Man’s Search for Meaning: Young Adult Edition: Young Adult Edition

Gr 8 Up—Holocaust survivor and psychologist Frankl’s classic work was originally published in 1959 and is divided into two main sections: “Experiences in a Concentration Camp” and “Logotherapy in a Nutshell.” Frankl is forthright about the camps, describing the ever-present threat of death, terrible living conditions, starvation, thoughts of suicide, and so on, but he does not dwell on the horrifying details. As a psychologist, he was interested in how people responded to the situation more than the situation itself, and his writing reflects that viewpoint. Frankl’s theory of logotherapy “focuses on the meaning of human existence as well as man’s search for such a meaning…. This striving to find a meaning in one’s life is the primary motivational force in man.” This new YA edition keeps the concentration camp piece intact but simplifies the logotherapy segment. Even so, the vocabulary and concepts will be challenging to many readers and will require investigation and explanation for students to understand. VERDICT Frankl’s first-person account is compelling and offers a unique perspective to teenagers interested in reading further after exposure to Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl or other World War II narratives.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

“Could be particularly resonant among adolescents struggling with issues of meaning and purpose in their lives, especially at a time when different forms of bullying (including cyber-bullying) are all too prevalent in schools, and hate speech and hate crimes targeting any number of groups are on the uptick…With this new YA edition, making Frankl’s work available to younger audience, [these] lessons become part of the legacy from one generation to another. We’re never too old—or too young—to learn, not just the importance of meaning, but the meaning of tolerance and meaningfulness.”
—Psychotherapy Networker

“This introduction will encourage young readers not only to read Man’s Search for Meaning, but to pursue subjects of interest and keep memories alive.”
—Association of Jewish Libraries

“Frankl still has much to teach the world.”
—Meghan Cox Gurdon, Wall Street Journal

“Man’s Search for Meaning is a book to read, to cherish, to debate, and one that will ultimately keep the memories of the victims alive.”
—John Boyne, from the Foreword

“An enduring work of survival literature.”
—New York Times

“One of the ten most influential books in America.”
—Library of Congress