The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak

Narrated by: Allan Corduner

Don’t miss Bridge of Clay, Markus Zusak’s first novel since The Book Thief.

The extraordinary number-one New York Times best seller that is now a major motion picture, Markus Zusak's unforgettable story is about the ability of books to feed the soul. Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

When Death has a story to tell, you listen. It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who 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.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

“The kind of book that can be life-changing.” (The New York Times)

“Deserves a place on the same shelf with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.” (USA Today)

©2006 Markus Zusak (P)2006 Random House Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

• Book Sense Book of the Year Award, Children's Literature, 2007

"The astonishing characters, drawn without sentimentality, will grab readers." (Booklist)
"Zusak has created a work that deserves the attention of sophisticated teen and adult readers....An extraordinary narrative." (School Library Journal)
"The Book Thief will appeal both to sophisticated teens and adults with its engaging characters and heartbreaking story." (Bookmarks Magazine)

An Exceptional Book

The Book Thief didn't seem interesting... at first.

However, as the characters were fleshed-out and the theatre-of-war enlivened the backdrop, something beautiful began to show itself (from the ashes, as it were).

As many stories that are centered around war, this is one was filled with humiliation and suffering, but also with dignity and love.

The writing had a breezy, effortless quality that I found very attractive and did not distract from the story. The words weaved themselves around the characters and time-lines with a single glowing thread: a little orphan girl and the people her life touches, and a book.

A Classic

This a beautifully written book about a young girl who is sent to live in Munich with strangers that could provide for her during WW II. The first half of the book is character driven and how non military Germans lived during the war. Even though they were surrounded by strife and hunger, this story showes that even in the throes of war it is still possible to forge very special relationships through love and kindness.

The second half is more about the war and how so many people were terribly affected by such a gruesome regimen, and having to live everyday with the fear of being bombed. I normally steer clear of books about this horrible atrocity, however, I was convinced by so many wonderful reviews that I had to give it a chance. Thank goodness I did, this is a wonderful story about complicated relationships, and the passion for the written word. The narrator did an excellent job with the characters voices and helped to add to each vivid personality. Definitely credit worthy.

Fantastically Written and Narrated

I was having a difficult time finding a book that grabbed me and held my attention. After digging through the unread books in my library I decided to give The Book Thief a chance. I don't regret it. This book grabbed me from the very beginning. The book is very well written, but what really helps draw you in is the excellent narration by Allan Corduner.

I'm not going to say much about the plot as I don't want to give anything away. What I will say though is you won't regret listening to this one. You'll be glad you did.

Of the books I've listened to thus far this year, The Book Thief has been my favorite.

outstanding...

this wonderful narrator of this brilliant story captivated me. this will stay with me...forever. thx.

Loved it!

The first third of the book, I thought was good but not up to the hype. Then I got to the second third and it was a roller coaster ride after that. The last third, I never would have guessed. I was listening while shopping and would occasionally gasp and get strange looks from my fellow shoppers in produce. What a fun ride this book was.

Tragic and Beautiful

Here I am, sitting at my kitchen table sobbing in my work uniform. Partly because my chicken curry is far too spicy, but mostly because of how touching, tragic, and wonderful this book is. The Book Thief is a must read for everyone, even those as young as Liesel Meminger was herself when her story began.

The Book Thief

One of my favorite all time books. Outstanding.

So very awe inspiring

I loved every minute to death. It brings to light all emotion and the colors.

Memorable

A tale for the ages. This beautifully crafted and narrated novel reaches far beyond its Young Adult categorization. This fantastic tale provides a unique view of WWII from a universal yet German perspective that speaks to the suffering of all humanity in those awful, dark days. Highly recommended.

A new look at some old book topics

As I started listening, I was thinking "World War II and the grim reaper as the narrator, that's SO been done before." But I soon found myself engrossed in the characters, the beautiful storytelling, and even the transporter of dead souls has a heart. It's a look at common German people in a small village suffering through the war. I won't forget this one soon.