The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2006, Hardcover)

Don't let the unusual writing style put you off. Or, the sloooow (really weird) begining. Once the story starts you will not be able to put it down. A difficult read (aren't ALL WWII stories more than you want to know?) But, well worth your time.

I bought the book, The Book Thief for my english class. Normally, World War II books would bore me, but this has to be the best one yet! I loved everything about this book right down to who narrated (dont worry i wont spoil it)it to the way it was narrated. -Sandee A

This is a very long book and I thought the first half moved very slowly. The action and interest picked up about halfway through and I thoroughly enjoyed the last half of the book. Looking back I realize that all of the information supplied in the first half was completely necessary to the story. I never like to give the plot of a story away but all in all I found this a very interesting and enjoyable read.

Amazing stuff, I really loved this book!

The characters are unforgettable, a profoundly moving story for anyone to read!

This was the 1st novel of Markus Zusak that I have ever heard of or read, but it was well worth it.

Liesel is one character that I will never forget from a book!

Hans Hubermann, Max Vandenburg, Rudy Steiner all truly touching characters, brought to life vividly by Zusak.

The writing is amazing, the message about the power of words is absolutely true...

Not only will this book go down in history as a major classic, it is now being read by many students as a requirement for high school.

Highly recommended book!!

I purchased this book because it was the May selection for my book group. It is an excellent novel and our book group loved the author's style...very unique...and the developement of the characters.
It is a touching story and we will definitely read more work by this author.

Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com

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!

I am enjoying the book... It was recommended to me by a friend. It's like a book that I've never read before.

LOVED IT! This writer is so creative and descriptive without being tiresome. I borrowed this book from a friend and enjoyed it so much I bought my own. Planning to read it again this summer.

This is a wonderful book. I'd give it 10 stars! This was a book club selection. I'm so happy we chose it. It moved me from laughter to tears. Death as the narrator is certainly unique and I loved the way he described the characters and situations. The story is set in Germany during WWII and portrays the main characters in their "normal" everyday life patterns, as well as the strange and unexpected events that unfold. As the story develops you grow to know and love each character as a special human being, coping each in his/her own way with the tragedy of war. I was so sorry to have this awesome book end. It's a keeper and I intend to read it again. Highly recommended!

The story of a young orphan and her foster family during World War II in Germany.
This is supposed to be young adult, but it is too sophisticated for anyone under about 15, even if s/he is a good reader.
So compelling I read it in one sitting, although the first few pages were a little confusing.

What a surprise this book was!
Written and marketed as a young adult novel. Should be read by everyone.
I was at B&N and when I went to the counter to purchase my items, I noticed the clerk reading it. I had heard good things about the book, so I asked her for her opinion. She highly recommended it.
It's a beautiful work. Very spare but so incredibly vast at the same time.
The imagery is so IN YOUR FACE and the characters will be in your head for a very long time.
One would think that a book about life and death in Germany during World War II would be full of angst and confusion. The Book Thief is neither.
It's full of hope and bittersweet optimism.
A true keeper of a book. One that should be passed down through the generations so we never forget.

My book club picked this book for our next meeting and discussion. I'm so glad I read it and can't wait to discuss the book with everyone. I read it pretty fast, even though it was slow in a few spots. I really loved the theme and descriptions of the diverse characters. I felt I knew them so well. I was anxious at times to find out what was going to happen next - I didn't want to put the book down. Overall I highly recommend the book. The importance of words at this time period was so important as well as morals and dignity of people. I think this book would be great for high school reading as well.