by Markus Zusak
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Product Description
It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel 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 before he is marched to Dachau.
This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.
From the Hardcover edition.
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Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 Bravo!, 2008-10-14
This novel is a must-read for everyone, young adults and adults alike. I was completely captivated by this story and the style in which it was written. Zusak's approach to Death as the narrator is unique and engaging, and his voice is sometimes cynical, sometimes sympathetic. He tells the story of young Liesel as she is sent to live with foster parents outside of Munich in the heart of Nazi Germany during WWII. The relationships she forms over the next few years are so compelling: Rudy, her best friend, Hans, her adopted Papa, Max, the resident Jew in hiding, the mayor's wife who owns an enviable library, and a cast of others who add so much dimension to this novel. Mostly, though, it is about Liesel's love of the written word and her determination to acquire books at any cost.
The most captivating part, however, is the last 30 pages when Liesel's story comes to a dramatic end. Be prepared to have some tissue on hand and to sit quietly for a time to ponder this extraordinary book. I will forever be haunted by the quiet silver eyes of Papa, the incessant cursing of Mama, and the lemon yellow hair of Rudy. But especially, I will not forget the image of Liesel finding comfort in books during a tumultuous time in human history.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
READ this book!, 2008-10-14
I just finished reading this book last night and I want to read it again right now! The characters are so vivid, I miss them. If you let it, this book will touch your heart.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 I liked it, but wouldn't read again., 2008-10-13
The amount of five star reviews on this book is not surprising because it was an interesting and engaging read. The story is written in a style I have never encountered before and I was engrossed throughout.
The reason it gets a three star review from me is because its not a book I'd buy, put on my book shelf and read over and over again.
Was it good? Yes.
Did I enjoy it? Yes.
What it original and unique? Yes.
Would I read it again? Not likely.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
engrossing, 2008-10-12
The is probably one of the best books I have ever read in my like. The author has struck up a methodology of writing that is very unique and as such is very captivating. It's a book about a subject - death - done in such a way that the reader will never forget the essence of the book.
If you are open to reading something very intriguing, sad, yet optomistic, give this book a try.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Fresh concept, honest characters, 2008-10-10
I read the first few pages of this book standing in line at the bookstore. The beginning was mysterious, but started to paint a picture of a narrator that seemed defeated. The narrator turns out to be Death, speaking to us from the Nazi Germany during WW2. Death, ironically, is afraid of humans. This set the book off with a delightfully fresh concept.
The story is not meant to be a complex one, though there are a number of complex themes in the book. It involves Death, who comes to us during a busy time for him in world history--the Second World War. He follows the story of a young girl who goes to live with a foster family. The simplicity of following her development, her friends, her foster parents, and her time in the Hitler Youth make this book very honest. Though there is a clear plot, revealed partially in the beginning and unfolded properly by the end of the book, the characters that are established are what I particularly enjoyed.
Some of the themes of this book are Death (obviously) and the human reaction to it (Him?) and words--Hitler is known to be a master of words and propaganda and the girl followed in the book learns to read and write through (mostly) stolen books. She shows a parallel power of words as Death learns her story mostly through the book she wrote.
The book is tragic at times, but still ends without leaving the reader feeling empty. If you read this book, don't expect Heaven and Earth to be moved. Read it to meet the characters and, possibly, grow to care for them. I had never heard of it before I saw it in the bookstore. I read it because the first few pages drew me in. I only found out about the hype after the fact. No expectations and reading just to enjoy it are the way to go with this book. It is simple, subtle, and astonishingly good.
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