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 Gravedigger'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 foster father, learns to read. Soon, she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's ...
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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 Gravedigger'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 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. "The Book Thief" is a story about the power of words and the ability of books to feed the soul. In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author, Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.
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Add this copy of The Book Thief to cart. $14.70, good condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2007 by Bodley Head.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Ripped/damaged jacket. The dust jacket of this book is slightly damaged/ripped, however, this does not affect the internal condition. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading.
Add this copy of The Book Thief to cart. $15.05, good condition, Sold by Goldstone Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Ammanford, CARMS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2007 by Bodley Head.
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Seller's Description:
Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
A page turner that I couldn't put down. When I did stop reading I couldn't wait to begin again. Worth every minute this old man spent on this fine story.
Catherine G
May 11, 2015
A riveting Story
The Book Thief is a story that keeps you wanting more. It was hard to put down. It brought to life how some people lived during the war from a different perspective. I loved it. It is a huge book and I finished it very quick. If you like tales about world war 11 in Germany you will love it too.
Tarissa
Oct 5, 2014
Not as wonderful as it may seem
How does a person review a book that is so beautiful, and yet contains such horrible language that I would now shudder to even mention the book to anyone? 1 star it is.
The premise of 'The Book Thief' lures you in. It's a story told from the persona of Death during WWII. Piece by piece, the story of Liesel Meminger comes together, as revealed by Death.
"It's just a small story, really, about, among other things:
- A girl
- Some words
- An accordionist
- Some fanatical Germans
- A Jewish fist fighter
- And quite a lot of thievery"
Yes, it's a book to quote from. The author's writing style is definitely unique. Everyone will find that particular sentence which tingles inside of them. Actually, it's a story hidden within poetic prose. The poignancy and heartfelt emotion hold time still while you read. Sometimes the writer takes a moment away from the storyline to create an announcement to the reader --- just a bonus sentence in the page's middle, set off from the other paragraphs, to describe the scene in a more direct way. It's a fascinating writing style, but, Mr. Zusak, did you have to include such filthy words?
Eye-opening in several areas, the book marches you through WWII right alongside Liesel and her foster family, after she loses her own. I must say that most books concerning WWII are always from the point of view of the Jews, the persecuted, or the other sympathetic allies. However, this story reveals itself from the perspective of the everyday German families who were hurt by their own countrymen. What heartbreak they experienced around them, forced on by their Nazi neighbors.
As reflected in the title of the book, there is something to be gained by the power of words. Liesel finds that power within herself, and she aims to do something with that growing ability.
I wish I could read it all over again, minus about a tenth of the book to remove the worst of the rotten language.
Kenwilson
Aug 21, 2014
Strong characters, story line
Each character is well defined and consistent, solid story line with historical events unfolding throughout. Enjoyable, moves fast.
rboeling
Jul 31, 2014
Book for Lit Class
Great condition - this book is being used for a high school lit class.