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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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Children in war

It’s hard sometimes for me to picture the Germans having been anything more than the enemy. My dad was at the battle of the bulge. The children of war are always victims, aren’t they? This was a great book.

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Beautiful!

Loved it! Beautiful story! Sad but worth it! Lots of humor as well. Probably my favorite book ever.

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I adore the narrator!!!

This time the narrator is non other than "death" taking us through the teen years of our main character who steals books while all others steal food and hides a jew in her basement.

Absolutely loved this, the setting was so new to me and very subtle as it gave a glimpse of the woes of the war but doesn't centre around it. The characters are very developed and relatable and overall its heartwarming.

One downside is...the book is huge. Otherwise, I love that its for all ages without severe violence or sexual content. ❤️❤️

Also no tears have been shed as the narrator warns you chapters ahead of who would be dieng... A huge plus for emotional messes like myself 😂

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One of my favorites

Always leaves me balling like a baby, the ending will get you too! Give it a try.

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Amazing Story!!

BEAUTIFULLY written story that paints a beautifully tragic picture of life during WWII, for a young girl constantly caught in the currents of turmoil & sorrow.

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Breathtaking.

Absolutely breathtaking. The language in this story is so beautiful that it fills me with envy. This goes on my top five list of all time. The narrator is completely perfect. I haven’t enjoyed an audiobook this much in a long time. Bravo!

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One of my ALL Time favorite books

Love this book! One of my all time favorites. As for the audio, the narration was well done and suited the story well.

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Superb!

I did not know what to make of a novel narrated by the Grim Reaper, but if you are to read just one book about the Holocaust, this should be it. The power of children to both suffer and endure is manifest on every page. Well worth anyone's time.

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This is probably my favorite book ever

This book is so divinely written. And the story is so heartfelt. I love it.

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Another review I guess

Oh god, I’m so glad my English teacher, Ms. Ponce, made me read this book. The story it’s self was a m a z i n g and the narrator, I just have to say, HE WAS INCREDIBLE! Ummm I recommend this to older children, this book is not for younger ones. I really love this book and if you too read it, I know you will enjoy!

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