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mlauren's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book - every character was visible and relatable to me and I appreciated the perspective of the narrator.
mykale's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"'I'm an idiot'
No, Papa.
You're just a man."
The Book Thief is something that will sit with me for a while. Zusak tells a beautiful story about the human side of war, the power of words, and the impact of small rebellion. Using Death as the narrator was a brilliant choice, as it acted as a seamless guide through the interconnected lives of the of characters. The characters in The Book Thief were lovable and memorable, especially the core unit of Liesel, Max, and the Hubermanns. Parts 9 and 10 blew me away, moving The Book Thief from a strong 4.5-star book to a 5-star book.
My only complaint for this story, and it is really picky, is the occasional chapter cliff-hanger. It was a small eye-roll moment for me. I can't really decide if I would've preferred to have not known the imminent threats ahead or gone in blind like our characters did. I wonder if it was Death just trying to soften the blow of reality. Incredibly impactful nonetheless.
No, Papa.
You're just a man."
The Book Thief is something that will sit with me for a while. Zusak tells a beautiful story about the human side of war, the power of words, and the impact of small rebellion. Using Death as the narrator was a brilliant choice, as it acted as a seamless guide through the interconnected lives of the of characters. The characters in The Book Thief were lovable and memorable, especially the core unit of Liesel, Max, and the Hubermanns. Parts 9 and 10 blew me away, moving The Book Thief from a strong 4.5-star book to a 5-star book.
My only complaint for this story, and it is really picky, is the occasional chapter cliff-hanger. It was a small eye-roll moment for me. I can't really decide if I would've preferred to have not known the imminent threats ahead or gone in blind like our characters did. I wonder if it was Death just trying to soften the blow of reality. Incredibly impactful nonetheless.
mommyguji's review against another edition
5.0
Great the first time. Even better the second time. Listened to it on Audible the 2nd time. They picked the perfect voice for the narrator. It really enhanced the story.
amber_araneae's review against another edition
5.0
It has been ages since a novel has captivated me to the degree this one has. Its just so genuine, and painful. Very well written.
hjcollins32's review against another edition
5.0
The book Thief by Markus Zusak was amazing! Liesel Meminger is a foster child living through WWII, in Nazi Germany. The Hubermanns take in Liesel after a train ride that takes the life of her ill brother. At the grave of her brother, Liesel theives her first book The Grave Digger's Handbook.
Hanns Hubermann takes the time to teach Liesel to read which then leads to more book stealing. Throughout this store Liesel and her friend Rudy learn about the true meaning of friendship.
On the back cover of the book USA Today is quoted as saying, " Deserves a place on the same shelf with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank....Poised to become a classic" and I totally agree with this. The Hitler era is well described and the actions of the characters seem very believable. It was nice reading a story that was rooting for the 'good guys'.
I loved this book and would recommend it to everyone!
Hanns Hubermann takes the time to teach Liesel to read which then leads to more book stealing. Throughout this store Liesel and her friend Rudy learn about the true meaning of friendship.
On the back cover of the book USA Today is quoted as saying, " Deserves a place on the same shelf with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank....Poised to become a classic" and I totally agree with this. The Hitler era is well described and the actions of the characters seem very believable. It was nice reading a story that was rooting for the 'good guys'.
I loved this book and would recommend it to everyone!
billiebeepboop's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
moxrees's review against another edition
5.0
The characters-including Death-are rich and engaging. I loved this book and its unique perspective and tone. It has all the elements of a great story, I learned something new, and I developed new questions about choices people make.
jessbustard's review against another edition
5.0
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is straight up one of the best books I’ve read in a long, long time. It’s sad, funny, touching and terrific.
Zusak has written an amazing story of Nazi Germany narrated by the touching, often sarcastic voice of Death. Death tells the tale of Liesel, a young girl who looses her mother and her brother in the same night and is placed in a foster home with Hans and Rosa Hubberman. As the girl begins to adjust to her new life she makes friends, begins to love her new family and learns to read and write. Liesel’s life with the Hubbermans during the war is fairly typical: not enough food, not enough money, peppered with fear, full of strong friendships and childhood chicanery. That is until a stranger shows up on their doorstep and Liesel and her foster family make a very scary decision.
That’s all you’re getting, anymore would spoil the book for you and I really think you should read it.
One of my favourite aspects of the Book Thief is Death as the narrator; not only is it a unique idea but it really works with the subject matter. Rather than being callous or cruel, Death is portrayed as a weary, compassionate figure with an unpleasant job to do. He travels from place to place collecting human souls, treating them respectfully and being horrified by the nature of human beings. He is so horrified in fact, that he tries to distract himself by focusing on the colour of the sky during his soul collecting missions which leads to some wonderful imagery and one of the most heartbreaking lines in the book:
“For the book thief, everything was going nicely. For me, the sky was the color of Jews.”
I really loved this book! It was thought provoking, well written and tear jerking. I’m adding it to my “must read to be my friend" list.
Zusak has written an amazing story of Nazi Germany narrated by the touching, often sarcastic voice of Death. Death tells the tale of Liesel, a young girl who looses her mother and her brother in the same night and is placed in a foster home with Hans and Rosa Hubberman. As the girl begins to adjust to her new life she makes friends, begins to love her new family and learns to read and write. Liesel’s life with the Hubbermans during the war is fairly typical: not enough food, not enough money, peppered with fear, full of strong friendships and childhood chicanery. That is until a stranger shows up on their doorstep and Liesel and her foster family make a very scary decision.
That’s all you’re getting, anymore would spoil the book for you and I really think you should read it.
One of my favourite aspects of the Book Thief is Death as the narrator; not only is it a unique idea but it really works with the subject matter. Rather than being callous or cruel, Death is portrayed as a weary, compassionate figure with an unpleasant job to do. He travels from place to place collecting human souls, treating them respectfully and being horrified by the nature of human beings. He is so horrified in fact, that he tries to distract himself by focusing on the colour of the sky during his soul collecting missions which leads to some wonderful imagery and one of the most heartbreaking lines in the book:
“For the book thief, everything was going nicely. For me, the sky was the color of Jews.”
I really loved this book! It was thought provoking, well written and tear jerking. I’m adding it to my “must read to be my friend" list.