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The Book Thief  By  cover art

The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak
Narrated by: Allan Corduner
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Publisher's summary

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)

Featured Article: The 10 Best WWII Audiobooks for Every History Buff


World War II, although well-documented through various mediums, is the basis for a wide range of little-known stories from Europe and beyond that deserve to be heard. From firsthand accounts of soldiers on the front lines to stories of brave women behind the scenes, these are impactful stories of humans coming together in this time of global conflict. We’re sure you’ll find something captivating on our list of the best WWII audiobooks.

What listeners say about The Book Thief

Average customer ratings
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Favorite book

I found this book originally at a book sale and couldn’t put it down. I then purchased the audio book. The narrator does an amazing job at conveying the emotions buried in this book without breaking rhythm. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants a peek into life as a German in WWII.

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a happy surprise

when I started listening and realized that the narrator was the grim reaper, I put it down for a while. when I picked it up later, I discovered the genius of choosing him to narrate this story.

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Humanity at its worst and best…

The narrator literally brought me to tears. I wonder how he managed to infuse this telling of such a poignant and tragic slice of history without succumbing to its many facets of emotions.

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Absolutely amazing!

This book pulled me completely in. I felt like I lived the story! So emotional but so worth it!

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Must read , Heart stirring

So many layers to this heart wrenching story. I fell in love with the characters. The Book Story dives deep into the consequences of the Holocaust on children, teens and adults. I definitely want to see the movie amd I’d probably read this again.
The writing was superb. Clear imagery, so many well crafted thoughts stirring so many emotions.

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Best book I’ve read in a while

This is is an amazing piece of literature. I’m a teen and their are not a lot of books that are appealing to me without graphic storylines. I’m glad I was introduced to one of the greatest WW2 books. If y’all have any suggestions on books for young adults please let me know.

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One of the most Beautiful Books I’ve Ever Read

Lovely, honest, pure… you will be forever moved. I cannot say enough about the characters, their humanity and their beauty.

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Highly recommend

Absolutely incredible performance to match a dynamic yet heart wrenching story. Easy listen as well.

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Excellent

Excellent
Highly recommend
Evokes all feelings of the soul
Beautifully narrated
Tragically beautiful
Give it a listen

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What a book!

Without a doubt the best book I’ve "read" for a very very long time. I was skeptic when I read the introduction because I mostly steer away from books about the second world war, but this was something else entirely. And the reader; he makes this a wonderful experience indeed. I urge you do try it because it’s a funny, sad, catching book that is beautifully written with a beautiful use of words. This book will stay with me for the rest of my life without a doubt.

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