Auschwitz #34207: The Joe Rubinstein Story

by Nancy Sprowell Geise

Seventy years ago Joe Rubinstein walked out of a Nazi concentration camp.

Until now, his story has been hidden from the world.

Shortly before dawn on a frigid morning in Radom, Poland, German soldiers forced twenty-one year-old Icek “Joe” Rubinsztejn onto a crowded, open-air truck. The next day, several around him were dead. From there, things got worse for young Joe—much worse.

Joe arrived at Auschwitz on April 30, 1942. Only now, in his 90s, has he revealed how he survived when so many others perished. His is a remarkable narrative—a unique story of endurance and courage. Barefooted when he was seized by the Nazis, he became one of New York’s leading shoe designers.

Joe’s story bears witness to the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. While the Nazis took everything else, they were unable to take his unassailable joy. His is a story of discovering light in the darkest of places.

Genres: Holocaust, Nonfiction, History, Biography, World War II, Audiobook, Memoir

344 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2015

About the author

In 2007, Holocaust survivor Joe Rubinstein told author Nancy Sprowell Geise that he would never publicly share his experiences at Auschwitz and several other of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps. Five years later, he changed his mind. When Nancy began writing Joe’s story, she had no idea the impact it would have on her life as she immersed herself in Joe’s world and his remarkable journey of survival and triumph.

Shortly after its release in 2015, Auschwitz 34207 – The Joe Rubinstein Story, became a Bestseller ranked #1 in Holocaust Memoirs (Kindle). In November 2015, Nancy presented Joe's story at the United States Library of Congress and gave a book signing at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. where she was presented with their Coin of Excellence Award. Author Geise has been invited to speak around the world to museums, veterans groups, civic organizations, churches, synagogues, bookclubs, senior communities, and the Kansas State Capitol. In May 2016, Nancy will gave the Keynote presentation at the State of Kansas Holocaust Commemoration Service. Nancy was asked to share Joe's story in his hometown of Radom, Poland for the 75th commemoration of the liquidation of the ghettos which resulted in the death of all of Joe's family. In 2018, Nancy was invited to speak at the Auschwitz Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Oswiecim, Poland as part of the staff and guides annual training.

Auschwitz #34207 is garnishing high praise from leading holocaust scholars, national reviewers and readers alike.

“A riveting, well-documented account of survival that’s harrowing, inspiring and unforgettable.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In sharing his story – with Nancy Sprowell Geise’s help – Rubinstein has made an invaluable contribution to the literature of the Holocaust.”
—BlueInk Review (Starred Review)

“Author Geise has done an important job in presenting Joe’s story to the world, and does justice to a generation whose voices deserve to be heard. A great read...”
—Myles Friedman, Finelines Pubslush Review Blog

“Auschwitz #34207 will join work by Primo Levi on a shelf of classic Holocaust narratives.”—Foreword Reviews

Author Nancy Sprowell Geise’s debut novel, The Eighth Sea, became a bestseller, ranked #1 Historical Genre Literature & Fiction; #1 Religion and Spirituality Fiction (Kindle) and was a Quarter Finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Awards.

Nancy Sprowell Geise was raised in Ames, Iowa, and is a graduate of Iowa State University. She and her husband have three grown daughters. Nancy and Doran have lived in Austin, Texas; Fort Collins, Colorado; and currently reside in Topeka, Kansas. In her free time, Nancy enjoys playing pickleball, hiking and camping.

Nancy hilarious and moving life experiences provide great fodder for her
writing and storytelling endeavors.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This eye-opening account of a Polish Jew’s life before, during, and after Auschwitz deposits readers right into concentration camp horrors. The most interesting choice defining this book is its first-person narration. Instead of presenting this as a third-person biography, Geise writes as Rubinstein, using extensive interviews and documentary research to recreate his perspective. While the story is necessarily a bit less dramatic after the chapters on the Holocaust, the fact that Rubinstein survived and later became a successful shoe designer in New York is extraordinarily inspiring.

(See my full review at Foreword.)

[Isaiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.

I have read a few memoirs, biographies, and other non-fiction about the Holocaust and Holocaust survivors. I have yet to find one that hasn’t been moving and traumatizing. This book far surpasses all of them for emotional punch.

I have generally always been able to distance myself from the books I am reading enough that they don’t destroy me emotionally. I still get hang overs and drops after reading, but this book just destroyed me. From the very first page until the last I was enthralled and horrified. I have had a pretty constant stomach ache and pain in my chest since I started reading this book. A few hours after putting it down, the pain stops. I know it is this book. This book is that powerful.

I think the reason that it hits me so hard is that the story is told in a narrative that isn’t bogged down with details and facts. There are footnotes and citations, but if you just read it straight it reads like a novel. It has that way of getting under your skin. There is no doubt in my mind that what Mr. Rubinstein remembers is the truth of the situation and the author has gone out of her way to verify what she could and include details that put his story in context, but damn the way the story is written just hurts so damn much. It doesn’t require context. It just is this horrifying story of survival and strength. The title alone can now start my stomach ache. I have never had a book where the title has been able to invoke such raw emotion.

If you want to cry, this a perfect book for you. If you want to learn more about the Holocaust and the different concentration and/or death camps, this is a great book. My only issue with the whole book was at the very end, the author included a call for readers to help Mr. Rubinstein find family pictures from before he was taken. My issue is my heart broke into so many pieces I started crying at work. My issue is Mr. Rubinstein is still dealing with this seventy years later. My issue is this book had to be written at all. The book is perfection.

If you are in Kansas, there are a few stops scheduled for the author, Nancy Sprowell Geise, in the next year or so. Check out her website for more details.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as much as you can enjoy a story so heartbreaking.
There's not much I can say about The Joe Rubinstein Story other than it was eyeopening. You think you know what went on in concentration camps (hunger, abuse, sorrow, etc), but you have no idea.
Geise takes you into Auschwitz and makes you realize the horror and devastation the victims of the Holocaust endured. It was more of a nightmare than I could have ever imagined. I cringed and flinched as I read, and of course found myself in tears on more than one occasion.
I was so inspired by Joe's story of survival and faith. His journey was comprised of so many little miracles, and I was left in awe of his strength and ability to stay firm in his faith after living through so much pain.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Holocaust, but make sure to have tissues at the ready.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking story of survival and faith.The book is well written and shares the horrors that Mr Rubinstein endured at the hands of the nazis.The chance meetings and decisions on his part had such an influence on his survival.The most touching part to me is his continuous faith in his God and the ability to keep fighting for his survival.He's a true inspiration.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of the holocaust and the suffering inflicted on the Jews.I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Westminster Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing story! Author Nancy Geise does an incredible job retelling Auschwitz survivor Joe Rubinstein's story in short and powerful chapters. Some sections were difficult to read, an unbelievable piece of history that is hard to imagine even happened. The most significant impact of the book for me was Joe's astonishing actions to choose joy and to journey forward with his life. He works hard to refuse to allow bitterness, unforgiveness or what the Nazi's took from him to rob him from his purpose in life. Highly recommend!

Find Auschwitz #34207: The Joe Rubinstein Story at Westminster Public Library today!

And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Rubinstein is an incredible man. I read this book because his granddaughter in-law is my daughter's Spanish teacher. She said he loves loves loves his family and survived Auschwitz. So I read it.

I am left amazed and changed by Mr. Rubinstein's courage, perseverance and faith. It is clear to me that, as Mr. Rubinstein points out, God needed him to live. There are so many moments when he should have died, but didn't. Moments where "mistakes", or "exceptions", or "assignments" were given him at Auschwitz which ended up saving his life. I know these are not coincidences, but God's divine ''signature" on Joe's life. Thank you, Mr. Rubinstein, for speaking about the unspeakable experiences you had. Much love to you and your beautiful family... the ones you can see now, and the ones you will one day see again.

[Amy Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books about the Holocaust. Right now I am still processing this book, the story of #34207 - Joe Rubinstein and his unbelievable triumph over evil. In a few days I’ll come back and edit this review. Joe shows that no matter how dark and evil the world can be he found joy and light.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe’s story is so well-written! Joe Rubinstein just turned 100 this past September and lives in Fort Collins. The older I get, the more painful the Holocaust becomes for me; how could people have possibly done those things? Joe still believes deeply in God which isn’t always the case for Holocaust survivor stories that I’ve read. I really appreciated his perspective and his lingering questions after a lifetime of living beyond the horrors of the Holocaust. I want to internalize Joe’s words: Love life, love God, and love each other.

[Lika Aprilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very detailed account of life in Auschwitz from a survivor. I feel like the last 30% of the book (about his life after he got away) took up too much space. Should have included more stories during the war and kept the aftermath story only on one last chapter.

[Mr. Jason Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of book I will never forget, especially the ‘Clubs’, experienced silence around me for couple of days finishing it ... some remarkable quotes by J.R. ... “ without freedom... there is no life. “

[Fuecoco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot fathom how any person can deny the suffering of people who survived the most desolate events of WWII.

[Matt Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sad, but gripping story. Very interesting read.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bread my heart

Reading Joe's story not only shows how unbearably evil humanity is, but also shows the resiliency of the human spirit.

[Strickleserl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mittlerweile ist Joe Rubinstein, ein Überlebender des schrecklichen Konzentrationslagers Auschwitz, fast hundert Jahre alt. Wie durch ein Wunder übersteht er Jahre in dieser Hölle und wird später zu einem gefeierten Schuhdesigner in Amerika. Lange Jahre schweigt er beharrlich über seine grauenvollen Erlebnisse, bis er sich schließlich der Autorin dieses Buchs anvertraut.


Der 1920 geborene Jude Joe Rubinstein lebt mit seiner Familie in Polen. Obwohl sie nicht viel zum Leben haben, ist seine Kindheit von Liebe und Geborgenheit geprägt. Sein Vater stirbt, als Joe noch ein Kind ist. Sein ältester Bruder sorgt dafür, dass alle Geschwister die alleinerziehende Mutter unterstützen. Darum lernt Joe schon früh hart zu arbeiten.

Besonders viel Spaß macht es ihm Schuhe zu entwerfen und herzustellen. Von seinem jüdischen Lehrmeister lernt er sehr viel. Als die Stimmung in Polen immer judenfeindlicher wird, verlässt der Geschäftsmann jedoch das Land.

Der junge Joe versteht nicht, warum er auf einmal als Jude verachtet wird. Wie kann es sein, dass Nachbarn einander auf einmal verraten, und Juden ohne Grund verprügelt werden?

Und dann kommt der schreckliche Tag. In den frühen Morgenstunden wird Joe von einem lauten Hämmern an der Tür geweckt. Deutsche Soldaten nehmen ihn mit. Er darf sich noch nicht einmal anziehen. Er hat auch keine Möglichkeit sich von seiner Familie zu verabschieden.

Mehrere Tage verbringt er frierend und hungernd, zuerst auf einem Lastwagen und dann in einem Viehwagon, bis er schließlich das Ziel erreicht: Auschwitz. Dort erlebt er unvorstellbare Qualen und Demütigungen. Der Tod ist dort etwas Selbstverständliches. Viele verhungern oder sterben an Krankheiten, aber besonders schlimm sind die Gaskammern und die grausamen Spiele der Bewacher.

Joe kann die Grausamkeiten, die er erlebt, nicht begreifen. Sie belasten ihn so stark, dass er nach seiner Befreiung nie darüber spricht. Aber nach siebzig Jahren will er sein Schweigen brechen. Als einer der letzten Augenzeugen dieser Hölle, will er nun von dem berichten, was er erlebt hat.

Weil es so schmerzhaft ist, dauert es mehrere Jahre, bis er der Autorin von seinen Erlebnissen berichtet hat. Sie ergänzt und bestätigt das Gehörte durch umfangreiche Recherchen. Das Ergebnis ist dieses bewegende Buch.

In leisen Moll-Tönen erzählt, begleitet der Leser Joe von seiner glücklichen Kindheit zu den Vernichtungsstätten Hitlers, und schließlich nach Amerika, wo er ein erfolgreicher Schuh-Designer wird. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf dem Erleben in Auschwitz. Die kurzen Kapitel beschreiben die Menschen, die nach einer anstrengenden Reise ankommen, nur um bald zu sterben, und sie machen den Hunger, die Strafen und die Hoffnungslosigkeit spürbar.

Das Erschütternde an diesem Bericht ist der Kontrast zwischen der Sicht Joes und seiner Bewacher. Während er in jedem Häftling einen wertvollen Menschen und Individuum sieht, sehen die Ausführenden von Hitlers Wahnsinn nur eine menschlose Masse.

Neben der Erzählung Joes enthält dieses Buch umfangreiche vertiefende Informationen. Drei Bildteile enthalten passende Bilder. Die Bilder zeigen allerdings nicht Joes ersten Jahre, da er keine Bilder retten konnte. Die meisten Bilder stammen aus verschiedenen geschichtlichen Quellen und machen das Erzählte auf schmerzhafte Weise lebendig.

Sehr schön ist die Ausführung und Gestaltung dieses wertvollen Buchs. Die etwas größere Schrift ist auch für ältere Leser gut geeignet.

Fazit: Ein wichtiges Zeugnis eines Überlebenden über die schrecklichen Zustände in einem Konzentrationslager im Dritten Reich. Nüchtern erzählt ein Mann mit viel Lebenserfahrung von grauenhaften Erlebnissen, aber auch von seiner Liebe zum Leben, zu Gott und zu seinen Mitmenschen. Sehr zu empfehlen!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, organized and researched account of an extraordinary life. Joe Rubinstein had the misfortune to be a Jew living in Radom, Poland in 1942. Things were tough for his family growing up but they enjoyed a close bond as they did what they needed to survive. Joe was awakened one night to find that Nazi soldiers were at the door. He went to the door in his bare feet and they told him to come with them and that he didn't need to take anything - he had all he would need. No jacket and no shoes was hardly what he needed to survive the journey that would follow, a journey that took him to several concentration camps including Auschwitz where he was given a tattoo with the number 34207 - a number he bears to this day. The details of his story are horrifying, and the inner fortitude Joe shows is incredible. In one memorable scene he gets lashed with a whip and survives by soaking his torn back in a filthy pond. I was impressed with the amount of research the author had done and her documentation that backed up the details of the incredible stories told by Joe. She organized the material well and it kept my interest, even after the dramatic events of the war when Joe was liberated and eventually came to the US. She showed that he still had many obstacles to overcome but also his indomitable spirit shone through as he went on to thrive in his new life. I would highly recommend this to anyone, especially to readers interested in stories of people who overcome. Even if you think you've read too many stories about WWII you should make the time for this one. It's also a great read for discussion groups.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I remember reading about the Holocaust was, of course, The Diary of Anne Frank. After living in Germany for 2 years, I found myself interested in reading more about this horrible time in our history.

I cannot say that I enjoyed the book because to do so would be saying that I enjoyed the atrocities & horrors depicted in it. Why should we read of such horrible things: the torture, inhumanity and hatred within the Nazi concentration camps? Why should we continue to publicize these things?

The reason that I read stories of the Holocaust are these: We should never forget the atrocities that were perpetrated at Auschwitz & other concentration camps. We cannot forget or say that they never happened or they could happen again.

Also, even in the face of the horrors of Auschwitz, there is always hope. And, without hope, we might as well be dead.

I am thankful that Ms. Geise was able to interview Joe Rubinstein & share his journey with us.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven decades have passed before Mr. Rubinstein is able to re-tell his story. Even when author Nancy Geise first met him, he was reluctant to do so. After reading the book, I could understand why, but I am so glad he did. He has seen everything and he has been through everything. Many times during the story I hope circumstances would change for good as I turn the page…but real life doesn’t always work that way. I don’t know how he survived the horror and he doesn’t neither!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very easy to read while being very tragic and horrifying. Joe was a very lucky man.

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that everybody should read / listen to - especially those, who think that for whatever reason one group of people is better than others and has the right to decide of the others' life and death... It's a book both for those interested in the history of World War II and those who do not know anything about it and doubt the existence of the Nazi concentration camps...

I am Polish, have lived in Poland all my life and I have taken my students to visit the camps mentioned in the book: Auschwitz (Oswiecim in Polish) and Treblinka, I've also visited another camp, situated in Majdanek - all those places really remind us that there are no other species on this planet as cruel as man...
So although the memories of Joe Rubinstein may not be so revealing for me (we in Poland learn from primary school what the Nazi occupation of Poland looked like during the war and what the Nazi camps were all about), for someone not so familiar with this aspect of World War II the book will probably be extremely shocking - and yet I am convinced that the story behind the book is much harsher, that the author filtered it a bit to make it easier for the reader to fathom...

I like the fact that although it's a book about an unimaginably horrible experience it's not all dark and gloomy... There are memories of good moments, too, and there is this strange kind of optimism, coming from faith (I believe), somewhere behind the story... And I like the fact that although we can feel the hate that Joe felt for the Nazis who took him from home, put him and thousands like him in a death camp, and killed all his family, we still see that that hate did not destroy Joe as a person, that he was able to put all that hate behind him and did not allow that feeling to rule his life after the war...
And I loved the introductory sentences in each chapter being read by Joe Rubinstein himself:)

As with the previous book narrated by Mr Rieman I listened to, I liked the tempo of his reading - the pace was quite fast, but not too fast; and the interpretation was very good. Mr Rieman tried to be quite detached and unemotional in his reading of this particular book and yet - maybe thanks to that detachment - the story got even more emotional and vivid, and it was almost impossible for me to stop listening...

I received the audiobook as a gift from the narrator after reviewing "The Coelho Medallion" by Kevin Tumlinson in his interpretation - thank you very much, Mr Rieman, it was a great although a bit disturbing experience listening to Joe Rubinstein's story...:)

[Stacy culler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life story of Joseph Rubenstein, known for most of his life as “Smiling Joe.” This nickname is a testament to his enduring spirit of hope and faith, especially after you know that Joe was taken from his home in his late teens/early 20’s and transported to Auschwitz.

While at Auschwitz and various sub camps, Joe endured every kind of abuse imaginable, witnessed atrocities that defy description, and was required to perform work designed to crush the mind, body and spirit.

But Joe survived through liberation, and went on to lead a successful and happy life, with his faith intact. At the age of 94, he recounted his life experience for this book.

This book is excellently written, in simple yet descriptive language. It is harrowing and inspiring at the same time.
While no truthful account of the death camps can be anything but gruesome, it does so without being graphic.

There are historical photos that cannot be described as anything but graphic.

Joe’s experiences would give him every reason to lose faith in God and humanity, but he does not allow it to do so. Instead, he is grateful to God for every small miracle that led to his survival. He is appreciative of knowing the love of a family before he lost them, and he is blessed by a prosperous life after he is liberated. He loves God, Freedom, and family.

“I pray to God every day, to something up there. Even when I was in the concentration camp, I prayed to God a lot.” --Joe Rubenstein, from Auschwitz #34207 The Joe Rubenstein Story

“Every day I awoke with the same decision - a decision to let the memory of “I pray to God every day, to something up there. Even when I was in the concentration camp, I prayed to God a lot.” --Joe Rubenstein, from Auschwitz #34207 The Joe Rubenstein Story

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️ Scenes of children being killed and of sexual abuse ⚠️

As with all stories centered around the Holocaust, there are very disturbing scenes. However, for what it is, they are not too graphic.

In the foreword the author writes, "From time to time as you read Joe's story your anguished souls may have to pause and take time to rest." I agree with this statement, not just with Joe's story but with all Holocaust survivor stories. The subject matter is deep and intense, but Joe finds a light in the world.

This story is so well written. The chapters are short for the most part and give you a glimpse of Joe's life in the concentration camps without having to dwell on the atrocities. Joe kept strong for his family and when it looked like there was no going back to Radom and the life he knew, he still kept fighting.

The author did a fabulous job in the way she put this together. In her notes at the end, she states specifically what sections were exactly as Joe described and which might have been enhanced to encompass events at that time. She states that sometimes Joe didn't go into too much detail, for obvious reasons. Even though I could not ever imagine the horrors, I could feel something in reading Joe's story that I don't even know how to describe.

If you haven't read a Holocaust survivor story before, I recommend this as your first. It is gentler than some of the others I have read. However, no matter what your experience is, I highly recommend this one.

Thank you Nancy Sprowell-Geise for sharing Joe's story with the world and Thank You Joe Rubinstein for opening up and letting us in.

[Sandra Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Holocaust surviver Joe Rubinstein. He spoke little of the atrocities that he suffered and witnessed until after he was 90 years old. The author, Nancy Sprowell Geise, spoke with Joe in depth and did exhustive research in writing this book.
Joe was born in Radon, Poland, sent to a concentration camp in A April 1942 and miraculously surviving multiple camps to be liberated in May of 1945. The book does tell of the horrible things that happened in the camps, but more than that it tells the story of a few kindnesses Joe was provided that probably saved his life. Also it tells of the hope-the one thing that kept him going.
He has have many years to ponder why he was saved and all the rest of his family was killed; mother, brothers, sister, grandparents. And this is some of his conclusions

"We could live in the sorrow, anger, and despair of the past, or we could move forward with joy. We chose joy."
"At times, I had seethed with rage at God for His seeming indifference...some clarity was forming in my mind...I had a sense of what Grandfather had been trying to say....Grandfather was right, wasn't he. Because God loved us, he allowed even bad things to happen, for without freedom, there is no life....Suddenly the answer was clear. ...I knew that God had heard my prayers. Every one. And every prayer from all of us...Though none of us had been spared from the consequences of the evil of others, we had never been alone. "

[Papalodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ventnor, 1948 my aunt and I went out to by a dozen eggs. However, she didn't go to the nearby market. Instead she drove toward Pleasantville just west of Atlantic City. I asked why we didn't just go to the market. She explained that a man had just started his own business - raising chickens to sell eggs and he needed customers. When we got there the chicken man was very happy and laughed a lot. He said he was starting to get customers. My aunt told me he had been in a concentration camp; then the chicken man rolled up his sleeve to show me numbers tattooed on his forearm. I thought it was very nice that there was a camp where people could go away to concentrate. Towards the end of the 1950's I started to see films and pictures showing the camps and the dead bodies piled upon one another in the graves. It took Joe's story to really make the impression I needed to be able feel deep down the daily misery of the men who survived day after day. Joe mentions that God gave people free will. Look what people do with that freedom. Joe willed to live and a I am indebted to him for helping me finally understand.

Thank you Smiling Joe, for the incredible gift you so generously have shared with us.

[Erik Surewaard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many many books about life in the jewish ghettos, transit camps, work camps, death camps and subcamps durin WW2. Apart of that I have also read many books about WW2: e.g. soldier biographies, Gestapo, SS, ...

This books is, sorry to say, the worst I have read.

Many things just dont make sense. Especially when you compare it with other books on camp life.

There is also no explanation why the author gets in other camps. According to the story, he has been in Auschwitz, a subcamp of Auschwitz (coal mine), Buchenwald and at the end even Therisienstadt. The last one (Therisienstadt) is even strange...

Remarkable is also that in a book of this length, less than one page length was spent on “life in Buchenwald”?!

The book is also more about life before and after the camps.

What is further the case, is that all effort has been done to fill this book. Many many small chapters causing a huge amount of white space in the book. Further, I guess even up to (or over) 40 pages of pictures, even of camps that the person never was in (e.g. Majdanek).

I would NOT recommend this book. There are many way better books about life in the death camps. Please look at my “read books” to get an idea of some good books.

[Elaine Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant about reading this because I had already read Choice by Edith Eger and Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E Frankl. Both of these are related by the person who experienced German Labour camps directly. The Joe Rubinstein Story is related by another person and I feared that the events described might be exaggerated or sensationalised. However, everything seemed to have been written in an authentic and honest manner. The author states outright that she has built in some of the finer details after interviews she held with Mr Rubinstein but she seemed sensitive to preserving the facts and the truth. This is evident in the extensive lists of source material she provides for her research and the photographs and documentation she includes. I also feared that the book was going to dwell so long on the horror that I would be brought down. However, in order to provide a balance, and ultimately hope, she gives over a large chunk at the start to his childhood where he experienced love and where people cared about him. Then there is a large chunk at the end which describes his recovery and how he was able to emerge from all of that and make a good life for himself.

[Jeaninne Escallier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the simple, yet emotionally raw, writing style of Nancy Sprowell Geise, Joe Rubinstein dictates his story of his time in Auschwitz. I have read everything from The Diary of Anne Frank to Night by Ellie Wiesel about the horrific truths of the Holocaust because I still can't fathom the reality that such evil existed during my mother and father's lives. However, this version will stay with me a long, long time. In his nineties now, Joe still remembers every detail of his time in Auschwitz, where as he says, he should have died, and at times, wanted to die from what he experienced. There are parts of this story that had me crying with grief, where I could literally feel the pain of my heart breaking in two; however, I just had to know how Joe survived. Joe not only survived, but he found redemption, love, forgiveness, and God. I truly believe every human being on earth should read this book. All of us should never forget. God willing, none of us will ever know this horror again.

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story made me squirm, and have a severe stomach ache. I thought I would lose my breakfast a time or two. So don’t read or listen to it unless you are not afraid of hearing the bald truth of Auschwitz with all of its horrors. I think I cried for these people more than once as I heard this story! I can’t understand how humans thought it was ok to do what they did to these prisoners who should never have been prisoners in the first place. The injustice of it really bothered me to the point of being angry with God for allowing it to happen. I know He has to let us have our free agency, even the bad guys, but I also know He is a just God and in the end, everything will be made right. I have Faith in that.

When I found that Joe is still alive (in 2022), at age 101, I found some sort of justice in that. This boy who came so near to death multiple times, lived a long and happy life and became a husband and father, and a famous designer and maker of high end shoes 👞. That is cool!

[Stacie Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent most of today reading this book and it made me cry over and over again. It filled me with sorrow - I think I will cry every time I think of it. But it also inspired me, awed me, and reminded me of how grateful I am for the life I have. I have spent the time since I finished it reflecting on how important it is to challenge ourselves to read hard stories. Stories connect us, they let us share in the experiences and perspectives of others like this man who suffered every abuse possible including the loss of his entire family but went on to live to be 101, to marry the love of his life (and share 74 years of marriage with her), to have a successful career and care for everyone he loved. He chose joy when he could have chosen anger, rage, and to indulge in the injustice of what was taken from him.

I'll never forget Joe's words: “I fight for my life, all my life. I’m a fighter to the last minute. I don’t give up. The only one who can take away my life is my God, nobody else.” - Joe Rubinstein

[Marty Lagae]

I met Nancy Geise, while living in Kansas, read this book and found it very informative and personal. After moving back to Colorado, I suggested my book club read "Auschwitz #34207". I contacted author Nancy Geise who graciously agreed to meet with us on Zoom to discuss it. It was such a thrill to share Nancy with these ladies. She presented very interesting background information, about the writing process, her relationship with Joe Rubenstein, and amazing statistics about our youth's lack of knowledge of the Holocaust. She then invited us to ask questions, which she answered with great clarity. It was the most interesting book club meeting I've been privileged to attend. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a desire to learn more of the horrors of the Holocaust from a survivor. Joe Rubenstein is an amazing man, still enjoying life at age 100 and married to his wife Irene for 73 years.

[Tracy Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed story of the life of Joe Rubinstein. He’s life forever changed in one night followed by a trip to Auschwitz. Though a dark subject, books like Elie Wiesel’s Night and this true Auschwitz story remind me of how fortune I am and how in the last mere 75ish years we had a huge moving war machine justifying the extermination of an entire race. It’s a story never to forget or be naive enough to believe it could never hapoen again.

The audiobook has the real Joe Rubinstein speak during the forward, epilogue and before each chapter which makes it even more personal. The end of the book has a fairly lengthy recap of events which I felt detracted from this journey you’ve just taken on with the author, but it’s difficult to criticize the retelling of such a horrific story of survival and learning to love life. If this is a period of history you’re interested in, this is much better than the plethora of fictional stories out there.