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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
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Very good

This was a Very good story. Characters are believable. Interesting to read from a German perspective. War is so tragic and sad.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Great story, but not great ending

Excellent portrayal of life in Germany during those days, engaging characters and engrossing story. Unfortunately, the ending left me depressed and perhaps I am getting old and want a little more hope, which is why I am only giving this book 3 stars.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The book thief

Omg so sad, literally still crying. Extremely well written. Kinda depressing, really really interesting. I loved it.

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BUG: I only wanted to input the star ratings

I have to type at least fifteen words of information to simply input the star ratings for Overall/Performance/Story, I hope this issue is resolved soon as this review is a waste of space and effort.

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Superb Storytelling & Narration

I truly enjoyed this book. Both the storytelling and narration were superb. A fresh take on the lives of those touched by war.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I felt every character and emotion.

The narrator and the storylines captivated my attention from beginning until the last word. Bravo!!

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All time favorite!

I have the audiobook, the hard copy and DVD of the movie based on this wonderful book. The audiobook narrator is simply fabulous.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Storytelling at its finest

Excellent narration by a master of the craft. The author has crafted a tale that grabs you and doesn't let go until the final period. Well-defined characters and plausible situations. This is why we love to read.

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Compelling story and beautiful performance

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the narration was very well done. I felt as if I was right there with Liesal and Rudy and Max. Very well done!

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Excellent work and presentation

This book is expertly crafted. The way the author creates details as well as weaving storyline together is amazing. On top of that, the voice of the reader could not have been chosen more perfectly for its necessary characteristics. Overall excellent.

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