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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This book really touched my heart. The interesting way this story is told, the great characters you learn to love, the war setting and the story of normal people, who have the courage to do what is right- everything just is perfect in the Book Thief. The story is very sad and it is one of the few books where I cried while reading it but I can absolutely recommend this book!
I loved this book and it was the first book ever to make me cry. And just love it big time.
It appears that I’m in the minority about this book. I understand the importance of the story being told, and can appreciate that you don’t usually hear it from the perspective of a young German girl. That being said, it just wasn’t for me. I know the events happened (and it scares me that it may happen again in my lifetime, the way the world is going now) but I don’t like to hear about it. I know life’s not always a bed of roses, but I would have like to have seen a happy ending. It may have made up for the time that I feel like I wasted in reading this book. There were parts of the writing that I really enjoyed, the descriptions and emotions. But overall, there just wasn’t enough for me to like it.
One of the few books where I sat and wept at the end.
This is not the type of book I would normally read, but I’m so glad that I did. An epic story about a young girl during WWII. Told from Death’s perspective, we’re all told the ending at the beginning of the story. Even with that, you simply cannot walk away from this book and once you come to the end, it is a story that will stay with you. Beautiful, touching read.
One of the most moving books I have ever read. Beautiful writing, unforgettable characters.
Definitely one of the most beautiful pieces of art I have ever read.
Amazing 5 stars
This book has interesting characters. I read this book during the summer, because I had to read it for school. This book is amazing! I recommend everyone to read it. My favorite characters are Max and Liesel. They are my favorite, because Liesel symbolizes liberty and defeat; Max symbolizes life and happiness. This has been the first history book I have ever read. This book has made me fall in love with the Holocaust. So far, I have read ten Holocaust books.
My son and I listen to the audiobook when we drive to school each day. We are completely swept up in the amazing storytelling. Just wow.
The character development in this book is wonderful, from the narrator to Liesel, the interaction is wonderful. The feelings and colors the narrator describes are so well done.
There is also a book within the book and drawings which is unusual and helps integrate the characters.
Highly recommend!
I read this some years ago and still remember the story touched a part of me with sadness yet happy the little girl read books.
This book made me cry but i’m so happy i’ve read it!
My all time favorite. This book shows you a very personal view of Germany durning WW2. Never cried so hard at the end of a book. The view from Death was so unique and the main characters tugged at your heart. Friends who I loaned this book loved it also and cried at the ending. Amazing
A brilliant read which I can’t recommend highly enough.
A fabulous book written in a unique way.
This is an unusual book about the period of World War II, the story takes place in Berlin and presents the perspective of the citizens of Germany in the war. The last fifty pages of the book were a little redundant in my opinion.
At the first I s I read this I had a German niece the same age as The Book Thief. This book will show you how ordinary Germans were effected by the Third Reich. Through the eyes of a pretty young girl who would like to read and learn. The horror of war to steal your ordinary dreams.
Oh my goodness, this book was incredible! Told from such an interesting perspective, and with such beauty through such tragic and terrifying times.
A true masterpiece. So well Written, couldn’t stop turning the pages Narration in the voice of Death was a haunting insight. The wrap up is a real tearjerker.