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Sunday, April 11, 2010

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak


Oh my. I don't even know what to write about this excellent book. I am still in awe of what I just finished reading. I laughed, cringed, winced, and cried (cried, cried, cried). I was completely mesmerized with Liesel's story. I was blown away at how talented a writer Zusak (whose work I had never read until now) is. He created a novel that was so engaging I couldn't even concentrate on anything else. I just wanted to read and read and do nothing else. I hadn't read a book this good in such a long time and this one really knocked me over. I absolutely am in love with The Book Thief and will be telling all of my family and friends about it. In fact, I am sure that I will be gifting this book to quite a few people this year. Just thinking about this book brings a smile to my face because it awakened something in me that had been dormant for quite some time now. It awakened my hunger for literature. Don't get me wrong, I love to read and am always looking for new reads wherever books are sold, but lately I hadn't really been impressed or inspired by anything that I'd been reading. I mean truly inspired, to the point where all I want to do is read and be intellectually and emotionally stimulated by literature (like when I was in grad school). Like when you discover something new to you and all you want is that one thing, because you need to satisfy your craving. Well, I guess the books I had been reading lately weren't up to scratch and well, The Book Thief showed me that great books are out there, I just need to find them. So, now I am on the look out for new reads that will inspire me to read even more. If you have any recommendations for some amazing reads, leave me a comment and let me know!
By the by, here is a synopsis of the book for those of you who have yet to read it (taken from the back of The Book Thief):
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. By her brother's graveside, Liesel Meminger's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Grave Digger's Handbook, left there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father , learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found. But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up and closed down.
I'm not going to write a review, but just urge everyone to pick up a copy and read this wonderful book. Enjoy the excellent writing, memorable characters, and captivating story for yourself.
And as for me, I'm back to reading TBK. Happy Reading!!!

18 comments:

Athira said...

I have heard so many good things about this book, I don't know why I'm hesitating to read this. I should pick it up! Good review!

Nadia said...

Thanks, Aths! I know what you mean - I hesitated to pick it up and finally took the plunge and bought it. Even then I still waited quite some time to actually read it, but I am so happy I finally did. I think you'll like it. Check it out whenever you get the chance - it'll be worth it :)

Lisa said...

I'm planning on reading this this year and I can't wait. It's seems to be loved by everyone who reads it!

Dot said...

Wow, I was exactly the same when I finished reading this book!! I want everyone to read it!

Nadia said...

Lisa, this book does seem to be loved by everyone and now after having read it, I know why - its brilliant! I can't wait for you to read it either, because I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it. Hope you enjoy it!

Dot, that is so cool! We obviously have the same good taste in books, eh? LOL! Everyone should definitely read it! :)

bermudaonion said...

I've seen so many people rave over this book. It's been sitting in my TBR pile far too long - I need to pull it out and read it.

Ti said...

I skimmed this post a bit since I am still reading it now but I wanted to let you know that I am enjoying it, but it's my "in between" book so I am only reading a page or two here and there between other books so it's taking me forever to finish. I need to just make it my main book to get it read!

Bloomin'Chick Jo said...

I've added this to my never-ending list Nadia! (lol) I love when a book makes me feel like The Book Thief made you feel.

Ana S. said...

My reaction to this book was very similar to yours. I loved it and I need to read it again!

Unknown said...

Ok, I'm definitely picking this up this week!! Thanks for the recommendation!!

Anonymous said...

I completely agree with every word you've said about this book; everyone should read it!!!

LindyLouMac said...

I found my way here from Littlequeen Rules. The Book Thief is on my Mt TBR so I was very interested to read this review. I will now move it nearer the top of my reading list.

Tom Cunliffe said...

Well, I've often thought of reading that one but never got round to it. But if it helps with this

"but lately I hadn't really been impressed or inspired by anything that I'd been reading"

then perhaps I'd better have a go at it

While I'm her, could you possible change your blogroll entry for my site by dropping the .uk bit please? I've recently changed to just .org

Elani said...

I have heard nothing but good things about this book. I will have to check it out!

Anonymous said...

I loved this book when I read it, I then gave to to my husband and nagged and nagged him to read it. In the end he did and he loved it too. Very recommended

Lizzi said...

I'm suggesting this for my book group next week.

Don't you love it when a book leaves you hungry for more wonderful books?

Matt said...

Consider how the book blogging community has shed so much tears on this book, I should read it myself as well.

She said...

i NEED to read this.