The Most Amazing Book I've Ever Read!

I can't believe it took me so long to find this book, considering its reputation. It truly is an incredible book to read. If one book made me think, this was it. Inspiration abounds here.
Truly, if you're a fan of this book, if you would like to read another inspiring book, written to work through grief, find "Prose From A Grandson To A Senior Fellow". I personally promise it's worth your time. I believe in it with all my heart.

Don't judge a book by its cover ...

Let me start by saying that this book does not belong to "My Favorite Books" bookshelf. I started reading this book for couple of reasons. One ... the central idea behind this book was referred by one of my favorite Authors (Stephen R Covey) in one of my favorite books viz "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". Secondly, the title of this book was extremely seductive "Man's Search for Meaning". (Who does not want to know meaning of life?)

This book is primarily divided into two parts. The first part is more of an autobiography of the Author(Victor E. Frankl). Second part is dedicated to "Logotherapy".

As regards to the 1st part, I found the narration a bit dry. I think the Author did his best to put forward his life as dramatically as possible, however it does not stand out. As much as I sympathize with the Author for what he went through, I felt that he was being a bit boastful at times. I did not like that he was putting down some of his comrades to show how superior he was. The Author also also failed to explain how Logotherapy therapy helped him during his tough times.

The second part is on Logotherapy, which is nothing but a "bowl of spaghetti". The ideas are not very well organized. Whatever is put forward is not sufficiently substantiated with reasoning or facts. Author has tried to use some high-sounding words to make it sound something superior, but I guess the Author failed miserably. The Logotherapy that is referred in second part has no reference in the first part. So it is difficult to make any correlation between the two parts of the book.

If there is anything to learn from this book, it is ... "If you have a *why* in life, you will go through any *how* to achieve it.". So effectively, to find meaning in life, find out what is your final goal and let it direct you.

Overall I found this book disappointing.

-Sachin

Psychology in layman's terms

Frankl has touched so many readers with "Man's Search for Meaning" because of the simple, yet beautiful prose style that he used in his writing.
Straightforward, honest reporting of his concentration camp experiences, followed by an analysis of the psychological impact he and his fellow prisoners endured. No heavy jargon. No dogmatic credos. I felt it to be the most humanistic approach to "finding meaning" that I have ever read. Today there is a trend towards 'biological psychiatry'....everything can be explained organically. Frankl holds out the hope that humans still have the ultimate freedom to "choose how we react to the most barbaric conditions with dignity and self-respect".. That is what sets us apart from our fellow Earth creatures. A quick read that will affect any thinking reader.