Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Number of Pages: 550

Rating: 5/5

Release: March 14, 2006 

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It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new 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.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

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*Be prepared to hear the word "words" many times in this short but meaningful review.

What a beautiful book.

The first book in my entire life to actually make me cry tears of sadness.

I'm left speechless. 

Words have failed me.  

This book about the power of words has touched me in an unfathomable way. 

Zusak's words leap out of the page, tangible and alive. 

I want to drop to my knees at the beauty and grace of his words.

Don't pass up the opportunity to read the words of The Book Thief.

-S

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Review: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Title:Halo (Halo #1)

Author: Alexandra Adornetto

Number of Pages: 496

Rating: 3/5

Release: August 31, 2010 

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Three angels- Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human- are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They must work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.

Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong.

The angel’s mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?

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First off, Halo has one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen. It's absolutely GORGEOUS. It's the main reason I wanted to the read the book. Pretty shallow, right? But don't go shaking your head at me, I know you all do it too!! 

I felt Halo was more a story of romance than anything. The story line was intriguing enough to keep me interested. Alexandra's writing style was beautiful; the sentences just flowed into one another. And the dialogue between the characters was so fun to read. It was natural and funny.

Bethany, the main character, really irritated me though. She was forever the damsel in distress. Xavier, her boyfriend, was always there to protect her and help her. I understand that it's nice to be pampered but you're an angel for crying out loud. There were so many things that he unnecessarily did for her. She could have easily done them herself, it's not like she didn't have hands or something. But one thing I found refreshing about Bethany was her naivety. She was unaware of so many things since it was her first time on earth. I found it so cute that she had trouble saying the word sex. Surprisingly, the character that I liked the most was the villain. He was dark, mysterious, flirty and a total badass. He added so much more appeal and interest to the plot. Xavier was really cute too, and funny as well, but I couldn't get over how he always felt the need to look after and protect Bethany. I just think that being an angel, she should've been more independent and strong headed.

The plot was alright, nothing spectacular. Like I said, it was more of a romance than anything. Beth and Xavier's relationship seemed to dominate the plot, which made sense at the end. At the end of the book, I felt satisfied yet somehow cheated. There were some questions that I wish had been answered. I can only hope that they're answered in the next installment, Hades.

-S

And now, I must return to homework! School starts tomorrow and I still have so much to do. Bye! 

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