Friday, January 15, 2010

The Book Thief


I picked this up quite a few times at the bookstore and read the first few pages but just couldn't get into it.  Then I read really wonderful reviews of it so figured I'd try one more time.  I'm so glad I did!

What turned me off at first was the fact that Death is narrating the book and the beginning is a bit weird.  But, once I got past that, it was so, so good.

Death tells the story of Liesel a young girl growing up in WWII Germany.  She lives with foster parents and they hide a Jewish man whom Liesel befriends. 

She's called The Book Thief because at her brother's funeral, she steals a book even though she can't even read.  When she gets to her foster home, her Papa teaches her how.  After that she steals books because she loves them.

The writing was absolutely superb.  Descriptions are simple but, somehow, they just glow.  I did not want this book to end.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! I own this book, and totally agree that it was weird in the beginning. Now, I'm inspired to finish it! Thanks! =D

Literary Feline said...

I am glad you ended up liking The Book Thief, Linda. Sometimes you just have to be in the right mood for certain books--and get over those initial humps.

Paula Weston said...

I'm so glad you've read this book and loved it. It's one of my all-time favourites (if not THE all-time favourite)! And Markus Zusak is a really lovely guy, as well as a great writer.

His next book, Bridges of Clay, is due out this year. I can't wait.

Darlene said...

I've done the same with this book- picked it up and not been able to get into it. It's on my shelf and I guess I'm just going to have to try again. I've seen nothing but good reviews for it and now one from you too. It's got to be good.

Lore said...

You are right. I read this book and it has engaged my interest in the first few pages. Fantastic your comments, Linda.

teacherspe said...

I'm so glad you gave this review. I started this book a couple of times and put it down. I will now recommend it to my book club (after I read It.)

Have you read books by Charles Martin???
"Chasing Fireflies" is the best...as it "When Crickets Cry"