The Book Thief
This darkly brilliantly bestseller from the award-winning author of I Am the Messenger is the tale of a young girl living in Nazi Germany who discovers the awesome power—and danger—of words.
Recounted by Death itself—a hapless narrator overwhelmed by the souls it has to collect—this groundbreaking novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster child living outside Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence by stealing when she discovers something she can’t resist: books. Soon, she’s stealing them from Nazi book-burnings and sharing them with neighbors during bombing raids—and with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. Filled with astonishing, three-dimensional characters, The Book Thief is simply mesmerizing.
Hardcover Book : 560 pages
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc./Random House ( March 14, 2006 )
Item #: 12-144870
ISBN: 9780375831003
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 1.4inches
Product Weight: 21.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Good story, odd narrative 
March 01, 2012
This story was very compelling, horrific, both a look at children growing up in a war and in poverty and the coming of Nazism to a town. I liked the way text was broken into small sections. I was not overly fond of the narrative device where Death tells the story; I thought it was unnecessary. The author used a great deal of foreshadowing as well, for example saying that one character would be dead in two years, so that colored the story in ways I both liked and didn't. It was a lot to get used to, and I found myself losing energy halfway through.
Reviewer: Scott C
Superb Reading
January 21, 2012
The was engrossing. The young girl and her father gave us humanity. Death is such a excellent narrator, so powerful were his words and images that one senses love and an apprehension to his mission. It should be required reading for all who need to learn about humanity and those who play at war.
Reviewer: Vincent L
the best book I have read in ages
January 17, 2011
This book is NOTHING like the description as the BOMC editors wrote it. Statements like "Liesel scratches out a meager existence by stealing when she discovers something she can?t resist: books." are just WRONG. This book is so profound, so moving, I can understand that they could not write an adequately nuanced description in just a few sentences. So if you are considering this book, IGNORE the description and read the reviews here. This book is amazing, touching, profound, moving... I could not do it justice. But read it... you will not be sorry. It is the BEST BOOK EVER.
Reviewer: Mscheffie
One of best books on any shelf
September 23, 2009
I loved the way the book was narrated by "death", how he viewed the young heroine and her comrades throughout this very poignant story. Another that I hated to see end. Everyone should read this book, young and adult alike.
Reviewer: Shirley
Enthralling story - enjoy the sketches, too!
August 09, 2009
From one book lover to another, The Book Thief will be a treasured find. Author Zusak intrigues you with a unique style, and the reader anxiously turns each page into Liesel's life. You will dream with her, meet her friends, walk near Germans and Jews, and be inspired by her love of books.
Reviewer: Anna-marie
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