Holocaust Survivor

by Mike Jacobs, Preston Lewis

In this penetrating memoir, we witness the Holocaust through the eyes of Mike Jacobs (then Mendel Jakubowicz), who was a teenager during Word War II. With great clarity, Jacobs recounts five years of confinement in ghettos and concentration camps. A story told without hatred or bitterness, "Holocaust Survivor" teaches us that when we recognize that freedom comes from within, we are never completely powerless.

Genres: Holocaust, Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply touched by this man's story. I met him when I visited the Holocaust Museum in Dallas, Tx with my nephew. He signed my book and noted: "Have hope, believe, and think positive!" I wished I was there longer because I didn't read his book until returning to California and I really would have liked to shake his hand and look into his eyes and tell him that we will not forget. Very honest and poignant.

[Mickenzie Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspiring

I have read holocaust books and survivor memoirs since I was a teen. If all those books, this is one of the most moving and inspiring. I have long struggled with retaining hope in humanity, feeling more and more despondent over the years. I simply cannot understand how genocide, racism, intolerance, violence, and hate continue to plague the world. After the horrors of the holocaust, the world pledged "never again", yet the killing fields and Rwanda and Darfur and countless other atrocities proved that pledge a lie. The fact that Mr. Jacobs can still find beauty and hope in this world after his experiences and all that has occurred around the world since, restores a bit of my lost hope.

[Jessica Lynn Gumtow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book yet!

This book out a real face to the horror of the holocaust,I am a German and find it very troubling that some of my family might have done some of this to innocent people. It scares me to look into my family history for fear my relatives might have been involved. This is the best book I have read in many years of reading books about the holocaust. God Bless you all!

[Katie Beeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Jacobs during a visit to The Holocaust Museum in Dallas with my students. This was years ago, in the original location. I purchased the book because I was so impressed with this incredible gentleman and wanted to know his story.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy's ability to overcome and succeed...wow!

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Jacobs is an amazing writer and his story really inspired me. My favorite part in the book was when he was sent to a concentration camp and was assigned a number tattoo that then became his "name". He didn't let this break him down because he thought positively and strived for survival, and that's exactly what happened. He said to himself deep down inside that he was still Mike Jacobs and remained a person, not a number.
He symbolized the strength and determination that the Jewish people had and teaches kids all over the country about the tragic times of WWII. Today, he lives to tell about his experiences face to face with the Holocaust. He knew that he would survive with positive thinking.
One of Mike Jacob's techniques is to title his chapters using a quote from that chapter. This gives the reader a sneek peak of his experiences to come in the book.
Although this was an inspiring story, meeting him in person at the Dallas Holocaust museum was even more amazing. I think his life story is incredible and gives a lesson to never give up and think positive when you are faced with hard times.

[Pat Empson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to believe that someone could survive the tortures of the concentration camps during World War II. With all he was going through the author remained hopeful and positive and after the war went on to tell his story of life under the Nazi rule. Because of him people will find it impossible to deny that these atrocities existed. It is, however, impossible to believe how human beings can treat entire groups of people like this. He gives vivid descriptions of what happened and what he saw.

[JoNeita Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Jacobs speak to my 11th graders on a field trip to the Dallas Holocaust Museum, and he was nice enough to sign every book that I and my students purchased. His story is a fascinating, interesting, and sad one about his time before, during, and after as a Holocaust Survivor. When I got home, I started the book and read the whole thing. It is really hard to read, because you know that he is telling the story of what happened to him.

Great book!!!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larry and I met Mike (Mendel) at the Dallas Holocaust museum! I was in awe of him and hadn't even read his book! The book was sad, but I honestly think everyone needs to read it and so do all in each generation...for years to come. If we don't read, remember, it is easy for this to happen again...I have the book if you want to read it!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to hear Mike Jacobs speak and read his book shortly after. So disturbing in parts that I had to put the book away for a few days. I still think about his book any time I read about the Holocaust.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Mr. Jacobs at the Dallas Holocaust Museum. His story is unbelievable and truly an inspiration for forgiveness and education. Awesome! I recommend everyone should read this book and go to the museum and then re-evaluate how they treat others.

[Teardra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning and end of the book were a bit dragged out but the parts about the war years were harrowing.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

anazing story

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book to help understand some of the events that were happening at this time. Real events from one of the few remaining people who was there to experience them.

[סטלה · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Jacobs helped source many of the pieces found on display in the Dallas TX Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. An incredible memoir