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Let's Make Things Better: A Holocaust Survivor's Message of Hope and Celebration of Life
“To me, hard times are like hide-and-seek - where is the solution, where is the hope? We can never give up looking for these things because they are just waiting to be found.” Gidon Lev is 89 years old. He’s been a dance teacher and a farmer. He loves soccer, his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, his beloved late wife of 40 years, Susan and his unexpected late-in-life partner, Julie, whom he met when he was 82. A self-identified rascal and optimist, Gidon Lev is also a Holocaust survivor who was imprisoned for nearly four years in the concentration camp of Theresienstadt. Liberated when he was ten, he lost at least 26 members of his family in the Holocaust, including his father, grandfather, great aunts and great uncles. After decades of silence, Gidon first told his story of being imprisoned in Theresienstadt to a group of German high school students. What followed was nothing less than from that one talk, Gidon has spoken to celebrities and diplomats and taken social media by storm, all with his signature bluntness, charm, and wisdom. Gidon’s life is extraordinary not only because he is one of the few living Holocaust survivors remaining but because of his lessons learned over nearly a century. As Gidon says, you don’t get the life you want, you get the life you get—and it’s what you do with it that counts. Let’s Make Things Better is the calling card of an indomitable spirit—sharing timeless simple beliefs and truths, from reconciling with the past, standing up to hate, living for the moment, bringing people together, and where to find hope for the future. Gidon's ultimate lesson for all of us is that we have many opportunities, large and small, in front of us every day. And our single most readily available and possibly best purpose is to makethingsbetter – to incrementally improve what is in front of us and to leave something better behind us. This is a power that we all have, at any moment, and Gidon's life is a lesson of how to do it, even in the face of astonishing adversity.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2024
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2641 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 13, 2024
"I am not a rich person or a politician or a well-known world leader," says 89-year-old Gidon Lev. "I'm just Gidon Lev, an everyday guy who has, many times in my life, tried to make things better."
In 1938, when he was three years old, Gidon Lev and his mother, father, grandma and grandpa fled their happy home in Karlovy Vary, Czechoslovakia, which had been taken over by Nazis, and took a night train to Prague. In December 1941, Lev and his mother were sent to Theresienstadt concentration camp. His father and grandpa were sent on a second transport, but Lev never saw them again.
This memoir feels like getting to sit at Gidon Lev's and his life partner, writer and editor Julie Gray's kitchen table in Israel and talk and listen and listen and listen.
We hear his early life story, and then a slew of anecdotes from his many years after Theresienstadt was liberated. And what's remarkable and most helpful is that he is, as he said, an everyday guy who could be your friend. He's an everyday guy who's led an extraordinary life of suffering and then resilience and love with a sprawling family including two wives, a life partner, six children, fifteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
This is not a self-help book. The title comes from a saying his second wife put on the refrigerator because she insisted nobody go to bed angry. But there is plenty of everyday extraordinary old man wisdom as he lives now in a world of social media that he and Julie embraced with videos, and then the explosion of antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the eruption of war.
Lev is a self-declared "leftie" who has demonstrated against the Israeli government's incursions on democracy and he is heart-broken by the war as well as the world's distortion in its sudden feeling of righteous "Jew hate."
I hope a lot of people read this book. You will love Lev Gidon. He is love in a human form. And he has a lot to say.
In 1938, when he was three years old, Gidon Lev and his mother, father, grandma and grandpa fled their happy home in Karlovy Vary, Czechoslovakia, which had been taken over by Nazis, and took a night train to Prague. In December 1941, Lev and his mother were sent to Theresienstadt concentration camp. His father and grandpa were sent on a second transport, but Lev never saw them again.
This memoir feels like getting to sit at Gidon Lev's and his life partner, writer and editor Julie Gray's kitchen table in Israel and talk and listen and listen and listen.
We hear his early life story, and then a slew of anecdotes from his many years after Theresienstadt was liberated. And what's remarkable and most helpful is that he is, as he said, an everyday guy who could be your friend. He's an everyday guy who's led an extraordinary life of suffering and then resilience and love with a sprawling family including two wives, a life partner, six children, fifteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
This is not a self-help book. The title comes from a saying his second wife put on the refrigerator because she insisted nobody go to bed angry. But there is plenty of everyday extraordinary old man wisdom as he lives now in a world of social media that he and Julie embraced with videos, and then the explosion of antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the eruption of war.
Lev is a self-declared "leftie" who has demonstrated against the Israeli government's incursions on democracy and he is heart-broken by the war as well as the world's distortion in its sudden feeling of righteous "Jew hate."
I hope a lot of people read this book. You will love Lev Gidon. He is love in a human form. And he has a lot to say.
January 7, 2025
Sigo a @mrgidonlev en Instagram desde hace ya tiempo. Recomiendo a todos que hagan lo mismo. Su manera de vivir la vida y de llenar todo de optimismo y alegría es una cualidad que, aparte de inspirar, me hace pensar en gente que me rodea y admiro que encarna lo mismo.
La manera de narrar su historia está llena de ese toque característico suyo, que todos los que lo seguimos en instagram conocemos ya, con esa infecciosa joie-de-vivre y filosofía de perseverancia.
Recomendaría mucho este libro para estudiantes de secundaria, creo que la manera de ser narrado tiene el potencial de apelar a las sensibilidades de ese grupo. Y se lo recomiendo a cualquiera que busque (no es difícil) una razón más para adorar a este señor y, con suerte, ser contagiados de su forma maravillosa de vivir y amar.
La manera de narrar su historia está llena de ese toque característico suyo, que todos los que lo seguimos en instagram conocemos ya, con esa infecciosa joie-de-vivre y filosofía de perseverancia.
Recomendaría mucho este libro para estudiantes de secundaria, creo que la manera de ser narrado tiene el potencial de apelar a las sensibilidades de ese grupo. Y se lo recomiendo a cualquiera que busque (no es difícil) una razón más para adorar a este señor y, con suerte, ser contagiados de su forma maravillosa de vivir y amar.
November 12, 2024
Gidon Lev is an 89-year-old Holocaust survivor, and his zest for life is exactly the emotional boost I needed this month. As I read LET’S MAKE THINGS BETTER, I swear I felt his joy radiating off the pages.
Yes, the content is often heartbreaking. Gidon grew up in a concentration camp. He lost most of his family in those camps. Hunger and fear were as common in his early days as milk and cookies were in mine.
And yet. This memoir isn’t about dwelling in sadness; it’s about celebrating life. Gidon’s story is a reminder for us to stay connected, to chase our dreams, and to speak up about injustices, no matter how difficult and overwhelming it all might feel.
*Thanks to Hachette Go for the free copy.*
Yes, the content is often heartbreaking. Gidon grew up in a concentration camp. He lost most of his family in those camps. Hunger and fear were as common in his early days as milk and cookies were in mine.
And yet. This memoir isn’t about dwelling in sadness; it’s about celebrating life. Gidon’s story is a reminder for us to stay connected, to chase our dreams, and to speak up about injustices, no matter how difficult and overwhelming it all might feel.
*Thanks to Hachette Go for the free copy.*
February 2, 2025
Gidon Lev erzählt in „Let’s make things better“ seine außergewöhnliche Lebensgeschichte – von seiner Kindheit als Holocaust-Überlebender bis hin zu seinen Erfahrungen und Einsichten in der modernen Welt. Doch dieses Buch ist weit mehr als eine klassische Überlebensgeschichte. Zwar widmen sich die ersten 50 Seiten seiner Zeit im Konzentrationslager Theresienstadt, doch der eigentliche Fokus liegt auf seinem Leben danach: den Höhen und Tiefen, den Herausforderungen und Errungenschaften, den Momenten des Glücks und der Verzweiflung.
Gidons Erzählstil ist ehrlich, reflektiert und manchmal sogar humorvoll, was das Buch trotz seines ernsten Themas sehr zugänglich macht. Besonders berührend ist sein Appell am Ende des Buches: Er ruft dazu auf, Hass keinen Platz in unserer Gesellschaft zu geben und sich aktiv für Demokratie und Menschenwürde einzusetzen. Gerade in unserer heutigen Zeit ist diese Botschaft relevanter denn je.
Das Buch ist ein bewegendes, inspirierendes Buch, das zum Nachdenken anregt. Es erinnert uns daran, wie wichtig es ist, aus der Geschichte zu lernen und für eine bessere Zukunft einzustehen. Ein absolut lesenswertes Werk!
Gidons Erzählstil ist ehrlich, reflektiert und manchmal sogar humorvoll, was das Buch trotz seines ernsten Themas sehr zugänglich macht. Besonders berührend ist sein Appell am Ende des Buches: Er ruft dazu auf, Hass keinen Platz in unserer Gesellschaft zu geben und sich aktiv für Demokratie und Menschenwürde einzusetzen. Gerade in unserer heutigen Zeit ist diese Botschaft relevanter denn je.
Das Buch ist ein bewegendes, inspirierendes Buch, das zum Nachdenken anregt. Es erinnert uns daran, wie wichtig es ist, aus der Geschichte zu lernen und für eine bessere Zukunft einzustehen. Ein absolut lesenswertes Werk!
June 13, 2025
Easily the best book I’ve read so far this year.
February 2, 2025
Just finished this beautiful book.
It was like sitting at the feet of someone and just listening to them talk. It's a mix of hearing reminiscences from Gidon's life and his perspective on what's happening in the world now, alongside hope and positivity that we can all do our part to make this world a better place.
It was like sitting at the feet of someone and just listening to them talk. It's a mix of hearing reminiscences from Gidon's life and his perspective on what's happening in the world now, alongside hope and positivity that we can all do our part to make this world a better place.
January 18, 2025
What an incredible life. What an incredible man Gidon Lev is. To have survived the Holocaust and concentration camps as a child and to thrive with life’s ups and downs. He is such a light in this world.
July 4, 2024
First off, despite the title this is a memoir and not a self help book about surviving dark times. It is a wonderful memoir and Gidon is an inspirational, immensely likable person. The first half of the book is his life story and I honestly wish it had ended there. The second half is sort of rambling thoughts about fake news and such. While his thoughts are valid, it felt sometimes incomplete. He says that he has spray painted over things he disagreed with in his home now in Israel but doesn’t say what, which is intensely frustrating considering he talks so much about the importance of speaking up early about injustice. He also skirts the issue of what has been going on in Palestine, another issue that we just can’t be silent about. The entire second half of the book feels like an accumulation of Q and A answers from talks he’s given. Read the first half and get to know this remarkable man and his story, though. I learned so much about the holocaust and the history of the time (and what happened to people after) and he is also such an interesting, wonderful man.
I read a digital copy of this book for review.
I read a digital copy of this book for review.
December 14, 2024
The first part of this book is a Holocaust memoir, written in typical Holocaust-memoir style. It covers several years in a short space, which is probably the only way to write such an account, because most days as an inmate in a concentration camp are much like the others, and because the really horrific events experienced there are worse than most of us want to read. This one has been well-written or well-edited or both.
The second part contain the author's reflections on life and how best to live it, gleaned from experience of the Holocaust and the rest of a long life. The title, Let's Make Things Better, is attributed to his first wife, but also expresses his wish for the world. I do agree that every one of us, in our own small way, has the ability to make the world a better place.
My main problem was with the first part, because I felt I'd read the story before in Julie and Gidon's first book: The True Adventures of Gidon Lev. It was written in a different style, but the story was the same and I didn't feel I needed to read it again.
If you haven't read the first book, I recommend this one as a straight-talking memoir.
The second part contain the author's reflections on life and how best to live it, gleaned from experience of the Holocaust and the rest of a long life. The title, Let's Make Things Better, is attributed to his first wife, but also expresses his wish for the world. I do agree that every one of us, in our own small way, has the ability to make the world a better place.
My main problem was with the first part, because I felt I'd read the story before in Julie and Gidon's first book: The True Adventures of Gidon Lev. It was written in a different style, but the story was the same and I didn't feel I needed to read it again.
If you haven't read the first book, I recommend this one as a straight-talking memoir.
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January 13, 2025Gidon Lev's message is so important, especially in light of our current turmoil-filled times. This memoir follows his life, basically starting with his childhood spent in a concentration camp, and later moves into how Gidon, as a teenager, adult, and eventually an elderly person dealt with and reflected on the lessons he learned from his experience. Most importantly, he reiterates that we must remember, teach, and learn from our collective human past, including something as atrocious as the holocaust.
As a general rule, I don't give star ratings to memoirs or autobiographies, as I worry it is too simplistic of a way to "judge" someone's lived experience. But suffice to say, everyone could benefit from reading this book.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and was asked to give my honest review.
As a general rule, I don't give star ratings to memoirs or autobiographies, as I worry it is too simplistic of a way to "judge" someone's lived experience. But suffice to say, everyone could benefit from reading this book.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and was asked to give my honest review.
June 20, 2024
Let me tell you, this book, "Let's Make Things Better" by Gidon Lev, is a real gem. Here's a survivor of the Holocaust, a guy who went through unimaginable horrors as a kid, and yet the message is all about hope and making the world a better place.
It's powerful stuff, but not in a heavy way. Lev keeps it real, sharing his story and the lessons he's learned. You find yourself rooting for him, amazed by his resilience, and inspired by his simple yet profound message: we all have the chance to make things better, every single day.
If you're looking for a book that will uplift you, challenge you to see the good in the world, and maybe even give you a kick in the pants to make a positive difference, this is it. It's a must-read!
It's powerful stuff, but not in a heavy way. Lev keeps it real, sharing his story and the lessons he's learned. You find yourself rooting for him, amazed by his resilience, and inspired by his simple yet profound message: we all have the chance to make things better, every single day.
If you're looking for a book that will uplift you, challenge you to see the good in the world, and maybe even give you a kick in the pants to make a positive difference, this is it. It's a must-read!
December 4, 2024
Thank you Gidon, for sharing your story, your struggles, your courage, your adventures, and for your hope. I hope a lot of people read this book.
This memoir reads as if the reader is in the room, listening to the heartfelt tales and memories that the very likable Gidon recalls.
Some of the contents in this book are heartbreaking and I cried. Some of the hope is contagious and uplifting. The themes Gidon discuss from the past are still relevant today. We must learn from history!
This book is such an important read, encouraging everyone to learn from history, take the time to analyze facts, recognize pattern, and stand up for the principles of humanity.
This memoir reads as if the reader is in the room, listening to the heartfelt tales and memories that the very likable Gidon recalls.
Some of the contents in this book are heartbreaking and I cried. Some of the hope is contagious and uplifting. The themes Gidon discuss from the past are still relevant today. We must learn from history!
This book is such an important read, encouraging everyone to learn from history, take the time to analyze facts, recognize pattern, and stand up for the principles of humanity.
August 1, 2025
Gidon Lev takes readers through the many chapters of his life, including four years at Thereinstadt, a Nazi prison camp. During those four years Lev's life was turned upside down as many of his family members, including his father and grandparents were murdered. Following World War II, Lev and his mother were forced to create new lives.
It is a book that will make you laugh and cry. It is a book about love and friendships. It is a book about optimism, hope, and helping others.
Like other Holocaust survivors, Gidon Lev has so much wisdom to offer. Thankfully, he shared this little book with us.
It is a book that will make you laugh and cry. It is a book about love and friendships. It is a book about optimism, hope, and helping others.
Like other Holocaust survivors, Gidon Lev has so much wisdom to offer. Thankfully, he shared this little book with us.
September 2, 2024
Let's Make Things Better... an incredible autobiography as Gidon recounts his life during the Holocaust, but mostly focusing on life following those events. I appreciate he honors his emotions and memories of his lack of childhood during a time of death and destruction, but also chooses to celebrate his life and family's survival. Gidon continues to focus on looking forward and living his life's purpose, even acknowledging that he was frequently depressed and how he overcame that feeling. He teaches in his speeches how we can do better and choose to not repeat history.
November 18, 2024
Let's Make Things Better is an amazing read of a Holocaust survivor's message of hope, but also a celebration of life. The book was a such a gem and it was an inspirational read. Gidon is such a likable person and I loved reading his memoir. This book is a reminder to stay connected, chase our dreams and so much more. I loved this book so much and would recommend it to any reader especially to those who love memoirs. Thank you to Hachette Books and Hachette Go for this amazing read in exchange of my honest review of Let's Make Things Better by Gidon Lev.
December 23, 2024
Gidon Lev…what a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing your story of survival, hope and strength. We should all take a lesson from your love and excitement for life.
Thank you for pointing to what is happening in our world today that so many refuse to see.
“It’s important to remember that the Holocaust actually did not start from gas chambers. This hatred gradually developed from words, stereotypes and prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization and escalating violence.”
Thank you for pointing to what is happening in our world today that so many refuse to see.
“It’s important to remember that the Holocaust actually did not start from gas chambers. This hatred gradually developed from words, stereotypes and prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization and escalating violence.”
January 10, 2025
I highly recommend this beautiful memoir. We have so much to learn from those who have gone through hard times. Gidon Lev does a wonderful job of gently teaching us about strength, hope, joy, and love as he tells his own story. I listened to the audiobook and it was a treat to hear Gidon’s own voice at the end. Thank you, sir, for sharing your story with us. This was the perfect book for me to start the year off with. ❤️❤️
March 16, 2025
From the musical beginning, the introduction voiced by Julie Gray, and narration by Yuval Dor is a wonderful book, particularly for these times. Gidon Lev is a holocaust survivor. I couldn’t “put it down” listening as I accomplished the weekly routines of cleaning house, laundry, etc so glad to be inspired by the gentle narration and real story of a joyful person and his message “Let’s Make Things Better”.
September 18, 2025
Gidon and Julie’s story is so beautiful. I had the privilege of working with them both, and hearing more about his life was heartbreaking, but also beautiful and a testament of what an amazing son, father, partner, and human Gidon is. Everyone should read this book, especially in these times of turmoil in our world.
August 10, 2024
I have read many books about the holocaust...difficult reading.
I definitely agree with Mr. Lev that we should be learning from the holocaust and not repeating it. Mr Lev speaks of hope. It is a travesty that more people don't know much about that time period, or they don't believe it really happened. It happened. I am glad that Mr. Lev managed to have a good life.
I definitely agree with Mr. Lev that we should be learning from the holocaust and not repeating it. Mr Lev speaks of hope. It is a travesty that more people don't know much about that time period, or they don't believe it really happened. It happened. I am glad that Mr. Lev managed to have a good life.
May 19, 2025
This book is an excellent read! Inspiring and encouraging in how to make emotional connections with people through recounts of Gidon’s life through both heartwarming and devastating experiences. I learned more about the Holocaust and telltale signs of antisemitism.
September 20, 2025
this easy to read and uplifting book is just what I needed especially in these dark times in our country. he does such a great job of articulating and helping refocus and reframe experiences even in the darkest of times. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention his call to action throughout.
October 4, 2025
Uplifting and encouraging. Amazing to hear his story of survival. I love his messages about making the world a better place and to just keep going one day at a time. There is good all around you if you decide to see it . Beautiful and inspiring. Thankyou for sharing your story Gidon!
October 12, 2025
Thoughtful advice for life from a man who grew up in the worst of circumstances. The first half is primarily a memoir. The second half continues to utilize stories from his life, but also shares many practical tips for living life well and thinking well.
March 2, 2025
Near 5 stars. Wow! A harrowing memoir of loss, oppression, concentration camps, and a guide for hopefulness and creating positive change in the world. Great book!
April 2, 2025
An easy, uplifting read that shifted my perspective.
May 6, 2025
This was fantastic!
September 6, 2025
I just wanted so much more from this. Complete and utter disappointment.
October 31, 2025
It deviates too much from the story it's supposed to be about, at least that's my opinion. I've read many books about the Holocaust, and this one is one of the least appealing to me.
November 30, 2024
A beautifully written and narrated memoir of an amazing person who has lived on this earth for almost 90 years. I’m so glad my friend recommended this book to me. It was just what I needed after a very depressing election outcome for me and many others. Not only a story of survival, but a story of how to simply live in this complex ever changing world we face.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews