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From a Name to a Number: A Holocaust Survivor's Autobiography
by
Alter Wiener
Alter Wiener's father was brutally murdered on September 11, 1939 by the German invaders of Poland. Alter was then a boy of 13. At the age of 15 he was deported to Blechhammer, a Forced Labor Camp for Jews, in Germany. He survived five camps. Upon liberation by the Russian Army on May 9, 1945, Alter weighed 80 lbs as reflected on the book's cover. Alter Wiener is one of th
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An Important Telling About Horror:
Alter Wiener shares the unbelievably terrible story of his life in occupied Poland and the terror of living through five prison camps. Somehow he survived and shares what he lived through. His experience is vital and important. Unfortunately as a book, it was not written well. His narrative jumps from people, places, and time. He does not come across as the gentle, loving husband and father that he portrays when sharing his story with the general public. While I ...more
Alter Wiener shares the unbelievably terrible story of his life in occupied Poland and the terror of living through five prison camps. Somehow he survived and shares what he lived through. His experience is vital and important. Unfortunately as a book, it was not written well. His narrative jumps from people, places, and time. He does not come across as the gentle, loving husband and father that he portrays when sharing his story with the general public. While I ...more
This is a true and moving story of Alter Wiener, who survived the Holocaust. In this book he tells of his youth leading up to and through and beyond his harrowing experiences Polish concentration camps. It’s harrowing, horrifying, beyond all compare to any situation I have, or will ever have, to face. It’s a heart wrenching story about another dark chapter in our world history. Just when you think you know your history, you read a firsthand account and realize that you have no idea the depth of
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Apr 29, 2011
Adam Utehs
added it
This is a true survival story of Alter Wiener, who survived the Holocaust and he tells his journey through this horrifying adventure. I really love books that are true stories because i feel like i can really interact with the characters on a whole other level. This is a very touching novel because you read and really feel everything Alter is going through and can learn about the history of the Holocaust from a first hand survivor. Since I am very interested in the Holocaust I may be kind of bia
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Alter is a likable man with a good heart, but his story lacked depth. It felt rushed. He spends a lot of time after the story talking about the public speaking events he has participated in, which is very nice. He focuses a lot on being happy with what you have and getting a good education. It's a lighter read (if a Holocaust book can be a light read) compared to Night and Escape from Sobibor.
Amazing book about his story in the holocaust. Makes you feel small for every complaining about anything and makes your remember to thank the lord everyday for every small blessing in your life. Also goes into our responsibility as humans to stand up for the rights of others that may not have the freedoms we do. Do not turn a blind eye and say it's not our problem. Very good book!
I would give this book 2.5 stars.
In my opinion this book can be divided into 2 parts:
I would give part 1 --> 5 stars
and part 2 --> 0 star
- Part 1: The author talks about his beautiful childhood and the values of his family. after it he talks about his suffering in the concentration camps, his liberation and then his arrival to Israel.
As a human being I sympathized with the author. I felt angry at the world for letting this happen!
- Part 2 (0 stars): In my opinion, the author transformed f ...more
In my opinion this book can be divided into 2 parts:
I would give part 1 --> 5 stars
and part 2 --> 0 star
- Part 1: The author talks about his beautiful childhood and the values of his family. after it he talks about his suffering in the concentration camps, his liberation and then his arrival to Israel.
As a human being I sympathized with the author. I felt angry at the world for letting this happen!
- Part 2 (0 stars): In my opinion, the author transformed f ...more
Was not my favorite story about the Holocaust. The story felt rushed to me.
A very well written account
this book is very well written and the few times Yiddish or Hebrew expressions were used, there was a translation. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning as much as possible about this horrible time. I as a child was there and to young to hear or see anything.Where was God?????? I have read many books now about this, especially accounts of survivors, and I am losing my faith.
this book is very well written and the few times Yiddish or Hebrew expressions were used, there was a translation. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning as much as possible about this horrible time. I as a child was there and to young to hear or see anything.Where was God?????? I have read many books now about this, especially accounts of survivors, and I am losing my faith.
This book is a riveting description of the hardships and degradation many people suffered through during the Holocaust. It is a testament to courage and the will to survive.
This book gives a first person witness to the Holocaust, which should lead them to an increased awareness of the need for tolerance. Compared to a Nazi concentration camp, all our troubles seem so trivial. Read Mr. Wiener's story, and you will see.
Wiener speaks extensively at schools and organizations in his city of residenc ...more
This book gives a first person witness to the Holocaust, which should lead them to an increased awareness of the need for tolerance. Compared to a Nazi concentration camp, all our troubles seem so trivial. Read Mr. Wiener's story, and you will see.
Wiener speaks extensively at schools and organizations in his city of residenc ...more
I had the opportunity to meet Alter with a friend in Portland. He is an amazing man. I am grateful for the story he shares and am eager to share with my family. I love the final 3 words of his book--Count your Blessings! With his joie de vivre he has the ability to put our first world problems in perspective and truly find gratitude for the blessings that surround us--family, freedom and love.
This book is not just a story of "look how terribly I was treated." It is an inspiring autobiography with just enough "look how I was treated" to set the stage for the important messages of hope, the absurdity of prejudice and stereotyping, and striving for self-improvement. It is important to note that a significant portion of the book is dedicated to Wiener's life after liberation -- when he wasn't as free as one might expect -- and to responses from his audiences based on his speaking present
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Compelling enough read but didn't really like how the book was set out. Felt very rushed and didn't really get to find out much of the authors time spent in camp. Only half the book really is the authors story then the second half a list of places he did talks as well as showing letters he received and finishes off with q&a from some of the talks.
Awesome book! This book is well-written with deep insights on the motives of the Nazis' ideology as well as life itself. The author, Alter Wiener, wrote his book with the intent of a Holocaust survivor's experiences and thoughts after life in a concentration camp. I'll be reading this book again.
One of the greatest of the memoirs I have read. And I have spent forty years reading these memoirs, memories, autobiographies I believe because of my love for God's chosen people.
I began my study when I was about 17 when reading The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.
Through the years I have found more and more memoirs, historical non-fiction on this subject.
Alter Wiener's book is one of those inspirational stories of survival. When one is finished with it one wants to believe in the power we all ...more
I began my study when I was about 17 when reading The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.
Through the years I have found more and more memoirs, historical non-fiction on this subject.
Alter Wiener's book is one of those inspirational stories of survival. When one is finished with it one wants to believe in the power we all ...more
I heard Alter Wiener speak recently, and this autobiography was a great supplement to filling out 'the rest of the story.' Alter writes with heart and compassion, and we are all very fortunate he chose to put his story (albeit a sad one) into print.
I agree with others who have said the same in regards to the writing: it jumps around too much. I found it hard to follow. When I was able to follow and connect the dots, I did enjoy learning more about his life.
An amazing story that must never cease to be told!
I appreciated the author's honesty and his sincerity about how he has chosen to live following such horrible atrocities.
People of freedom must never forget that millions upon millions of people were abused, tortured and murdered simply because of who they were and/or what they believed in.
This must forever be remembered so that such a thing is never allowed to happen again!!
Thank you for sharing your life story, Mr. Wiener. It was an honor and a ...more
I appreciated the author's honesty and his sincerity about how he has chosen to live following such horrible atrocities.
People of freedom must never forget that millions upon millions of people were abused, tortured and murdered simply because of who they were and/or what they believed in.
This must forever be remembered so that such a thing is never allowed to happen again!!
Thank you for sharing your life story, Mr. Wiener. It was an honor and a ...more
"We forgot how to talk, how to communicate, and how to smile"
What a beautiful outlook on life. For a man who faced such terrors, hatred, and lived a nightmare, Alter Weiner gives us lessons in love and education. I feel every story should be heard. It is the only way to prevent another Holocaust. I was deeply moved and rewarded with a brighter outlook on life, people, and love. May I live a life that makes a difference. I recommend this to anyone, because everyone could gain a valuable piece of ...more
What a beautiful outlook on life. For a man who faced such terrors, hatred, and lived a nightmare, Alter Weiner gives us lessons in love and education. I feel every story should be heard. It is the only way to prevent another Holocaust. I was deeply moved and rewarded with a brighter outlook on life, people, and love. May I live a life that makes a difference. I recommend this to anyone, because everyone could gain a valuable piece of ...more
Exceptionally honest. Sometimes uncomfortably so. Well worth the read.
Alter Wiener's story is unique, like any holocaust survivor, and heartbreaking. To contemplate what Alter endured is absolutely humbling. As a Jew, the read was that much more meaningful. He also writes about his post-war experiences in Israel and America--a true story of perseverance. Wiener stresses the need for education and the preservation of human rights. We are all in this together, and we must do our best to ensure that the world we live in is an upright place. An inspiring read.
A painfully beautiful book. How could it be anything else with the topic. I bought this book after listening to the author speak in person (I wanted to learn more). A real eye opener for the family! I would recommend this book and ones like it as a must read to everyone over 12. Else we'll be doomed to repeat it...and there are some places mankind should never ever go again, for any reason.
This is a great book for high school students to read about the Holocaust. The vocabulary and the language in the book is suited for the young adult crowd. I would recommend using this book for the classroom. I would also like to thank Mr. Wiener for sharing his story and writing it in a way that can be accessible to our youth. Thank you for bearing witness.
Very touching. Brought tears to my eyes. Laughed along the funny parts. We must learn from the people who suffered through the Holocaust and what happened so we won't have to go through that ever again.
This is a baldy told take of one boy's experience during the Holocaust. Well written and painfully honest this is a must read for everyone. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting the author. Instead of being full of anger, he was a soft spoken, kind man whose message was to LOVE one another, above all else. He is an inspiration.
Mr. Wiener will speak at Pacific University this week. I am so grateful he continues to speak publicly.
"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest."
Elie Wiesel
Addendum: Mr Wiener spoke last night at Pacific. Very moving.
"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest."
Elie Wiesel
Addendum: Mr Wiener spoke last night at Pacific. Very moving.
The details were interesting, but I found his storytelling style and grammatical errors to be distracting. Writing these memoirs must be cathartic, though. I admire the people who lived through these atrocities. We should all be fully aware of what happened so that they'll never happen again.
Good read
This was a very good book. It is so sad that something like this happen to so many innocent people.
This was a very good book. It is so sad that something like this happen to so many innocent people.
Holocaust survivor book. Good book. Author lives about 6 miles from me. He showed slides and talked at our club. You just never know what life might have in store for you and how something small may save your life. We take him out occassionally.
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“There are two ways to deal with the cold—put on a fur coat to be warm, or light a fire so that others can be warm, too.”
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“I have seen that man’s capacity for evil has no limit, just as man’s genius is not limited to reaching new heights in every human endeavor.”
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