The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak

Narrated by: Allan Corduner

Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins

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)

Might just be the best audiobook I've listened to

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

Driving from the East coast to northern Rockies with my 9 year old son - thought the book would be a stretch for him, and in places it was, but it was worth every minute for both of us. Didn't even notice huge stretches of some states, and we're listening to it again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

For me, the father, of course. For my son, Lisle.

Which scene was your favorite?

Max describing the sky during the bombing, although most of the parts where death is speaking are very moving. My mother lived through the the bombing of Dresden, and this book has led me to understand her experience in ways I never thought possible.

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

Yes, but not possible. it's a long book.

Any additional comments?

It is not a children's book - that is unfair to both children and this book. I can't imagine anyone not loving the language of the author and the voice of the reader, who is simply perfect for this perfect story.

At the Very top of my Best Listens Ever!!!!

When I first started listening and heard the narrator state that he was Death I thought "Uh oh, I made a mistake with this choice." So glad I was in traffic and couldn't turn it off. After a few minutes I really couldn't turn it off. In fact my husband came out in the carport about 10 minutes after I arrived home to check on me. I explained I was finishing a chapter.

The story would break your heart one moment and raise your hopes the next. The descriptions of the characters made them seem so real. I cheered for Liesel. The narration by Allan Corduner was wonderful. He really brought the characters to life. I could visualize Liesel, Rosa, Papa, Rudy, Max and the rest of the characters. I felt as though I was a bystander. The story really made me think about the people on the other side of war that were trapped in their own land without hate in their hearts.

Excellent book!

I really loved this book. The performance from the narrator was fantastic. I loved the story and was very satisfied with the ending. I felt like I was really there in the story. I would definitely read more titles from this author.

Heil, Liesel!

For starters, if you like happy endings, this book is not for you. However, this book is wonderfully written, captivating and for all ages.
This is a story of love, war, sacrifice and choices.
It's a simple story, really: a girl, foster parents, an accordionist, a boy, poverty, hunger, simplicity and... death.
This is the story of Liesel. Because of the circumstances, she becomes the foster daughter of Hans and Rosa, who ask her to call them mama and papa, and love her deeply. Her papa is the one to teach her to read, and this way, he giver her thw world and the start of a new "career".
Even though the author doesn’t build up your anxiety throughout the book, he involves you in such a way that you want not only to finish listening, but also keep reading more about the true story behind the war. I balled like a baby when I finished it. This is one book I will take with me, recommend, and read/listen to again many times.

Slow Start worth the Wait

It takes some time to get into the characters, but then your hooked and find each charector a story in themselves. The narrator even becames a charector in the book (death). Really enjoyed the book. I can't stop suggesting it to others. Janet

beautiful

I shall keep things concise. If nothing else (and there are many things else) this book is worth it for the narration alone. Beautiful performance of a beautiful story.

phenomenal book, phenomenal narration.

Everyone should listen to this book. I loved it beyond measure. One of the greatest.

Listen to this book.

Where does The Book Thief rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Book Thief ranks among the best books I've listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

I listened to the entire book on a family vacation. We were in the car for long stretches, and there was never a complaint. Considering that my kids were 11 and 9 at the time, this was quite a feat. Allan Corduner is simply amazing. Just listen to this book.

Amazing!

This is a great book, it is filled with amazing imagery and symbolism! The narrator really captures the characters well, especially death. Totally recommend!!!

Tremendous Storytelling

This book has got to be the most incredible book I have ever listened to. The storytelling style was superb, as was my love for the characters. Beautiful people, in an Ugly World!