The Book Thief

this book was way better than i thought it would be. it starts out slow, but it becomes really good. you should read it. it is very well written and just and all around good book!!!

There are plenty of reviews telling the story line so I won't bore anyone with more. I just want to say how creative a writer Zusak is. This is the first story I've read narrated by death and I couldn't put it down. It was like reading an abstract story with the lives of people during World War II woven so beautifully together. Amazing! Different! And I have to agree with others on the fact that it doesn't read like a junior book. Don't give up on this book, you'll be glad you didn't.

The Book Thief, which is probably in the local library's "Young Adult" section, is set in Nazi Germany during WWII. Thus, it's pretty brutal at times, but it's not without redemption. Zusak uses a novel narrative approach - the story is told from Death's point of view. His sentences are spare, even choppy at times, which lends the work a clipped, regimented feel - not at all inappropriate for a wartime novel. "Young Adult," yes, but not bedtime reading. Zusak has created a powerful work, but it's somewhat disjointed at times. Good - yes. Excellent - no.

I read this book over a year ago because of a review I read somewhere. It is so full of texture, of the grinding machine that is war, with the little bleeps of love and beauty that keep people plodding along. It is a wonderful book. I still think about it a year later and I immediately ordered his other 2 books. I read voraciously and this is a gem. The characters are so surprising and real. I am amazed this is a young adult book. I am aware of book clubs that have read the book and been captivated by it. It should be widely read. Where is Oprah?

A rare opportunity to experience the insight of Germany life during the war. It can be a little bit depressive in the beginning, but the story is extremely well developed. I hope it remains popular for generations.