Man's Search for Meaning

Sometimes a book can literally change who you are. One such book, for me, was “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. I was absolutely riveted by the insight and wisdom contained in this book.

Frankl imparts his experience of laboring in Nazi concentration camps over a five year period. He was a successful man and then, one day, absolutely everything was taken from him. His very identity was stripped away; a number was tattooed on his arm giving him his “new” identity. His parents, brother and pregnant wife were all killed. This complete dehumanization is such an appalling thought that my mind cannot grasp it.  But Frankl goes on. He survives years of unimaginable physical and psychological torture. He holds on to the only thing he has left: himself. He makes a choice to stay strong and search for a meaning in his new life. He allows his mind to take over and keep him sane on a journey through hell.  

Frankl shows that you often can’t avoid disastrous circumstances, but you are the only one who can choose how to adapt, find meaning and continue on your path. In the book, Frankl discusses other men, and how they dealt with these horrors. Some gave up hope and wasted away. Some turned into animals. It’s hard to imagine how one would respond; you couldn’t know if this torture would ever end and I think it may be easy to lose hope, to perhaps even hope for death. Frankl argues that one must dig deep inside and find a reason to live, a meaning to every suffering.

Most of us will never experience this type of absolute low point in life, but I believe that this type of circumstance is when you truly know yourself. No one can give you an ultimate purpose and meaning, this is a journey that only you can take. I see so many people going through the motions of life who seem to have no purpose. I have a strong belief that my purpose in life is to accept suffering, to love others and myself and to learn and find meaning every day of my life. Frankl says “He who has a Why to live for can bear almost any How.”

Read this book. I honestly don’t see how anyone could not be profoundly impacted by Frankl’s moving work.

Titanic: A Night Remembered

The sinking of the Titanic is a well documented tragedy. Since I was a child, I have been intrigued by this terrible accident. I have wondered what it was like to be doomed on that ship, as well as what it was like to survive the catastrophe.

“Titanic: A Night Remembered” by Stephanie Barczewski is a good book for those interested in the history of the Titanic. The author spends a lot of time asking “What makes a hero?” She tells of how the men who survived were plagued with taunts of not being gentlemen. And how the only heroes recognized were men who gave their own lives for others.

I had mixed feelings, reading about how the male survivors were treated. It is understandable that able-bodied people should stand aside to help people with less strength before saving themselves. What bothers me about this account, is that these boats were not nearly full. If I were a man, and the boat was being lowered with 1/3 capacity, I would want to save my own life. I don’t see why people thought it was cowardly to want to live.

I was hoping for more first person survivor accounts in this book, but overall I enjoyed it.

The Bell Jar

Another difficult, engaging character driven story is "The Bell Jar" by Syliva Plath. The descent into mental illness was told in a startling, vivid way. Perhaps it felt so realistic because it may be semi-autobiographical, and Plath committed suicide shortly after publication.

This one will leave you feeling disturbed, but is worth the time.

This Heart of Mine

Another Susan Elizabeth Phillips book to read: "This Heart of Mine." It’s so easy to fall in love with the characters she creates. I enjoy the way she follows the same characters in multiple books. This book had me in tears but left me feeling all warm and fuzzy J

Roses Are Red

I am still following the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. I recently finished “Roses Are Red.” I loved it, as I have all of the books in the series, but I had a few issues with character portrayals in this one. Some of the characters have been built up through several books and then this book seemed to minimize them and completely change them.

For the first time, this one had some inconsistencies and loose ends for me. Hoping the next one doesn’t continue in that thread.

A Prayer for Owen Meany

John Irving won my heart with "A Prayer for Owen Meany." This is, perhaps, one of my favorite books of all time.

Strong spiritual issues are introduced throughout the book. What is the meaning of life? What is faith? What is fate? I tend to be drawn into anything spiritual in nature and this book has this theme in spades.

I was in love with Owen Meany. His intelligence and wit command attention throughout the book. You can truly learn from anyone in your life, especially from people vastly different then yourself. This is what happens to John in this book, through his friendship with Owen. Events that happen in life can increase our wisdom in startling ways.

The book is quite long and takes time for a serious read, but I highly recommend it.

Sizzling Sixteen

Just finished "Sizzling Sixteen" by Janet Evanovich. Kidnapped? Imagine that! Fires and bombs? Really! (Heavy sarcasm) Honestly…no one has this kind of life.

Maybe (ok, definitely) there are too many books in this series…but I’m still reading and I still recommend them! However, I need to take a little time off before I read #17.