The Book Thief Book Talk

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

Release Date: March 14th, 2006

Spoilers

Synopsis:

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.

My Thoughts:

I gave this book 5 stars. It was beautiful and sad and it made me cry and I loved it so, so much. It’s a wonderful display of the power of words.

It took me a while to get through this one because I only wanted to read it when it had my full attention, when nothing was around to distract me from it. It spoke to that place inside me that loves a good story, that loves meaning. 

I was so looking forward to Leisel and Rudy falling in love, but then he had to go and die. The part when she had to say goodbye to him was the worst part. She kissed his cold dead lips and regretted not doing it before and I really felt for her. This was the girl that lost everyone that ever mattered to her. It was never straightforward about her parents, but I’m sure they died, then her brother died on the train. Now her best friend and her foster parents are gone too? It’s just too cruel. When she reunited with Max I was so happy. He was the one thing that she still had. Sure she had the mayor and Ilsa, but that wasn’t until after, she still lost everyone else she cared for. 

Her love for books, sort of reminds me of when I first discovered I loved to read, I was a pretty lonely kid and books became a friend. Something I could go to to ease my mind. She was just so determined to learn. She wanted to read. It didn't matter to her that she didn't know where to start, or that her father wasn't the best reader himself. She wanted to learn. 

This book gave me a new insight on the second world war. Usually stories are told from the point of view of the Allies, but this was from the point of view of a german girl. Someone who had to hide who she was, or die. Her family was risking everything just to save a single life. Not much, but it was a life. I found that beautiful. 

I liked the point of view it was told from. The fact that I was even interested in this book to begin with was because I learned that it was form the point of view of Death. I new absolutely nothing else about the book other than it was told from the point of death, and had something to do with stealing books. 

This book is a must read, if you haven't already read it. 

I need to go and watch the movie, I hope it's as enjoyable as the book.

Quotes:

“The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.” 

“It kills me sometimes, how people die.” 

“He does something to me, that boy. Every time. It’s his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry.”  

“I wanted to tell the book thief many things, about beauty and brutality. But what could I tell her about those things that she didn't already know? I wanted to explain that I am constantly overestimating and underestimating the human race-that rarely do I ever simply estimate it. I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant.”