[.ca] The Book Thief (ISBN 0375931007)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too:
THE BOOK THIEF is on of the most memorable books I've read in a long time. It takes place during World War II in Molching, Germany. It's the writing, the unusual narrator (death), and the characters sketched in vivid colors that make this novel so difficult to put down. Meet Leisel, the book thief, whose first encounter with death occurs on a train with her mama and brother - on their way to meet her foster parents. Meet Rosa Hubermann, Leisel's new mama, whose rough, crude exterior can't hide the heart inside. Meet Hans Hubermann, Leisel's firm foundation. The man who stays up with her after her nightmares, who teaches her to read her first stolen book, who finds empathy in a slice of stale bread. Meet Max, a Jew, the shadow in the basement, a skeleton later seen marching, or more aptly, stumbling, down the road. Meet Rudy, the lemon-haired Jesse Owens, Leisel's partner in crime and best friend, the one who yearns for Leisel's kiss. Meet the Führer, the invisible, potent master of words. Meet death, in a metal cockpit, on a snow-covered field mottled in red, hanging from a rafter at the end of a rope, sitting at a simple kitchen table, under a pile of rubble that used to be a home. Markus Zusak fills the reader with vivid images of humans at war, humans led to the unthinkable by a force they cannot control. Some go willingly, others have no choice. Those left behind are merely attempting to survive each day as life crumbles around them. Leisel survives by stealing books. As I read the final chapters of THE BOOK THIEF, I literally had to close the book to get my emotions under control before reading on to meet death. It was inevitable -- he would meet me at the end of the book. As I emerged from the story at the turning of the back cover, my reality felt so jarringly wrong. It was as though I went from a black and white silent movie to a new world: bright, free, and colorful. You cannot read this novel without feeling a resounding resolve that this should never, ever, happen again. The writing is incredible. Mr. Zusak gave death such an unusual perspective. His descriptive phrases are nothing short of brilliant. THE BOOK THIEF is a powerful read that should not be missed by anyone, teen or adult! Reviewed by: Cana Rensberger

enchanting:
I'm told this book is meant for young readers. But I didn't find any suggestion of juvenile content.I loved this book and love it when one can feel the character.I could picture almost everything described and I was mezmerized. Couldn't wait to turn page to page.My reading club had many different ending speculations which produced lively discussion.We all loved it.

Wonderful book:
Thought provoking, educational and inspiring. Great for adults and children to understand the tensions within Germany during the War. Loved it

The Book Thief:
Outstanding book for all ages teen through seniors. The odd perspective from which it is written (death) gives a stunning read. Don't miss it. Well worth the purchase. Nancy Retired Nurse

Not your Typical Nazi...:
Don't be scared of the gloomy subject of this book. This is a tender and lovely, albeit very sad, story. My teenage daughter actually suggested this book to me, and I am so glad she did. Teenagers are definitely the target audience for this book, but people of all ages will identify with the struggles of ordinary people living under the Nazi regime. That Death is the narrator adds a sophisticated literary touch to it, but the story never losses its kindheartedness appeal. This book also humanizes the German common folk in a way that, to this day, authors are reluctant to do. Very seldom Germans living during the WWII are given the degree of humanity and dignity that is shown in The Book Thief.