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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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The best book I’ve read in years.

This story is told like art. It pulls you in and keeps you in because you don’t want to leave. Beautifully narrated. I look forward to reading more of his works.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

So different but so good

The point of view of this book is so different from anything I've ever listened to and it worked so well. This book is moving and makes you feel for us all as humans.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Great story

What a great story. Narrator did a fantastic job. POV was unique. Not one I’ll read over and over but it was a good read.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Simply amazing.

A lot have books have been deemed “instant classics” but this one truly lives up to the bill. Absolutely wonderful story, story telling and story line. I couldn’t recommend it more!

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Exquisite

Experience II WW from a different and peculiar perspective... from Death's perspective.
A sweet and painful story.

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Great story which feels real and accurate

I literally felt like I was thrown back into WW2. Crushingly sad story that I couldn’t stop listening too.

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One of the best books I’ve ever read

I highly recommend this book. So well written and so well read. The character development is phenomenal and it will leave you gripped at every chapter.

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Actually cried,I couldn’t even stand while listening to it cause I was crying so much

This book is not for the weak of heart,this book is a good book for those who need a to write a book report on. just make sure you space out your reading moments right or you will be showing up to where ever you have to be with puffy eyes.

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His voice

the narrator sounds exactly as I imagined, I love how well his voice fits death

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Wonderful book!

This book is narrated by death which could have ended up as a gimmick or campy but it was anything but. It was of course very heavy at times since it is set in Nazi Germany but it also manages to be so warm, loving and at times funny in death's observations. It is a love story to the power of books and reading and connection to others. I loved it and highly recommend.

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