Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Publisher:Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: September 2005
Summary (from Goodreads): Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.
The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
Tyani’s Review: I must admit, I am a bit of a WWII fan, that may sound strange but it is the only event in history that really fascinates me. I’m going to tell you right off the bat, this story does not have a happy ending, you shouldn’t be surprised; its a story set in WWII. This story is narrated by Death. It was strange at first and I couldn’t really wrap my brain around that concept. But after 550 pages, is it weird to say I felt as though he was an old friend? I’m going to say it anyway. The way that the author personifies Death grants you a chance to reevaluate your viewpoint on death. At the same time you are following the devastating story of Liesel Meminger (and my favorite character, her best friend Rudy). I thought everything about this book was absolutely flawless. I came to love each and every character, even the mother who I thought I would never like. I should have seen it coming that they were not destined to live happily ever after, yet my heart was still demolished after turning the final page. I could go on for ages about how much I enjoyed this book, but I will leave it at: This book is perfection. I look forward to having it on my own personal bookshelf to revisit countless times in the future.
The Real Bookshelves of Room 918 