Set in Germany in the years 1939-43, the story
unfolds from Death’s point of view. The country is holding its breath and Death
shares how busy he has been, how he will become busier still, and that he is
haunted by humans.The tale focuses on Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
In superbly crafted writing that burns with
intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most
enduring stories of our time. Is this
2005 publication being taught in any schools? I wonder if it might find a
place alongside or even replace Diary of
Anne Frank in curriculums around the world.
This extraordinary #1 New York Times bestseller
is now in movie theaters. I don’t think I’m going to the theater to see it. The
horrendous beauty of this book could not possibly be conveyed through film. Words
indeed hold power. I will, however, probably see it once it’s on video.
Have
you read this or any other Zusak books? What did you think of his writing?
7 comments:
You know, I worked in a bookstore for several years with this book being a steady seller, so that's how I knew about it at all, but I never learned why, really, except that it was considered to be a good book in general, certainly an exception to typical young adult material. And it wasn't until the movie's imminent release that I learned any of why it's got that title at all. So I understand why you had it on your list and why it took so long to read it, and probably even why you ended up reading it so quickly. And why I ought to do the same, too.
Haven't read this book but heard lots of good things.
The Book Thief is one of the best, most powerful, stories I've ever read. I read Zusak's early novel, Fighting Ruben Wolf, I think it was. A gifted writer. I am curious about the movie, though.
Just downloaded to Kindle... another one to add to the list...
Just as I was wondering what to read next! This book has also been sitting in my overflowing pile of books to be read. Thanks for spurring me on.
Thanks for the review. Like you, it's been sitting in my "to-read" list for some time. Sounds like I need to move it up on the list.
Yes, this is one of my favorite books!
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