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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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A Must Read

This is a beautifully written book. One of the best I’ve read in a while.

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WOW

Just WOW. This is truly a beautiful story. I've listened to many WWII stories and this is just so beautiful and so well written.

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A Gem

This is truly an amazing book. I feel very fortunate to have listened to it. So moving...what a great inspiring story. The first bit starts off slow, but give it time. You will be glad you listened.

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a book that was so well written

i became part of the story. it is a hard story to listen too. this time in our history was so brutal and Hitler's war devastated so many lives, including the Germans. highly recommend. the narrator was exceptional.

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My new favorite book

Just amazing. My whole family enjoyed it-from our 9 year old to the 14 year old!

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Book Thief

This was the most moving experience I have read in a very time. I highly recommend this book.

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One of my all time favorite books!

It doesn’t get much better - story, narration and performance are all excellent. I watched this movie several years ago and am so grateful I decided to get the book. Simply outstanding.

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Fabulous

Wonderful story line truly one of the best narrators I have heard in the 575 books I have listened to in the past years..this book shall remain in my Library favorites forever

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Great story telling.

The author is a true wordsmith. The narrator did a masterful job of portraying the characters and the situations.

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Beautiful

Stunning and heartbreaking. This book is perfect The narrator is excellent and the prose are haunting.

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