Staff Pick
One of the most effecting WWII books I've ever read, The Book Thief is narrated by the Grim Reaper (who is extremely busy, as it's 1939 in Nazi Germany.) Liesel lives with a foster family and becomes friends with the Jew hidden in her basement. Liesel's life is complicated with danger and scarcity but there is one thing she cannot resist: a book — no matter the consequences. Absolutely stunning, this novel is brilliant, and a must-read for all lovers of WWII fiction. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
The extraordinary #1
New York Times bestseller that is now a major motion picture, Markus Zusak's unforgettable story is about the ability of books to feed the soul.
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.
From the Hardcover edition.