Book Theif by Markus Zusak

Synopsis: This book takes place in Germany during WWII. It is told by a very unique and original character: Death. Death finds the story of Leisel Meminger who has a habit of stealing books. The story starts with Leisel and her brother being taken to live with new foster parents by their mother, but on the way her little brother dies on the train and they stop to bury his body. While they bury his body, Leisel sees a book in the snow by his grave and takes it, partly out of curiosity, but mostly as a token to remember her brother. It was the first of a successful career in book burglary. Her foster parents treat her well and she quickly and easily settles into her new life although she is cursed with dreams of her dead brother and missing mother by night. Eventually her foster parents decide to take a Jewish man named Max into hiding in their basement. Max and Leisel become dear friends who learn to understand and express themselves with one another. This book is the account of Leisel Meminger and the lessons she learned in the form of a story through her life experience living through WWII.

Review: Excellent. Five stars. Two thumbs up- it was phenomenal. I was hooked by the very first paragraph. The narrator, Death, is a very intriguing character whom you both fear and sympathize with. I like that the author chose Death to be the narrator of this great story. Death neither loves nor hates the human race, though he is greatly effected by them. Death learns that human kind is capable of both horrible, heart-wrenching things as well as unexplainable, inexpressible acts of selfless compassion. Humans confuse him, intrigue him, and continuously haunt him. The story itself was touching and full of meaning. Though I doubt I will ever find myself in such extreme war-faring circumstances, I believe I have learned valuable life lesson that will and have benefited me for the life I live day by day such as: the value of human life, service to those in our lives, and compassion freely given, even to those who will never be able to repay you.