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The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak
Publisher: Black Swan
Category: Book

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

171 reviews
Sales Rank: 14

Media: Paperback
Pages: 560
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5 x 1.5

ISBN: 0552773891
EAN: 9780552773898
ASIN: 0552773891

Publication Date: January 1, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Duplicate gift - unread

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Customer Reviews: Read 166 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

A tear jerker, not to be missed. August 7, 2008
At first I found this a strange book, unlike anything I had read, style-wise, before and was unsure as to whether I would enjoy it. As I progressed I realised that this was a novel to rate highly. The style of writing, very simplistic in the main, and the fact that the narrator was death added to the enjoyment. The characters are superb and one empathised totally with them all. The story, set in Germany during WW2, was a real tear jerker and I challenge anyone not to be moved by it. The "dictionary quotes" were quite annoying at times and I felt there was little need for them but as one reads the book they become less and less irritating. I thought this was an extremely good read but not quite meriting five stars.

5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful August 7, 2008
One of my favourite books ever. It moved me to tears at the end, something which has rarely if ever happened to me from reading a book. Absolutely wonderful. You know there's tragedy brooding all the way through which builds up to the ending. Zusak builds some fabulous characters who I really cared about. Working in a library I congratulate borrowers on their choice when they pick this!!

4 out of 5 stars

Very Powerful, Maybe a Little Pretentious August 6, 2008
First and foremost, it is a very powerful story and one in which you really care about the characters, especially the protagonist Liesel. For most of the last 300 pages or so, it is also a real page-turner. I also enjoyed many of the "quirky" bits - e.g. narration by death etc, and his outlandish outlook on the world. At times, however, I found certain turns of phrase quite obscure and stilted and, frankly, some passages felt too much like hard work. Almost as if it was being quirky for the sake of it, and a little pretentious. That's why I have given the book only 4 stars. Maybe my rating is a bit mean, I'd have to read the book again to know for sure.

5 out of 5 stars

Whelp, Read this if you have time and a heart. August 4, 2008
A college friend of mine raved about this book, saying how good death was in it...

I saw it surprisingly in the kids section of the shop i bought it from and read it.
It does have its moments that make you want to smile... but also there are times that you as a reader may want to cry or throw the book away in frustration...
The narrator occasionally adds sarcastic or witty insight to things which add the humerous slant to this book, but there are times when you feel you either have to read on.. and wish you didnt becase you dont want to know.. but you need to know what happens next.

This book is in a few words bitter sweet.

I would say this is more of an adults book and... well, although it is revolving around a little girl, there are themes there and other characters that are older and you need the insight and maturity of ages to understand the true extent of the happenings.
The book revolves around one area and a small one of the Holocaust, it isnt as dramatic as Anne Frank, (well it wouldnt be since the lead isnt a Jewish girl, [within reason]) but there are still times where you want to pull the characters out of the situations they are in to hug them and protect them.

I kept reading and was glad i did, I am more of a Darren Shan and Eoin Colfer reader, but there was something about this book that was beyond the fantasy books i read, or even some of the others i have.

There isnt much else i can say beside read the book, even if you borrow it from a library, this is for many people i know, worth the read.

5 out of 5 stars

A page turner July 30, 2008
What a fantastic holiday read! One extremely practical advantage was that the chapters are quite short (very handy when your kids are having a short nap!). Although this story is far-removed from my life, the author made me believe I was part of that story . I felt I personally knew the main characters and could empathize with one character in particular. I think that depending on your own life experience and/or personality, you will find at least one character you will identify with. It's a story that evokes strong emotions.