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  • The Happiest Man on Earth

  • The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor
  • Written by: Eddie Jaku
  • Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill
  • Length: 3 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (165 ratings)

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The Happiest Man on Earth

Written by: Eddie Jaku
Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill
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Publisher's Summary

In this uplifting memoir in the vein of The Last Lecture and Man's Search for Meaning, a Holocaust survivor pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story, sharing his wisdom, and living his best possible life.

Born in Leipzig, Germany, into a Jewish family, Eddie Jaku was a teenager when his world was turned upside-down. On November 9, 1938, during the terrifying violence of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, Eddie was beaten by SS thugs, arrested, and sent to a concentration camp with thousands of other Jews across Germany. Every day of the next seven years of his life, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors in Buchenwald, Auschwitz, and finally on a forced death march during the Third Reich's final days. The Nazis took everything from Eddie—his family, his friends, and his country. But they did not break his spirit.

Against unbelievable odds, Eddie found the will to survive. Overwhelming grateful, he made a promise: he would smile every day in thanks for the precious gift he was given and to honor the six million Jews murdered by Hitler. Today, at 100 years of age, despite all he suffered, Eddie calls himself the "happiest man on earth." In his remarkable memoir, this born storyteller shares his wisdom and reflects on how he has led his best possible life, talking warmly and openly about the power of gratitude, tolerance, and kindness. Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. With The Happiest Man on Earth, Eddie shows us how.

Filled with his insights on friendship, family, health, ethics, love, and hatred, and the simple beliefs that have shaped him, The Happiest Man on Earth offers timeless lessons for listeners of all ages, especially for young people today.

©2020 Eddie Jaku (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The Happiest Man on Earth

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What an incredible story!

What an incredible story beautifully told by an incredible human being. I wholeheartedly recommend this audio book.

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Honestly a great listen

Loved this book. Eddy life had so many sad and hard times. Really puts life in perspective. I will never have a hard day as hard as poor Eddy did. So when I get down and think things are rough. Preserve and push through cause Eddy would have done that. Thanks for teaching me about the past. These stories need to be known.

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WOW! WOW! WOW!

Amazing, inspirational, humbling and absolutely the BEST book ever! Everyone needs to listen or read The Happiest Man Alive! Your perspective will undoubtedly change, which means no matter where you're at in life this book will make it better. Eddie's story captivates people of all ages. Even my teenage children were engaged in his story and message. May his memory continue to be a blessing for all.

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Amazing story

Incredible story. Definitely a must-read. Didn't want to put this title down and couldn't stop listening

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Wow! For anyone struggling, suffering now or in past. 10 Stars!

What an incredible story. EVERYONE needs to read this book. Beautiful. Horrific. Fulfilling and incredibly inspiring!!

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  • 2022-11-28

A must listen or read

I’ve already recommended it to the ones I love. I couldn’t even imagine living through those times.

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Brilliant!

Absolutely inspiring and moving, at the same time felt sad for the one's who didn't survive the Nazi brutality. Eddie's message is simple, always be kind, loving and give more than you take!

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Everyone needs to read this

Heart breaking and eye opening book. We should never forget what has happend…we should never let it happen again. Lots of love and wise worda from Eddie❤️.
Mila

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Remarquable

À lire absolument. Histoire inspirante qui nous rappelle la valeur de la vie. Facile à écouter et raconter sur un ton authentique.

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Do not pass by this book

Wow! There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book. Yes it was emotionally hard at times listening to his story but so inspirational for I think anyone. Perhaps especially for anyone who has a history of trauma, when they are ready for it, or any person who lacks knowledge of this experience/event. Concise and well written.

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