The Book Thief

The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, was a very good book. It took place during the second world war and told a story of a foster girl, Liesel Meminger, that gets adopted and moves to Germany. While she is there she makes new friends, learns new lessons, and most importantly, learns how to read. She steals her first book on her way to 33 Himmel Street, her new home. Together she and her Papa learn to read, little by litttle. She also meets her next door neighbor, Rudy Steiner, who instantly has a crush on her.

This book made me think about how the people on both sides of WWII had difficulties during the war. The Allies, especially the countries in Europe, had trouble with supplies and the threat of being sent off to concentration camps. The Axis Powers had difficulty coping with air strikes and bombing in the latter parts of the war. About halfway through the book, Liesel and the people living on her street have to go down to selected shelter basements for fear of bombings. She then reads to them and it becomes a regular thing when there is the threat of a bombing. Almost at the very end of the book, she has to deal with the tragic loss of Rudy, her Mama, and her Papa. The only person left is Max, a Jew that they hid in their basement for about a year or so. He and Liesel became close friends and in the end he came back for her.

I would definitely reccommend this book. It was very good and I could hardly put it down. It has some partly disturbing parts in it and a little language, but overall it was O.K. For anyone who likes a good book, I would recommend this one. It was a great book and I am glad I chose it off the list. From me, The Book Thief gets five stars.