The Choice

The Choice recounts Dr. Edith Eger's experiences as a Holocaust survivor, from her teenage years in Auschwitz through her later life as a psychologist in the United States. Her memoir traces both her physical journey to freedom and her psychological path toward healing from trauma. Dr. Eger shares her work as a clinical psychologist, showing how she draws upon her own past to help patients face their personal struggles. The narrative moves between her memories of the camps and her present-day observations as a mental health practitioner. Through her dual perspective as both survivor and healer, Dr. Eger demonstrates how trauma survivors can choose to reclaim their personal power rather than remain imprisoned by the past. The book combines historical testimony with practical insights about trauma, forgiveness, and the human capacity for resilience.

Readers consistently emphasize the book's impact on their perspective about trauma, healing, and personal choice. Many reviewers note they couldn't put it down and have recommended it to others. Readers appreciated: - The balance between Holocaust memoir and practical psychological insights - Clear, accessible writing style that handles heavy topics with hope - Specific examples from Eger's therapy patients - Actionable advice for dealing with personal struggles Common criticisms: - Second half feels repetitive - Some therapy case studies seem oversimplified - A few readers found the self-help portions less compelling than the memoir sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.38/5 (76,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (8,900+ ratings) Book Depository: 4.7/5 (900+ ratings) Sample review: "Unlike many Holocaust memoirs, this book goes beyond survival to show how to thrive after trauma. However, the therapy portions could have been condensed." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 Dr. Edith Eger survived Auschwitz at age 16 and went on to become a renowned psychologist who specializes in treating trauma and PTSD. 🔹 The book was published when the author was 90 years old, proving it's never too late to share your story and make an impact. 🔹 Before being sent to Auschwitz, Eger was an accomplished ballet dancer and gymnast. She was forced to dance for Dr. Josef Mengele to survive. 🔹 Viktor Frankl, author of "Man's Search for Meaning" and fellow Auschwitz survivor, became Eger's mentor and encouraged her to share her story. 🔹 The book has been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey, who called it "a reminder of what courage looks like in the worst of times and that we all have the ability to pay attention to what we've lost, or to pay attention to what we still have."