemitism, Violence, Torture, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, and Murder
Holocaustcupofchait's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Antisemitism, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Genocide, and War
applesaucecreachur's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Antisemitism, Violence, Torture, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Hate crime, Grief, Genocide, and Death
Moderate: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gore
Minor: War
pluviophile's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Antisemitism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Physical abuse, Slavery, and Violence
georgiarybanks's review against another edition
3.0
Minor: Antisemitism, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Violence
margztgz's review against another edition
5.0
Frankl has the unique voice of a poet, survivor, psychologist, and philosopher all rolled into one. I feel absolutely touched, and will now genuinely be readjusting my entire outlook on life. One of my favorite books I have read this year, to be sure. Everyone, please pick this up at least once!
Graphic: Antisemitism, Bullying, Cannibalism, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Grief, Hate crime, Murder, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Trafficking, Torture, Violence, War, and Self harm
sophie_visentin's review
4.75
Graphic: Antisemitism, Death, Emotional abuse, and Genocide
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Cannibalism
adearen's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Antisemitism, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Mass/school shootings, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Racial slurs, Racism, and War