"One night, I had a flash of inspiration. I could distract myself from the horrors of the concentration camp by boosting the morale of the others. From then on, I was the Mad Clown of the barracks. I would mimic the guards, and joke about the German officers' fat wives. Nothing was too outrageous or ridiculous if it brought a few moments of laughter. I knew I was taking my life in my hands, but it didn't matter."

Gizel Berman

"I now had a mission--- a purpose for existence."

"The greatest contribution this book makes is to present a whole picture of the Holocaust-the despair, the destruction, the will to live. It's a moving story that doesn't minimize the horror, and ends on a note of hope."

Adaire J. Klein,

Director of Library & Archival Services

Simond Wiesenthal Center, Los Angeles

"Very touching, very optimistic. A memoir that personalizes an overwhelming human experience, and helps readers understand the horrors of Shoah."

H. David Rose, Senior Rabbi

Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation

"The idea of a 'third life' is missing from most Holocaust memoirs. It's what makes this such a compelling personal story. It engages you from the beginning.

Dr. Laurie Warshal Cohen,

Instructor/Holocaust Literature

Seattle Central Community College

As the sole child of holocaust survivors, I have very strong emotions and feelings regarding the role of educating mankind to the atrocities that were endured under the Nazi Regime. Education can be a tool to inform the present and future generations of what transpired, as a mechanism for avoiding a repeat of the atrocities.

I believe that my mother's book brings forth a very positive perspective of living and survival. I was fortunate to have have had two parents whos positive nature and mutual committment to each other carried them through. My hope is that by reading this book, you may find a new part of yourself, you did not know existed. My lesson has been to wake up everyday and be thankful for what I have and hopefully make some small difference in the world, and that one does not have to experience a holocaust to become a better human being.

Margaret Berman