The Book Thief

I just finished reading this book and although it is relatively recent (2005), I think this book will stand the test of time. I am curious if anyone else has read it and what they thought. The book is told from Death's point of view in Nazi Germany during WWII. Do not be fooled by the Young Adult classification of this book! To quote the editorial review from School Library Journal, because I think they nailed it:

"Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward."

I don't even know where to begin talking about this book, but I will say that the first 30-50 pages are a bit confusing because the author has a unique writing style in this one. If you can stick with it past that point, it will be well worth your time.

I really enjoyed this book. I chose it for my book club last March. I knew that it was classified as Young Adult, but I never had that impression while reading it. Maybe the subject matter made it more mature. Also, it was interesting to have a WWII story told from the side of German citizens. I can think of others, but most novels that I've read concerning this time period are from the Jewish point of view. As far as my book club was concerned, some really liked it and some thought it was so-so. Can't please everyone.

I read the Book Thief last summer and LOVED this book! I really want to read it again, but have so many other books I need to get to first. Maybe next summer...

I read it a couple months ago, and I loved Death as narrator, I thought that was great. It was a very interesting story and I also really enjoyed the fact that it told the story of the war from the perspective of the average citizens of Germany giving a different look at the subject. It was a very enjoyable book.

i think this is really excellent, the style is unusual but great, it really helps to get the point of the book across. I also liked that it was from the point of view of just "normal" German people, as I haven't read many books from that point of view before. I definately recommend this to everyone! :)