The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Book Thief
Book Review: A Surprising Delight
Summary: 5 Stars
From the description, I thought this might be a "kids' book" but I couldn't have been more wrong. It did not talk down or lower itself to be understood. It was simple, eloquent and full of description which I often find annoying but which added immeasurably to this novel. There was just enough lightness to perfectly balance the grim subject matter without trivializing it. Highly recommended.
A note on Kindle formatting: I noticed very few errors but the pages would occasionally look wonky to accommodate Death's 'announcements'. Not a big deal and didn't distract noticeably.
Book Review: A Touching and Total Point of View
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Book Thief" caught me in its literary and humanitarian spell. Death narrates and reveals himself not as the Grim Reaper but as an observer of human frailty. This novel, which takes place during the rise and reign of Hitler, brings readers inside a German village and into the hearts and minds of people subject to the cruel facts of life under a dictator. It is an in-depth overview of all the people, Germans and Jews alike, during Hitler's horrific rule. Liesel, the book thief, keeps herself, Max (a Jew her family is hiding), and people in the town hopeful and alive through books she steals and reads to them. For me, this unique use of the power of the written word is one of the more touching and original themes I have read in the many novels I read. I did not want to put this book down. It is a page turner that reaches deep into the heart and mind. I sent copies to friends and family, for it is one of those books that becomes a friend for life and changes one's outlook on death, life and human folly.[...]Book Review: A True Must Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
In my family, I'm famous for reading the spoilers for movies and even occasionally some books . In a moment of suspense at whatever movie we might be attending, my husband can always turn to me when the tension gets to be just too much and ask me how things are going to turn out because he knows that I've read the spoiler. Why would I do this you might ask? To protect myself from caring too much. My theory has always been that if I know things are going to turn out badly I won't get too attached to the characters.
Imagine my surprise when The Book Thief destroyed all of my carefully laid plans. Since the book, which takes place in Nazi Germany, is narrated by Death it isn't giving away too much to say that I knew things couldn't possibly turn out happily for Liesel Meminger, the book thief. Death himself even gives us very broad and specific hints at what lies in store for Liesel, and those she cares about throughout the book. Despite all this, I fell hard for almost each and every character in this book. I actually found myself wiping away a few tears as I finished the last few pages. I've been reading a lot of great books lately, but this one really stands out as an amazing read.
The story is that of Liesel Meminger, a young German girl who we meet just prior to the rise of power of the Nazi party. Liesel is sent to live with some foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, who live on Himmel street, just outside of Munich. Liesel has lost everything; and is haunted especially by the death of her brother which she witnessed. Somehow, she finds comfort in words and books, despite her inability to read. Hans, her amazing foster father, teaches her to read. This love of books, especially stolen ones, becomes Liesel's salvation, and her means of survival as her nation goes up in flames.
I honestly can't say too many wonderful things about this book. I honestly loved everything about it. The characters are so wonderful, so amazing, so imperfectly human, and the story will inspire you and break your heart all at the same time.
Book Review: A Truly amazing book
Summary: 5 Stars
Personally, I thought the book was amazing.I finished it in about 4 days and I could never put it down until I fell asleep. I think this is one of his best books so far.... My grandma got me started in this book and i found the friendship of two people was amazing and how the girls story started it could be difficult at times and sometimes the narrator would reveal parts of the endings. The book also showed parts of the holocaust and how it all worked out in its own way... The ending was definitely sad... All I can really say is prepare for a lot of deaths in Germany... I highly recommend you to read this book besides young children because of the swearing I did not find one disappointing moment in this book and the way Mark wrote it made you feel like you where in Germany during the WWII and the characters are almost right there with you telling there story.Book Review: A Welcomed Point of View into the Holocaust Era
Summary: 4 Stars
This book was recommended to me as "a fantastic read", so I took it to Florida for my "vacation read". After the first chapter, I thought about putting the book down to pick up one that I could get into faster. I am so glad that I did not. Once, I got use to Death talking, and use to the manner of writing, it was just as I heard, amazing. It made me think, it made sense, and it introduced me to a new author. This will not be the last book by Mr. Zusak that I read, in fact, I am now getting ready to read "I Am Messenger". Give it a chance, and enjoy!!