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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: 25+ Quotes About the Power of Kindness


Kindness is the quality of being considerate, compassionate, generous, gentle, and caring towards others without expecting anything in return. Often described as a virtue, kindness is also a strength—in fact, it may be one of humanity's greatest superpowers. Whenever you need a little encouragement or gentle reminder, turn to these quotes from authors who understand the power of kindness and express it quite remarkably.

What listeners say about The Book Thief

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Story
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

loved this story

Excellent story of humanity. However, this is maybe the first time ever I liked the movie more than the book. I didn't like how the narrator (death) jumped around and gave things away.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant story. Fantastic narration

Would you consider the audio edition of The Book Thief to be better than the print version?

This audio edition was great because it was story about a young girl who couldn't read. This would show anyone who doesn't enjoy reading that words have power.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Book Thief?

I loved everything about it.

What about Allan Corduner’s performance did you like?

His voices were outstanding, at no point was I confused about which character he was portraying. Perfect accent for the story.

Any additional comments?

This was one of the best stories I have ever read. I highly recommend it to anyone.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • CT
  • 05-15-17

What a book.

My children and I loved this book. I am hoping to use it in my English class next year.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

great!

Loved the narrator! I was hoping for little more from the ending but I inderstand why it ended the way it did.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a lovely story

the narration was extremely superb! the story? I always struggle with stories of Nazi Germany, but this was so beautifully written and who the narrator (the story"ss narrator) was, was so clever. the reason I have only four stars is that, for children, there are far too many swears. amazing, nonetheless.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Desperately heart wrenching

I’ve both listened to and read this book more than a few dozen times, and every time it never fails to make me laugh and to make me cry!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Heartbreakingly beautiful

My all time favorite book. If you believe love and compassion for others is important, give yourself the gift of the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good book

I enjoyed listening to this book on a long car ride. I wanted my teen and tween to listen as well but they weren't as interested as I had hoped. It took me a little bit to get "into" the book and the narrator. I think that was what turned off my sons. But, then it was great and I enjoyed it a lot!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

8/10 recommended

A unique but enjoyable writing style. I really liked the perspective of the narrator. 8/10 would recommend
The book follows the story of a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany. It shows her life struggles and pleasures as she navigates many hardships in a morally difficult environment.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • mv
  • 06-15-14

Lovely story about loss, love, and resiliency.

What made the experience of listening to The Book Thief the most enjoyable?

The story gives you a close up view into the affects of the Nazi regime, the Holocaust, and war on children and families. The story is sad, but even more so, it is about how love, resiliency, and kindness make all the difference in people's lives.
It is a must read.

What did you like best about this story?

The relationship between Liesel and Max and between Liesel and "papa". So lovely.

What does Allan Corduner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The personal story behind the horrors of war, hate, and evil. That goodness triumphs over evil. The

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I like reflecting on the stories within the story. It is like eating something delicious. You want to eat slowly to savor and enjoy each bite.

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