| 3 Reasons to Join | ||
|
1. Live Book Club Bestseller List
2. Book Club Planner with reading guide database 3. Book Reviews by Book Clubs Learn more... Become a member...it's free |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
| Authors & Publishers | ||
|
Feature your book on BookMovement! Click here to find out more! |
|
|
|
|
|
Search Reading Guides:
BKMT READING GUIDES
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
Published: 2006-03-14
Hardcover: 560 pages
- 115 members reading this now
- 10 clubs reading this now
- 2 members told 2 friends about this book.
- 45 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs
by 37 of 37 members.
by 37 of 37 members.
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. . . .
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster...
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster...
Also available in:
AMAZON OFFER
List Price:
$17.99
Amazon's Price:
$12.23
You Save:
$5.76 (32%)
Clubs who read this book also discussed:
Introduction
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. . . .Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel 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 before he is marched to Dachau.
This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.
Excerpt
DEATH AND CHOCOLATE
First the colors.
Then the humans.
That's usually how I see things.
Or at least, how I try.
***HERE IS A SMALL FACT ***
You are going to die.
I am in all truthfulness attempting to be cheerful about this whole topic, though most people find themselves hindered in believing me, no matter my protestations. Please, trust me. I most definitely can be cheerful. I can be amiable. Agreeable. Affable. And that's only the A's. Just don't ask me to be nice. Nice has nothing to do with me.
...
view entire excerpt...
Discussion Questions
Suggested by Members
Censorship
Book Burning
The role reading plays in the lives of Liesel and the other characters in the novel
by derf (see profile) 11/19/09Is the "narrator" male or female?
by shelbymomof2 (see profile) 07/22/09How does the unusual description of characters, feelings and things enhance the story?
What would you like to ask or say to Liesel or any of the characters if you met them?
How do you think you would have handled yourself in Liesel's, Max's or Hans' circumstances?
by messengerbookgroup (see profile) 08/26/09
Book Club Recommendations
Recommended to book clubs by 37 of 37 members.
Do a German Food and or Drink theme!
by thalerki (see profile) 11/09/09Our club thought this was a very great read and would recommend it to other bookclubs.
by clounel (see profile) 11/10/09Could serve pea soup and bread along with some apples!
Create your own books -- from other books--as Max did for Liesel.
by messengerbookgroup (see profile) 08/26/09There are several books available about the art of altering books into art pieces.
Read it, give thanks for your freedom.
by walkerbeau (see profile) 12/03/09Member Reviews
Overall rating:
How would you rate this book? Member ratings:
"Emotionally and intellectually REWARDING even for Adults - GREAT Book"by jaseifert (see profile) 04/12/08
Let me start off by saying don't let the Young Adult classification fool you. This book will challenge and reward adults of all ages, both emotionally and intellectually! The author tells a haunting... (read more)
"Excellent book!"by cheriann (see profile) 05/10/08
There have only been several books that I would highly recommend. This is one of them. I loved who the narrator was! Very different perspective. I love the way Markus Zusak writes, he really makes... (read more)
"One of our top rated books"by mcdotreader (see profile) 05/11/08
Excellent story, stays with you. Don't let the "teen" label fool you--it was not originally published in Australia for adolescents. Highly Recommend
"Everyone loved this book in our group, even the pickiest readers"by ellentambo (see profile) 05/11/08
Get through the first 2 or 3 pages, and you will be hooked. The characters get into your head. Well drawn, well written.
"interesting - both the story and also the writing."by juliekatz (see profile) 05/14/08
This is a great book with lots to discuss, it's a different point of view than most books that deal with the Holocaust and also uses language in really creative ways.
"Great book club book because there are so many topics for discussion!"by TheHeffrons (see profile) 05/15/08
I really enjoyed this book because of the unique perspective it provided regarding Nazi Germany--what it was like to be a child growing up in Germany at the time. There are so many topics to discuss,... (read more)
"Touching, fabulous read!"by dmc1230 (see profile) 05/17/08
This is marketed for teens or young adults. Don't let that fool you. This is very much an adult novel about the horrors of the Holocaust. It is very well-written and has an interesting perspective.... (read more)
"Book told by death about a young girl growing up during Hitler's era and a Jew her foster family hid in their basement."by cvkirk (see profile) 06/24/08
At first I didn't understand the book. I thought it was weird. Once I realized that death was telling the story, I was hooked. It was so amazing to follow this young German girl through the war. She... (read more)
"Set during WW II IN Nazi Germany"by auddiemae (see profile) 08/05/08
Our bookclub loved this book. However, it may not be for everyone as it is set during WWII in Nazi Germany, and told by the "Angel of Death," with his opinions of what is going on around the life of one... (read more)
"Increadibly written and easy to read..."by southern-belleza (see profile) 08/30/08
Zusak's book is amazing. The way he describes mundane sounds or everyday sights is phenomenal. His writing is quite simply, like poetry and we enjoyed this book very much. Death as the narrator was... (read more)
"Future Classic"by Kathy E. (see profile) 09/01/08
We think this book will be a classic. The style of writing, the story line itself. It is a fabulous book all around. My group recomends this book to everyone! We LOVED it. It was a great book to read,... (read more)
"WW2 story about young German girl living in the Nazi regime"by garlicknat (see profile) 09/26/08
Excellent story, compelling ideas, lovely writing style.
"One of the best discussions we have had about a book!"by carehoff (see profile) 10/01/08
I really liked this book. I like the way that he wrote it using Death as the narrator. The characters were great whether you like them or not, you felt like you knew them. At first I was dreading reading... (read more)
"I think this book could generate all kinds of discussions. Very good."by marikaa (see profile) 10/27/08
The Book Thief is one of the best books I have read. Characters and plot will stay with me for a long time. I am personally interested in the subject matter, but I do think that anyone who is a reader... (read more)
"Half of the book club loved it, the other half didn't!"by indoovibly (see profile) 01/31/09
Book group ratings (out of 5): Gill: 1 Liz: 2 Kristen: 2.5 Tamsin: 3.5 Katy: 4 Lizzie: 3.5
"Rich content for discussion and fresh writing style for familiar subject matter."by giowens (see profile) 01/31/09
"You MUST read this book!"by stemfamily (see profile) 02/04/09
“This book is one of my favorite books! It is so different than what I have ever read. Zusak is so detailed in his writing. He writes with picturesque, illustrative, beautiful words. And that is not even... (read more)
"One of my absolute favorite books--I reccommend it to everyone"by beckylord (see profile) 02/08/09
It will take your breath away. Would not recommend reading in public. You will laugh and cry out loud. Characters are well drawn. You love them all.
"The story of a young girl growing up in Germany in 1939."by pharp007 (see profile) 03/15/09
This book is so well written, you will not be disappointed. Get past the first 15 pages and the story takes off...when you are done reading it, go back and re-read the first 15 pages. The story of a... (read more)
"Enthusiatically discussed and book clubs won't be disappointed"by debie (see profile) 03/20/09
Everyone contributed to the discussion. A member missing for a number of months returned when she heard we were reading "The Book Thief". Historical fiction may not be everyone's read but Liesel Meminger,... (read more)
"A young girl is taken in my German family during WWII and falls in love with her family, neighbors and a special Jewish friend. This unique story is told from the unusual viewpoint of "death" as it m"by janvbarnes (see profile) 04/23/09
Profound, mesmerizing, different, and heart-piercing!
"well written"by stashin (see profile) 04/24/09
easy read, very interesting to see how the people living in Germany felt about the Jews.
"The Book Thief"by LezlieSS (see profile) 04/28/09
Another Holocaust book, but this time told from a young German girl's perspective. It's told in an unusual style, but is very compelling and well written. It's a very moving story told in a unique and... (read more)
"The Book Thief"by JustMe (see profile) 04/28/09
Truly enjoyed this book, characters and narration amazed and surprised me. The narrator's insights were heartmoving and I couldn't put this book down. Rarely do I reread a book, but this book is so exceptional... (read more)
"the book thief"by maril (see profile) 05/13/09
Death narrates the story of a German neighborhood during the Third Riech........
"Interesting Approach"by bjmore (see profile) 05/13/09
This was a very interesting approach to describing a very difficult time in history. I really liked it being told from an unusual perspective.
"The Book Thief"by mamatimms (see profile) 07/23/09
This novel gave yet another perspective on living in Germany during the Hitler years. With "Death" as the narrator, we watch 4 years in a young girl's life, from when she is placed in a foster home, to... (read more)
"One of my favorite book club books!"by tnewman123 (see profile) 10/13/09
Markus Zusak is a gifted writer and has written a wonderful story about a young orphan and Nazi Germany. He pulls at your heart strings and yet still offers some hope that some people did endure that... (read more)
"The Book Thief"by jwilker (see profile) 10/14/09
Beautifully written, The Book Thief takes the reader to the time before and during WWII and lets us see the devastating effects of the war through the eyes of Death. The reader sees war and its effects... (read more)
"the Book Thief"by peggyjean (see profile) 11/03/09
Very well done with narator being a kind DEATH figure. Shows the German people during WWII struggling to keep some kind of normalcy. Shows cracks of softness in individuals during an intolerable situation.... (read more)
"Wouldn't have picked myself, but very much enjoyed. Unique narrative description."by thalerki (see profile) 11/09/09
"The Book Thief"by clounel (see profile) 11/10/09
Over all, members loved this book - it was a great book for discussion - covered emotions, history, cause and effect, a whole range of topics. Very developed characters.
"The Book Thief"by derf (see profile) 11/19/09
This is a book for teens as well as adults. The personification of death is one of the most intriguing narrators I've ever encountered in reading. This is not just a book about Nazi Germany. It explores... (read more)
"Informative and inspiring"by clkopplin (see profile) 01/21/10
Very well written and gives an interesting perspective from death's point of view
"Haunting tale of young girl and her family in WWII Germany"by dragonmary (see profile) 01/30/07
Death narrates this story and at first it is a bit uncomfortable for the reader to get in touch with Death in this way. But as the story progresses, you realize that using Death as the narrator was an... (read more)
"WW II era. Young girl and family befriend a Jew in hiding."by dmc1230 (see profile) 02/12/07
This book was fabulous! It's narrated by "Death" but don't let that put you off. The voice of the characters is so strong and the story is told in absolutely beautiful language. The book has been marketed... (read more)
"A Tear-Jerking Story of Love and Friendship"by brndygrl98 (see profile) 03/20/07
This book, narrated by Death, takes you on a journey through a small town in Nazi Germany. Along the way you laugh and cry with the main character and really get an appreciation that you were not around... (read more)
"YA book for Adults. Excellent!"by rcpetty (see profile) 04/07/07
Don't let the YA classification put you off, this is a book for all ages and for the ages! See Readers Guide here: http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/picador/reading_group_online.asp?RGSubmit=9780330364263 ... (read more)
"A story of a little orphan girl who falls in love with words during the Nazi occupation."by Linkner (see profile) 06/27/07
My book club loved this book. I will keep it on my shelf to re-read and for my family and friends who visit. The devil is th narrator who tells of our little orphaned girl, her brother, and what... (read more)
"Amazing characters shine through our darkest history"by NCRYZER2000 (see profile) 12/04/07
A story of bravery, devotion, and love told touchingly by death, a worldly and observent narrator. Liesel Meminger finds herself in the loving care of unforgettable foster parents. As the war escalates... (read more)
"A Sweet Theif"by bookey (see profile) 02/18/08
This is a great story of love in a world of hate. Liesel an adopted child raised in Nazi Germany learns to love the Jew in her basement and love words through stolen books. This story was the mirror... (read more)
"A fantastic book club read!"by ebburtis (see profile) 03/08/08
We all loved this book, both for the psychological portrait of a young teenage girl, but also for the historical element and how the characters react to the way the world is changing.
"Loved this book"by giesecg (see profile) 04/01/08
I loved each character - and could not wait to finish it - the main character's love of reading was so powerfully portrayed and the pictures in the center of the novel brought me to tears.
"haunting tale. Interestingly written. Compelling Characters."by ellentambo (see profile) 04/04/08
A wonderful book. I don't know why it is "teen" rated. I am not sure teens would like it. Apparently it was not published in Austrailia that way--not sure why it is here in the states. Excellent story.... (read more)
"Highly recomend this book! An excellent read"by mcdotreader (see profile) 04/11/08
Well drawn characters, you fall in love with all of them. Thought-provoking--What would you do in the same situation when the whole world goes insane with a maniac leading. What is the response when... (read more)
"Emotionally and intellectually REWARDING even for Adults - GREAT Book"by jaseifert (see profile) 04/12/08
Let me start off by saying don't let the Young Adult classification fool you. This book will challenge and reward adults of all ages, both emotionally and intellectually! The author tells a haunting... (read more)
"World War Two Germany with a different voice."by Tam (see profile) 06/16/08
A different type of book. Hard to figure out at first. Once you get into the story and the beloved characters this book about a street, a girl and her friends is a gem. The tragedy of war and the hunger... (read more)
"One of our book club's favorites"by beckylord (see profile) 06/16/08
a very different book, but appeals to many types of people. Highly recommend
"Fantastic Book"by Kathy E. (see profile) 06/20/08
We all Loved this book. The discussion questions were insightfull and helped us create a great book discussion. We all fell in love with Max and wished that Lesile would have married him. Also, we loved... (read more)
"A most unusual look at Nazi Germany and some of the ordinary people caught up in it."by elizabethfoggo (see profile) 06/30/08
This book is unlike any other war story set in the Hitler/nazi regimeI have ever read. It is full of surprises, and compassion and would suit any book club member, male or female.
"Touching, tragic & beautifully written...."by julialily (see profile) 08/13/08
This is a spectacular book. It is sad yet heartwarming. It grips you from the start & although the subject matter is difficult; it manages to demonstrate goodness & love during a very dark period of... (read more)
"Cared a great deal for these characters. Great book club discussion."by scribread (see profile) 01/11/09
"You never think about the German people"by eatlizzardsdaily (see profile) 01/13/09
Every book that I had read, never came from the perspective of the German People. I never thought that German people didn't like Hitler, or that children were trying to go up in Germany while all this... (read more)
"Entwines History, Fiction, Mystery, and gives for great discussion"by auddiemae (see profile) 04/02/09
The Book Thief is one of my favorite all time book club read. Basically, it involves a small girl who is left orphaned when her parents are taken from her during WW II in Germany. Not wanting to spoil... (read more)
"The Book Thief"by wednesdaynightbookclub (see profile) 05/02/09
This was such a unique book! I enjoyed reading every bit of it. I love finding a book that is written in a new and unexpected way. I have read many books about the Holocaust, but none that gave such a... (read more)
"The Book Thief"by gwinzenread (see profile) 05/24/09
One of the best books ever. Written for young adults, but I'm telling you that this book will keep you up at night. The writing is so fantastic. There are times in the book when your breath will be... (read more)
"The Book Theif"by mcb1968 (see profile) 05/28/09
This book made me cry. I enjoyed the entire story and was eager to find out what happened to the characters.
"The Book Thief"by betsymail (see profile) 05/28/09
Another story about Nazi Germany but told from a different point of view. The author's characterization of Death as the narrator provided an interesting theme throughout the book. His personification of... (read more)
"Awesome and Uplifting"by Roon (see profile) 06/16/09
I absolutely LOVED this book as did all 6 people in my book club. Written from the point of view of death was incredibly clever, and almost comforting. Death's voice was a pleasant one. I loved the... (read more)
"My favorite book!"by shelbymomof2 (see profile) 07/22/09
I've read it three times in the last year! Absolutely LOVE this book! The characters are rich and detailed. What I love most about this book is how it demonstrates the ability of the human spirit to survive... (read more)
"The Book Thief"by newbs (see profile) 08/16/09
You absolutely MUST read this book. One of my favorite all time books!
"The Book Thief"by messengerbookgroup (see profile) 08/26/09
The language perfectly captures each character, situation, location, time, age and overall feel of this story. The story itself is a great one, but the writing is what makes it the very highest caliber... (read more)
"The Book thief"by audshugo (see profile) 11/03/09
A book about a German family harbouring a Jewish fugitive in the second world war as seen through the eyes of a young girl. A compelling read that will pull at the heart strings.
"The Book Thief"by nancymtang (see profile) 11/09/09
Our group liked this book. The writing style was different from other books we've read, and was interesting. The story is told from the point of view of Death, also interesting.
"Moving and Inspirational"by nsr1218 (see profile) 11/16/09
Very interesting twist with Death as the narrator. Our book group loved this book and gave it our highest rating this year. Scored a 9 on a 10 point scale.
"The Book Thief"by walkerbeau (see profile) 12/03/09
If you love the written word this can be scary, what if your books are taken away and illegal to own, let alone read. I can't imagine my life without stacks of books waiting for me. The story written... (read more)
"Creative and moving"by andreaboucher (see profile) 01/03/10
This book is so creatively well written. The characters are so complex and the plot will carry you away. You won't be able to put it down, once you get into it. It moved and inspired me.
