The Book Thief

From Goodreads:    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....

Narrated by Death, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist – books. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever they are to be found.

With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, Liesel 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.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

My Thoughts:

-    There are no words to describe the beauty of this book.  It is the most beautiful book I have ever read.  No matter how many times I read it, I cry, and I fall in love all over again.

-    I completely understand Liesel's love of books and words.  I also understand how she could hate them.

-    I didn't enjoy some of the language in the book.  There were a lot of names flying around that made me squirm a little.

-    I LOVE LOVE LOVE Max's gifts to Liesel.  I love that the illustrations are included in the book.  They were really well done, and I felt like they really were from Max.

-    Oh the characters and the love I feel for each one of them.  Hans Hubermman is one of my favorite characters in all of literature!  I can't even tell you how much I love this man.  Liesel steals my heart.  I just want to dive into the book and hold her and protect her.  Rudy...I can't even say.  Rudy was wonderful.  Max was inspirational, and my heart aches for him.  Ilsa Hermann was a bit of a silent heroine.  She was so kind and forgiving.  Rosa Hubermman was hilarious and awesome.  All the characters were wonderful, and I feel so emotionally attached to each one.  Every character is so real!

-    Even though I know what is going to happen at the end, I sob!  I cant help it.  I feel like a little piece of my heart is breaking.  

-    I love that the narrator of the story is Death!  It is so fitting, and it sets the perfect mood for the book.  It is one of the elements that make the story so beautiful.

-    This story is so emotional and brilliant!  It is expertly executed and beautifully written.  It is a unique piece of art that everyone should read!!  I think The Book Thief is timeless, and people will be falling in love with it for forever!