Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eva Eger

5 reviews

chickaboogawah's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring fast-paced

5.0


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fanchera's review against another edition

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5.0


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bookedbyelizabeth's review

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4.75

THE CHOICE: EMBRACE THE POSSIBLE by Dr. Edith Eva Eger

CW: genocide, death, trauma, loss of loved ones, violence, PTSD, antisemitism, racism, depression, panic attacks; mentions of rape, addiction, infidelity, eating disorder (recommend looking up on Storygraph for more CW).

The Choice is an inspiring, powerful, challenging memoir of a Holocaust survivor and a testament to resilience, inner strength, and healing from trauma. Dr. Eger experienced unspeakable horrors and darkness, and she not only survived Auschwitz but then embarked on an incredible healing journey. She immigrated to the United States where she became a psychiatrist in order to help others with their trauma.

Her path wasn’t easy as she coped with her grief, guilt, and PTSD while trying to move forward and build a new life for herself and her family. But she learns to make the choice to face the trauma, to accept what happened, to forgive herself, and to heal. The past can neither be changed nor forgotten, but the present is in our control.

This book was difficult to read and made me emotional several times. It was a lot to take in, and I made sure to read slowly and took my time reflecting after finishing the book. It made me think about how her lessons could apply to my own life. I was in complete awe of Dr. Eger’s journey, her strength, her wisdom, and her compassion.

Also, International Holocaust Rememberence Day is coming up on January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Berkenau. I remember learning about the Holocaust in history class, reading Night by Elie Wiesel, and taking a field trip to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC. I think memoirs and exhibits help us remember the humanity in historical events and remind us that it really wasn’t all that long ago. Antisemitism existed before the Holocaust and has continued after, and it shouldn’t be minimized or ignored.

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astridrv's review against another edition

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What a colossal woman. So much respect.

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cuppa_curiositea's review

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4.75

A very touching memoir with an expert psychological lens on the horrors and lasting effects of the holocaust. Dr. Eger is so inspiring. I discovered her when she was a guest on Brene Brown's podcast, and I loved her perspective so much that I immediately bought her book! No regrets at all!
There are both good and terrible things that I will never forget because of this book, and I don't regret it at all. I was less engaged in the last few chapters that focused on client experiences, but I still plan to read the "sequel" The Gift when I get a chance.

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