There have been many re-tells of Holocaust survivor stories. For example, Maus II and “Life is Beautiful” are two excellent versions of Holocaust victims experiences. In these traumatic scenarios both stories shared a unified message of appreciation and never giving up hope. In “Life is Beautiful” Guido convinces his son Joshua that their time in the Concentration Camp was a game, assuring him they would be reunited with Dora (Joshua’s mother) and return back home, presenting hope. In Maus II Vladek was infected with Typhus and struggled to even stand on his two feet, but Vladek had hope throughout his sickness which eventually led to his freedom from the Concentration Camp and the reunion of him and his wife Anja. Another important unified message demonstrated was appreciation, in “Life is Beautiful” Guido lives every moment with his son as if it is his last, appreciating the time he spends with Joshua. In Maus II after Vladek survives the Holocaust he appreciates every piece of food and money. For instance, Vladek refuses to throw away even a crumb of food and did not allow his son to use his wooden matches in order to save them. There are many messages “Life is beautiful” and Maus II demonstrate but in my opinion I believe appreciating what one has and never giving up hope are the most valuable. The unified messages presented in both “Life is beautiful” and Maus II can be applied to not only my life, but everyones. In todays society most people forget how much food is cherished, we forget that we should be thankful for what we have and that some people have nothing. Just how Vladek and Guido had no resources during the Holocaust proves one should always appreciate not just what food they have but religious freedom, having a roof over oneself and a family. Another unified message presented in both stories is never giving up hope, this can be applied to my life