Friday, March 6, 2009

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

First sentence:

"First the colors."

Description:

"It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.

By her brother's graveside, Liesel Meminger's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Grave Digger's Handbook, left there by accident, and it is her first book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.

But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up and closed down.

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." -- from the back cover

My thoughts:

This was a beautifully written, thought provoking book about words, friendship, hope and love despite fear and uncertainty. I especially liked the interactions between Liesel and the people around her. I also liked Death as a narrator who sees both the good and bad in humans.

Date read: 3/6/2009
Book #: 18
Rating: 4*/5 = great
Genre: Fiction

ISBN-10: 0375842209
ISBN-13: 9780375842207
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Year: 2005
# of Pages: 550
Binding: Trade Paperback
LibraryThing page

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