The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak

Narrated by: Allan Corduner

Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins

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)

Never have been in love with Death until now!

Where does The Book Thief rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would have to rank this book as my second favorite audiobook thus far. Only reason for second place is I prefer more intense reads.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It is a tie between Rosa and Death. The reader's voice for Rosa made me LOL often as I could easily picture this woman in the kitchen yelling to the characters and cursing. Her larger than life character made me want her in my family. Death's character was very intriguing. Sort of reminded me of Meet Joe Black, filled with human desire and emotion but troubled with human choices. Also humorous, thoughtful, and a deep thinker with artistic words made him lovely to listen to.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Liesel reunited with Max in the parade of the Jews. The description was vivid and Liesel's words just touched my heart. I was in admiration of her moment of bravery and defiance.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Besides the moment I just mentioned, another was listening to the "Word Shaker" story. The metaphor to the war with simplicity was moving and inspiring.

Any additional comments?

This was the best narrator I've listened to. You will not be disappointed!

Amazing narrator, great story

Where does The Book Thief rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audiobooks I've listen too so far. The narrator does an amazing job. Just listening to the prologue I had goosebumps.

One of my top 5 audible books

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I highly recommend this book - even though this is fiction, it is based around historical facts and concepts of the time. It displays the emotions behind true friendship and the hearts behind the first glance of those you meet. This book touches the soul

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Book Thief?

Loved the 13 presents that she brought to Max

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me laugh, cry and in general made me more conscience of how I treat others on a day to day basis.

Delightful

Fantastic read - the tale is told with the most clever use of phrase. My favorite read this year!

Beautifully Written

If you love beautiful writing and a story well told, you may enjoy enjoy this book as much as I did. Death tells his story and it is somewhat discomfiting as he goes about collecting those who died during World War II in one German town. It tells of both hope and despair as well as the human drive for survival.

WHAT A BOOK!!!

What made the experience of listening to The Book Thief the most enjoyable?

It is hard to put into one category what made the book most enjoyable. The characters were so incredibly rich. The beautiful relationship between Leisel and her foster father was an unexpected treat to witness.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Leisel. Her fortitude and grace will stay with you long after you finish this book.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably when Leisel sees Max after he is taken away

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Those first nights when her foster father cares for her so unconditionally when she is scared and first brought to their home.

Any additional comments?

I cannot recommend this book enough. It brings such a human element to the suffering of that time period and how each person's experience with War is so completely unique as are the ways different people rise to face the challenges and loss that war brings about. It is also a book about hope, though not in a fluffy, happy ending sense. It is about hope when most would never see hope.

The most beautiful and heartbreaking book

Beautiful imagery made the whole book like a poem. I fell in love with all of the characters and then got my heart broken at the end.

Very enjoyable, well crafted story

This isn't an over-powering story. It isn't a world changing story. But it also isn't a formula, stock standard story. It's sort of a fairy tale set in a war zone, a fairy tale about regular people in extraordinary circumstances. Narrated by Death, nice touch there. And the writing isn't the typical modern formula either. There are many places where the author's use of words are so unique it caught me off guard, and made me stop and think. Instead of the typical descriptions of the sky or the cold or a feeling, they were unexpected and rich. I want to listen again and pay better attention as I'm sure there are more that I missed while I was following the story. This is the kind of book your high school literature teacher would have loved and the kids would have hated (remember Tess?). Given I'm long past high school and much wiser, I appreciated and enjoyed the craftsmanship. I'm sure I will listen to this over and over and recommend to friends. Once again, thanks Audible!

Loved this book!

Engrossing of a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany, from her perspective. often riveting, couldn't stop listening. I highly recommend it.

Probably best of the year

What made the experience of listening to The Book Thief the most enjoyable?

Told the German "everyday man" side of the war, which I had not really heard before. Innovative approach with Death narrating. Very moving journey of a young girl and her adoptive family.

What other book might you compare The Book Thief to and why?

Sarah's Key due to holocaust themes and a child's journey; A tree grows in Brooklyn due to the journey of a young girl facing hardship,

Which scene was your favorite?

the bombing scenes were very suspenseful and tragic. I also liked the scenes with the mayor's wife. I didn't enjoy the various death scenes, but they needed to be told/scene to make the story complete.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

yes, this book moved in many ways, happy and sad.

Any additional comments?

best book of the year for me.