5.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 30/11/2009

A really great book, especially for those who feel life is empty, or meaningless. Frankl's experiences in concentration camp provide him with proof that meaning in life can be found in the worst of places. Frankl uses these experiences to show the way to have a life that doesn't have to be empty and he provides direction that can achieve a life with meaning.

5.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 28/09/2011

It is easy to see why this book has sold more than twelve million copies world wide since its first publication in 1959. Viktor E. Frankl has captured the ultimate reason for human existence. Perhaps Frankl's underlying question of humanity, "ask not what life can do for you, rather, what you can do for life," inspired Robert F. Kennedy's January 20th, 1961, question "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

I wholeheartedly agree with Frankl's principles of logotherapy; that it is every person's overarching life lesson to find their "meaning" for their life. In a world where the measure of happiness derived principally through a constant comparison with others of an individual's accumulation of material wealth is the norm, Frankl's assertion, that happiness is a fundamental consequence of one's true life meaning, clearly resonates at a deeper human level of consciousness.

Frankl's personal anecdotal reflections and clinical case histories throughout the book serve to reinforce the utility of positive psychology principles in the treatment of many "so called" mental health disorders, as identified by the prevailing medical model of the time.

Overall, a thought provoking and inspiring read that captures the essence of what it means to be a fully functioning human being, mindful of the interconnectedness of all humanity. That the book was written in nine days makes it all the more remarkable.

5.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 15/09/2011

This book is not always easy reading. I would not use the adjective enjoy to describe the experience. However it was one of the most important books I have ever read. I had a childhood of constant suffering over a period of 6 years. I often wished I was dead, I was small and trapped in this abusive situation so could do nothing about it. However even at my darkest moments I felt there was something more to strive for. Something that would make life worthwhile and I hung in. Now as an old woman I know that this feeling and reaction was correct and was exactly what Frankl was explaining in his book. I had often wondered what kept me going, readlng this in middle age I knew immediately what it was. I think it is a book all should read, a guided session through it for young people, when life seems very dark would be excellent therapy, I am sure.

2.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 06/09/2011

The book price indicates $7.16 why am i being charged $14.32 when it distinctly indicates free postage australia wide

3.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 01/06/2010

Interesting, particularly the first half. The second half had me baffled, clearly designed for people in the psychiatric field

4.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 30/04/2009

It's no wonder that this is a best seller. It really puts some perspective on life, what's important and how we're tricked into focusing on the wrong areas.

5.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 14/01/2009

Loved this book. Wish that i had read it earlier on in my Psychology studies. Definite must read for those who are studying, working or simply interested in the field of Psychology. Frankel writes in a way that is profound, yet simple to understand.

5.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 04/12/2008

Viktor Frankl's book offers inspiration to anyone searching for meaning in their lives. It is particularly relevant given that modern society has seen an unprecedented rise in suicide rates which are the extreme end of a range of contemporary ailments such as low self worth and depression. Frankl confirms that a meaningful life involves finding a purpose in any situation even one as random and horrific as the loss of humanity for Jews caught in a Nazi concentration camp. He separates himself as the prisoner and the therapist and both views are fascinating.

5.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 20/11/2008

A book that should be read by everyone, specially those who question today's trends. A poweful message of hope from a psychiatrist who survived life as a prisoner in in a concentration camp. From this experience he could learn what gave some humans a will to live when others gave up hope. Recommnded.

4.0 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. – Customer review on 17/09/2008

An interesting book that looks into the philospohy of Logotherapy; an existentialist analysis that focuses on a will to meaning as opposed to Adler's Nietzschian doctrine of "will to power" or Freud's will to pleasure. Based initially in a concentration camp we find ourselves reading about a truer description than that which is commonly conveyed. The discussion of the human condition when it is pushed to capacity, the importance of our reactions and power of choice. Frankl writes poignantly about discovering the seed of meaning within yourself when faced with challenges, how meaning, and especially meaning within oneself, can provide direction and foundation when moving forward. I hope my experiences find me facing challenges a little less severe than those of Viktor, and the book is a little dated now, but it was very interesting, and helped formalise thoughts I have been pondering. Chur.