The extraordinary #1 New York Times bestseller that is now a major motion picture, Markus Zusak’s unforgettable story is about the ability of books to feed the soul.
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by … 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, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.
From the Hardcover edition.
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I really enjoyed this book. The story itself and new German words, including cuss words. I had a hard time putting it down, I just kept wanting to read.
The characters are so great! Each in their own way.
This poignant story captured my heart. I found the characters wonderfully written and real. The use of death as the narrator unique. A story of compassion, love and survival in Germany during World War II’s upheaval. A story that has you so invested in the characters you feel their pain, love, joy, and laughter.
This is one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. I think it gives a very interesting perspective on World War II, the characters are very well done and I couldn’t put it down.
This book was unforgettable.
There’s so much to say about this book. It’s so great. I listened to it and will probably read through it at some point. It’s just… the words are hard to find. The descriptions and world-building, the characters, the unique writing, the storyline, the twists. Masterfully done. I’ve read books that have made me sad and teary-eyed, but this one made me cry more than I have in a while. I do some writing myself, and I’ve prayed several times that I might write this well someday. I think The Book Thief is one of those stories that I’ll remember for years to come.
I am particularly impressed with Markus Zusak’s innovative presentation of his story and his ability to maintain the distinctive aspects of his characters. A great read, filled with pathos of its time, and lessons for the present.
Excellent book.
This was one of the books I held to my chest upon completion. It was written perfectly.
By far my favorite book! There are no words to describe how amazing this book is, one of those that you can read over and over again and never get tired.
One of my favourite books. The author is amazing with his use of imagery. A great story which will stay with you for a long time.
One of my all-time favorites! Excellent!
Very well written, excellent plot.
Beautifully written.
Great book.
This is one of my favorite books. It is written in such a creative way and really makes you realize the sacrifice during WWII. The characters are wonderful and I fell in love with them. The movie was amazing and followed the book almost exactly.
I didn’t think I would like it, but a surprisingly good read for a tough subject.
Love, love. loved it!
Fantastic book shows the cost of war to real people whichever side they’re on but it also shows how warm most human hearts are
This will forever be my favorite book. I haven’t been that invested in a book ever. It started off slow, but was very much worth it. The story is so touching and heartbreaking, I was sobbing by the end!
So much has already been said about this stellar book where one encounters Death as the narrator! In my top five books of all time.