summary ofThe GiftBook by Edith Eva Eger, PhD

first KEY POINT

“The Gift” teaches us that through adversity, we find our greatest strength and knowledge

Before you start reading a “how-to” book packed with information on how you should live your life, you want to know that the person you’re taking that advice from knows what they’re talking about. In this case, the person giving you the advice is more than qualified.Dr. Edith Eva Eger hails from Kassa in Hungary, and in 1944, she found herself bundled into a vehicle, along with the rest of her family, and taken to Auschwitz. That day, her mother and father were taken to the gas chamber and murdered. Eger and her sister faced extreme desperation, pressure, and sadness in their time in Auschwitz, living under the constant fear of torture and death.

For the observer looking in, it’s extremely difficult to understand how Dr. Eger has managed to hold her positive attitude throughout life. However, she clearly states that the time she spent in Auschwitz gave her the strength and preparation to deal with whatever life had to throw at her. It also gave her the tools to help other people from all walks of life, including those who have survived wars, sexual assaults, and addiction.

Most of us spend our lives dealing with past problems, memories that we’d rather forget, fears that hold us back, and even debilitating worries about what might come in the future. Eger is very clear on one thing — you put yourself in your own mental prison, and no one else can do it for you, not even the Nazis.Through our common mistakes in life, we keep ourselves imprisoned. Learning to free yourself means having the courage to take a long, hard look at yourself, including how you think, act, and work to make changes.“The Gift” teaches you that although some things in life may be difficult to handle, they’re sent to teach you lessons and make you stronger if you allow yourself to see things positively.Did you know? 1.1 million people died in Auschwitz during World War II.