Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Book Thief

The Book Thief
By Markus Zusak

576 pages
13 hours and 56 minutes listening time

Grade A+

Liesel Meminger is adopted by another German family after her mother is taken away and her little brother dies. She is sent to Munich, right dead center of WWII. Narrated by Death himself, this book is a fictional book regarding the events that happen on Himmel Street. Beside Thirteen Reasons Why, this has been the most heart wrenching, soul capturing book I have read this year.

The character building and the relationships that they each formed with each other, made me feel like I was there. I haven't felt this "involved" in a book in a very very long time. I wanted to reach out and hug Leisel so many times. And I wanted to shout to the heavens for Death to just leave Himmel Street or even Germany. I just wanted to reach out and say "Go find Hitler instead, you know where he is, your DEATH for God's sake."

I am terribly intrigued by WWII history. And not intrigued because of the horror, but intrigued because it simply is filled with history. It is a tragic history, yes, but a history nonetheless, and I am captured almost instantly when I read stories about this time period, hence this book and post.

There were times I literally could NOT put this book down. And I cried. I cried like a little baby, especially at the end. Hell I am getting teary eyed just thinking about this book and just how wonderful it is, and although I know wonderful isn't a great enough word. It was an incredibly beautiful book. It is sad, it is terribly sad, but I think this is just one of those books that you have to read.

So go get your copy, or borrow mine, but make sure you return it, because I will read this book again.

3 comments:

Alee said...

I cried too, during this and 13 Reasons Why. Both great novels, definitely must reads. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Krystle said...

Just came across your blog. 100 books in 365 days! Impressive!!! When did you start this adventure? It's funny because my friend and I are hooked on reading and listening to books right now. I currently have a book club reading Water for Elephants. Here's our blog: http://www.robsbookclub.blogspot.com/ We read Bel Ami before. We have an affinity for Robert Pattinson as you can tell.

How did you select your books?

Tom Barnes said...

Good thoughts and since I'm hooked on history and am vet of WWII you are right on target.