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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

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Overwhelming

I’m so glad I found this book. It was like reading poetry, beautiful words and incredible story.

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A Great Listen

This was an awesome book, great storyline and incredible narration. I absolutely love the book thief because of this.

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Written in backstitch style

Enjoyable story that is written in backstitch style. A little forward, a step back. Forward more, then back to tell how we got there. So by the time the book finished the ending had well been given away.

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Beautiful story about a terrible piece of our history

I made it through this book in just a couple of days, narrator did a great job of doing all the voices. I paused several times to collect myself. Such a special book

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WOW...just....wow....

This book is an AMAZING book about a girl who is settling down in in Germany when WW2 starts, who loves books (but can’t read), and whom becomes great friends with the Mayor’s Wife. At first I was second guessing getting this book, but it is WAAAAAYY to great to pass by!! Everyone should listen to this Audiobook, so hop onto Liesel’s roller coaster and come along on this amazing journey, you won’t regret it!

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I'm in awe of such an amazing story

the absolute most wonderfully written story I've heard. my new favorite.
and the story teller was made for this part. truly brought the story to life

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emotionally engaging

This is a creative narration of an emotionally engaging tale. The writing creates vivid pictures and keeps the listeners/readers interested through out. it is a conceivable, believable story crafted by a gifted word Smith. we

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Fantastic!!!

What a great book! Mr. Corduner did a fantastic job. My Oma told me stories kind of like that where told in this book. So I find it very comforting hearing them again in a different way of course. Enjoyed the book

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Good

I like the performer’s voice when he performed the voice of Liesel.After listened that,my head is fill with two words.Saukerl and Saumensch lol

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Phenomenal Performance

It's rare that I read fiction but this book had received such great reviews I took a chance on it. The performance was fantastic and the story was written beautifully. I would have listened to it all-in-one sitting if I could have. I'm going to search out additional books that are written by this author as well as other books by the same narrator. I highly recommend this book.

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