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)
Memorable! 
January 13, 2009
This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. To be honest the length scared me a bit, but it is a very quick read. Once I got started, I couldn't put it down. When I finished, I passed it on to my 13 year old son. He finished it the same way I did...in tears. Excellent book and one that I will remember for a long time.
Reviewer: Liberty A
WOW, Outstanding.
November 26, 2008
I love this book. Narrated from a very unlikely point of view, it grabs you and pulls you in. I introduced this book to my teacher book club and it got a 100% thumbs up review. Several copies sit on my 8th grade classroom bookshelf and the kids love it too. Do yourself a favor and read it.
Reviewer: Jenny A
Disappointed 
September 27, 2008
I was disappointed by this book. The idea of Death telling a narrative was intriguing but, in this case, it felt contrived. The characters were poorly developed, the narrative got regularly side-tracked. I read about half, and then quit.
Reviewer: Odile A
Wonderful
September 11, 2008
This book was absolutely wonderful! I loved every minute of it. The narrator was inspired! A must read!
Reviewer: Jen W
Goodness lives inside despite external circumstances
August 28, 2008
This book has stayed in mind for almost two years. The narrator, a most unexpected voice, helps you see the characters from an unbiased viewpoint, yet you feel the empathy that he has for the child. I only hope that a gifted film maker will take the time to put this book on film. The characters do the best they can in the difficult circumstances of living in Germany during World War 2 and having to restrain their feelings in order to avoid the penalty of separation from each other in the event they are found harboring a Jew. Even the unlikable characters break down over time and show us, the reader, their ability to care.
Reviewer: Cyndee K
Copyright © Bookspan. Children's Book-of-the-Month Club® is a registered trademark of Bookspan. Unauthorized use prohibited. All rights reserved.
11307201305ADFL
