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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