Friday, August 21, 2009

The Book Thief — 4 Stars!



For my first book recommendation on this blog, I’ve chosen to encourage anyone who hasn’t read it yet to check out The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The book group Lorri and I belong to read this a few months ago, and it has stayed with me and inspired me in certain areas ever since. It’s marketed as young adult fiction and I can see it being enjoyed by that age group, but it’s even more powerful, I think, for adults. It is also quite long for YA fiction, but I promise it reads pretty darn fast. (Very short chapters and lots of interrupters that make for quite a bit of white space—not dense text at all.)


The Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany during WWII and follows the life of a young girl, Liesel Meminger, who as he goes about doing his grisly duties catches the attention of Death, the Grim Reaper, who narrates the book and is one of its most intriguing characters. At first, Death’s voice as narrator is a bit disconcerting but you get used to it and end up really liking it—I did anyway. And the book has a very unusual style in that Death is constantly interrupting the story to offer quick facts that frame something coming up or foreshadowing things to come. As a result, in many ways you know a lot about what’s coming up in the story, but when you actually get to those points that he has foreshadowed you’re usually glad you have been prepared somewhat for them (at least for the sad parts he lets you know will eventually come up). But then when you’re there at those places, the scenes are so rich and moving and terrible and triumphant that you really didn’t know what was coming. And in all of it the characters are completely fascinating and wonderful—constantly unfolding before your eyes in ways that are very satisfying.


I won’t say much more, but when/if any of you read this book, I want to discuss it with you big time! I’m blown away for my own life and goals by the idea Zusak unfolds of “the word shaker” and the love conveyed in the story of the "stand-over man" (both the story itself and all that goes into creating it). Also by the complete and utter love for books and music and simple pleasures that this novel and these characters exude.


I really think whoever tries this book will really, really like it. I'd give it 5 stars wright now but I think a designation of "a Wright classic!" has to come from acclamation from a group of Wrights not just something I can declare.

10 comments:

Dan W said...

Hey, I don't know why the font that shows up here is the one showing up. I can't see where it came from or how to change the font. Sorry! Any advice?

Haley said...

That sounds good, I would definitely be interested in reading it. It is always nice to get book recommendations.

Cat said...

That sounds really interesting, Dan. I'll have to check it out. Also, remember, this blog was originally intended for doing what you just did. Book and movie recommendations!

Amy said...

Sounds like a great book. I'm excited to read it. I'm really drawn to books on this subject. Sounds like it almost has some "Screwtape Letter" elements. We read that in our book club a few months ago.

Neaners said...

I think it sounds great too. I need to find a book that keeps me interested since I am not an avid reader. I will look into it. Thanks BRO!

Pops said...

I tried to get this book at the Riverton libary yesterday. It was not in. They do have a copy according to the computer. I'll keep trying. I do want to read it.

WV is nester: as in empty nester?

Dan W said...

Let me know if you'd like me to send along my copy!

Emily said...

I just finished this book a day or two ago. Thanks Dan for the excellent recommendation. I really enjoyed it! I am willing to discuss it with you anytime--

Dan W said...

Very cool that you read and liked it, Em! Is anyone else out there reading it or about to--or are Em and I free to write some thoughts about it here?

Emily said...

You never got an answer on here so I would be willing to bet we are free to discuss the book. What did you have in mind?