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 excellent choice.

Lisle Meminger's story is a bit difficult to get into at first, but after a few chapters, I believe the read will become enthralled with the book. Meeting Rosa and Hans, Lisle's foster parents is memorable and even though Rosa seems to be a bitter, angry woman, you will come to find another side of her.

Hans world of trying to appear sympathethic to the Nazi's around him and within his family is offset by what the reader learns is the true Hans.

Max, the jewish young man that is hidden in the Hubermans cellar will leave you wanting to know more.

All is all it is a transfixing book. The words and language that this author uses as mesmerizing. Please read this book -- you will come away awed and amazed.

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 to "young adults" and would be terrific as part of a Holocaust unit in schools but it's a gripping read for adults as well. Loved it! Loved it!

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 to see the things she sees.

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

and Authors Comments and background on writing the book here:

http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/resources/MZ-TheBookThief.pdf

A powerful, excellent, and beautifully written must-read. With his outstanding prose, Zusak has created a masterpiece. Solid 5 Star amazon.com rating (150 reviews). Wonderfully narrated, from both the audio delivery (listens extremely well at faster speed on iPod) and the book viewpoint, by a captivating and rather likeable Death. Death tells of years nine to fourteen of the life of a girl beautifully triumphant enduring dark days of WWII in Munich, Germany. In his extraordinary writing, Zusak weaves a remarkable and moving tale. Death reveals many of the multiple endings before they happen, but keeps the reader eager to discover how those endings unfold in complex, lovely, and many times sad ways. Difficult to put down and a book that is missed after finishing. You will cherish reading or listening to this book!

Complexity of themes and issues fully worthy of a book club discussion.

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 happens as she adjusts to a new life with her adopted family.

She meets wonderful friends and some enemies, while learning how to read and the value of words and the horror of watching the Nazi's burn books.

The relationships that evolve are well-developed, the story always completes each cycle. Beautifully written.

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 and Germany descends into collective madness, Zusak's characters find ways to be uniquely human - kind, caring, rebellious, and daring. Liesel learns to read and love words and finds that books can save us in more ways than we might imagine. Zusak's book is unforgettable. Read it!

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 image of Anne Frank from the German perspective.
Narrated by Death, this story is far from sad. A good read with quirky little graphics.

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.

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.

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. Will make you cry. Narrated by Death, which takes a little getting used to (press on through the first few pages when the story really starts)

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 your power is limited by your age, your income, etc. AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR CLUBS

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 story, different than any other I've heard or read, about the rise and fall of Nazi Germany. The struggle of the Jews and Germans was eye opening to say the least. The author was able to make the characters come alive as if I was listening to them tell their stories. That is STORY TELLING at it's best!! As for the narrator, Death, don't let this scare you or turn you away from the book. This is a clever way to tell such a horrific story of one of the worst wars EVER. Death's insight to the emotions of the dying is believable and so is his struggle with the human race. His biggest struggle is the ugly and beauty of humans; quite simple how we can love each other so deeply and completely and in the next breath take lives so brutally and without regard. With all the good in the book there is only a few disappointments which can be easily overlooked because of the fabulous story telling and characters; they are: 1.) There is so much 'foreshadowing' that it can at times become distracting. I realize later in the book this is likely to keep young adults reading a difficult topic. You will need a little patience and not worry that all will not resolve itself, and 2.) I wished Zusak wrote a couple more chapters to bring a little more resolution and closure to the outcome of Liesel and Max. I fell so much in love with them and their story just ended after spending such an intimate time with them through tragedy and love. But overall this is one of the best books I've ever read and will provide a lot of discussion opportunity for any book club and classroom. EXCELLENT!!

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 for food and learning makes this a wonderful book for going back to a place and time many of us did not experience until we read this book. The Book Thief echos of Anne Frank but in a different entertaining novel form. Everyone in my book group was glad we read this book.

a very different book, but appeals to many types of people. Highly recommend

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 that underneath The Stadover Man you could see the words for My Struggle. We all agreed that this book was one of our favorite group discussions.

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.

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 history. Masterfully written. Bravo.

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 was going on.

This is a teenage book, so it's a very easy read, but I absolutely loved it.

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 the story for you, I just want to say that the story is correct in historical facts, and pulls the reader in from the first page. Many subplots occur, leaving for a lively book club discussion. I felt as though I was there during this time, and often had a rollar coaster of emotions.

What this child does to find books and read stories to escape from her horrible reality is amazing. The book can be dry at times, but that seems to be a necessary evil in order to lull the reader in.

Great Book

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 poignant view from both sides of the fight.

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 taken away. You will gasp! Just remember the narrator is "Death". Everyone I know who has read this feels the same way. A great "Book Club" read.

This book made me cry. I enjoyed the entire story and was eager to find out what happened to the characters.

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 Death along with Death's sometimes lyrical prose added greatly to the story. I would have liked to hear more from Death's point of view during this tumultuous and deadly era in history.

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 characters, too. I couldn't put this book down and I didn't want it to end.

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 despite overwhelming loss and misery. The book's "narrator" has a wonderful, dry sense of humor.

You absolutely MUST read this book. One of my favorite all time books!

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 of literature

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.

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.

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.

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 through the eyes of a child make it more compelling.

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.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book!!

This is a dark subject matter so know that from the get go. It is so well and creatively written. The author writes it from Death's point of view and it is brilliant. You will fall in love with the characters. It is a book about truth and reality in a dark, horrible time where a little girl, who has lost a lot in her young life, finds what she needs to move on. Wonderful book! Highly recommend!

A different perspective of Germany during WWII. Makes one think about the innocent German lives affected by Hitler's regime. A beautifully written book, which tugged at my emotions.

This is a good book about one family's life during the Nazi regime and the effects it took on their family.

A WWII story of a German girl narrated by death. I cried while reading it, and I have NEVER done that before. A very heavy and depressing book so you have to be prepared.

I felt it difficult to read, it was gloomy and non-uplifting.

This book grabbed me and wouldn't let go. The author used a very different perspective and pull it off beautifully.

This book starts off slow but becomes a compelling story of courage and survival. The format of writing is a bit confusing so I would not reccomend for teen readers.

Trying to add something new beyond all the previous praise (which I agree with), I think this book should precede "Anne Frank" because it is fiction so it provides an emotional "out" for those making their first foray into Holocaust fiction. I think it also presents German citizens in the depth and range of commitment and belief in the Nazi proposition. They were not all cardboard stereotypes of goose-stepping monsters & I think that detail is often brushed over and ignored in a desire to simplify what was a horrifying time of complex loyalties & forces. This book really made me think about my preconceptions and how much I had fallen into the same traps of sterotyping.

Theme of literacy and power of the written and spoken word is worthy enough reason to discuss this book. Also, gives an insight into lives of rescuers and bystanders during the Holocaust.

I identified with the protaganist, a little german orphan girl who stole books because they had significance for her. I especially liked the scene in the Mayor's library and I shared her overwhelming joy at being surrounded by something she loved so much. As a history buff, I was interested in looking at Nazi Germany from the inside out, even though the author was careful to make the protagonist and her family easy to identify with. It was interesting, sometimes jarring, and certainly colorful, to have Death as the narrator. Sometimes his asides were helpful, sometimes breathtakingly poignant, sometimes they just interrupted the flow. An interesting device.

I was mesmerized by the narrator of this poignant tale, Death Himself. And how appropriately linked to Nazi Germany! This is a tale of a strong girl, Liesel, and all those around her who have made the fatal "mistake" of being alive during the Nazi regime. Touching on so many levels, Liesel is desperate to live her life despite the suffocating atmosphere of book burnings and death camps. I've recommended this harrowing adventure to many friends.

The narrator is death, this is a brilliantly written book.

The writer painted with words. It was amazing!

The author's storytelling demanded that you read every word.

this book is brilliant.

This is the first book in quite awhile that I couldn't stand to put down. Everyone is so real it breaks your heart.

It was a slower read, but one I enjoyed thoroughly

Beautifully written! Will keep you up at night after the first few chapters. Different and intriguing perspective of the Holocaust. Worth the read.

I like to feel engulfed by a book and its emotions. I found this a difficult read at first but once I found the flow of the narration, I was captivated. I found it to be a tearjerker, heart warming and very thought provoking. Definitely one I would like to pick up again and re-read just to relive the emotions brought on my the story, characters and circumstances.

There are SO many things to discuss in this book. "Death" is the narrator, and I was fascinated by his voice. Relationships are key, there are major themes of abandonment and guilt, and I love the theme of the redemptive power of reading, words and books. Also, it's a different perspective to see Nazi Germany through the eyes of poor German citizens that did not sympathize with the cause and in fact made very dangerous choices in order to show mercy to the Jews.

Although a "young adult" selection, it is an inspiring story of love, trust, and loyalty. A great discussion book for groups of adults or teens. Especially informative for those adults who do not have an understanding of the Holocaust.

What a book. It took me through the gamut of emotions. The idea of having death tell the story was fresh and interesting. This is not your average recounting of the horrors of the holocaust. This is a young adult book that should be a required read for all adults.

I normally do not like reading “war” novels — especially those about World War II. My heart breaks when I think of the evil that mankind can do. I did, however, love The Diary of Anne Frank, and I also loved The Book Thief.

The Book Thief tells the story of a German orphan girl named Liesel. Her brother has just died, and her mother gave her up because she couldn’t care for her after “something happened” to her father, a suspected Communist. She goes to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann, who also have two grown children. Their son is a solid Hitler supporter. Hans is a gentle man who tenderly takes care of Liesel. Rosa is a gruff German woman, yet we also see gentleness and compassion from her throughout the story.

Each character in the book is so perfectly portrayed and so lovingly depicted. I fell in love with each one and cared deeply about what happened to them. This book is a treasure to read and to ponder over long after the final page is turned. It is a story that will stay with me for many, many years to come.

The books narration/perspective from death/the grimm reaper gives a beautiful overtone to this glorious story of the life of a good and loving child through the terrible reign of nazi Germany.

A heartbreaking story of Nazi Germany. I found it a bit difficult to read at times.

I liked the way this book was narrated. I thought it was a touching story.

Must-read for every age and interest!

Gives much information on life during World War II, yet is very creative in its approach.

With death as the narrator and the setting Germany during WWII,you expect the book to be depressing---and it is—but it is also a story of the power of words and the love of words in the life of a young girl. You see the normalcy of life during war, the ugliness of it---and the glimmers of hope when a few of the
Germans show their compassion and humanity in an inhumane society. Vivid imagery

On p. 464, Death (the narrator) says, "It kills me sometimes, how people die". A very moving story, very much worth reading.

Wonderful book! Book is touching on so many levels and depicts Nazi-era events through the life of a young girl and narrated by Death (which I found interesting and unique). I finished this 550 page book in just a few days! Definitely sad at times, but there are other points in the book that are heart-warming and optimistic.

This was a wonderfully written, gentle book about Nazi occupied Germany.. It was not a dark story, as it was written with strong characters and focused on good aspects of their lives together.

just read it!

A different view on the holocaust from the perspective of a spirited young girl, w/ death as the narrator, & piled w/ humanity.

WOW! We all felt different after reading this book. The POWER of words... It is rated a young adult book but we all felt that it was an adult level book.

Excellent insight into WWII Germany.

Not my favorite book but definitely different and interesting.

I had never heard of this book or author before, but, wow, was I surprised! I could not put it down - I read 40 pages in one sitting (well, lying in the tub!). Beware: it's a moving story and I cried at the end, so enjoy it. It will change your life!

This was an interesting book although a little difficult to get started. Was an interesting take on death as being the writer. Had some very sad events to it but most of these type of books do.

This book is great. Several of us were skeptical about Death as a narrator but it is really good!

"The Book Thief" has been on my library shelf for sometime now just waiting for me to peruse the pages. Finally, I chose to make it my selection and began reading yesterday. Today I made it to page 195. Very rarely do I not finish a book but this novel is so painfully slow that forcing myself to continue is out of the question. In reading the many reviews again, with an overall 4 1/2 star rating, I'm baffled by their positive comments. Most books have a least some redeeming value but the only one I can find for this book is the credit I will get at the used book store.

Once I got through the slow start, I was hooked by this book. Written from a different WWII perspective than I'd previously read, I was in tears at the end.

This book has made my top 5 all time favorites list. I laughed, I marveled, I loved, and boy did I cry. The narration by Death was such an interesting way to develop the story, and I found the characters to be deep and lovable. You find yourself feeling part of this family and joined in their struggles. I literally cried uncontrollably throughout the last 5 or 6 chapters, but I couldn't imagine a more fitting ending to this tragic story. It's a tale of courage and love, and I'd highly recommend it to everyone.

I just could not get into the book, neither could my bookclub members. No one finished the book so we didn't discuss it. I don't have any negative remarks about the style...the story was too dark for me to want to continue.

A great book to read. It is actually my daughters 9th grade summer read for school. Such a wonderful story!

Great use of Death as the Narrator. Such a sensitive and moving portrayal of decency in the face of horror, of the optimism of youth and the power of words.

Took a long time to read..very dark. Didnt even finish until after my meeting! But it made for a good discussion.

Fantastic book. Very interesting perspective with 'Death' as the narrator. Couldn't put it down.

Was not pleased with how the book was written.

We had a great discussion about this book. So many topics came up. Everyone agreed that they really enjoyed reading it. Another book written for young adults that many adults appreciate.

I enjoyed the book. The characters were vividly real and colorful. When I finished the book, I felt I intimately knew each of them. The plot was tragic but given the nature and time period, it was to be expected.

An Interesting read...but at times difficult to keep going. Death as a narrator an observer gave a different kind of perspective to the book. Also, the characters were complex and real enough to keep you engaged. The formatting and structure was just at times a little hard to follow.

There was no doubt in our minds that this was something a little different. Those whose interest it managed to hold found it worthwhile the time it took to become comfortable with a very large book in which ‘Death’ was the narrator.
Living amongst the ordinary population of war-time Nazi Germany, the main characters include a young girl, Leisel, who is taken in by a foster family. The father teaches her to read when she reaches bottom of her class at school.
There is much to follow as the stories of loss of life in different circumstances are revealed. Whilst the Nazis are burning books by authors they despise, Leisel develops a love of reading and steals books as entertainment. ‘Death’ visits her 3 times during the story and one time she survives as she is reading in the cellar when a bomb drops on the building. We wondered why, with the threat of starvation, Leisel is not also stealing food as well as reading material.
Other supporting background information includes references to how the Germans are under pressure to join the Nazi party, the consequences of bombing by the British and how Leisel’s foster family hides a Jewish fugitive in their home.
Our group was certain that the gimmicky disjointed style of writing was an unnecessary distraction. Possibly it was introduced to attract the adolescent reader, but if Zusak, this established writer of children’s books, was looking to engage 12 year old readers, why stretch out the book with such elaborate descriptive passages to fill over 500 pages?
There are many vivid descriptions that show the contrast between the colourless perspective of ‘Death’ and the amazing colour spectrum of life. Colours are a major influence on description passages, but this then overshadows the chronological focus. It becomes confusing at times, especially when noteworthy highlights are revealed prematurely. A comparison to the genius of The Diary of Anne Frank, on the book cover, appears to be a random and totally misguided until other themes of this book are discussed. Parallels could be seen regarding the enduring influence of the written word and how censorship and limiting freedom of speech can badly affect a person’s survival instinct and undermine their strength to fight death.
Having stayed on track through to the final pages were our readers rewarded with a satisfactory ending? Well, perhaps you should try reading ‘The Book Thief’ yourselves?
Our average mark was 6.5 out of 10.

The Babbling Babe's Book club had a lengthy discussion about this book. In the beginning some found it difficult to adjust to Death, as the narrator, but we all ended up enjoying the story. The novel gave insight to the both the plight of the Jewish people and the average German during WWII.

A story full of characters that you get to know, learn to love, and mourn their loss. Inspirational courage of a child and her parents to help save the life of someone who is "different" than them. Or is he?
Descriptive and beautifully written!

excellent story from a German family's point of view

This is a young adult book that captivated me. Death is the narrator. Nazi Germany is the setting, and a young girl is the primary character. Her life, her relationships, her learning to read and live by and for words is fascinating, frightening, sad and amusing. Do not be fooled by the length of this book. I found the chapters fast-moving and I was so interested in the characters that I could not put it down.

The writing style of this book is different than any book I’ve ever read. At first it’s a little confusing but as you ease into the book you adjust to the style and it becomes easier to follow. It’s an interesting perspective into life within Hitler’s Germany. I didn’t find that I emotional connected with the characters as you would expect to in such a heavy novel. I wouldn’t say this is a favorite but overall I enjoyed the Book Thief.

Insightful through the eyes of a child during the Nazi regime.

I LOVED this book. I have no idea why it is categorized as a "young adult fiction." It is an adult fiction book that is so wonderful it crosses the ages. It has been my favorite book read within our book club.

The writing style of this book is very different and creative. It takes a little getting used to, but once you're into it, it is very engaging. I can see why some people didn't like the narration, but I think it would have totally changed the story without it. I don't think this book should be catagorized as YA simply because the main character is a young girl. This is a story for all ages and is deserving of the awards it received. It also generated good discussion at book club.

This extremely different book will not appeal to everyone. Memorable in that it really streteches how you think; it will not be lost in a parade of similar books and clubs will have much to talk about. Intense but very well written.

This book is one of my favorite books ever. Zusak's writing style, including the use of Death as the narrator, is unusual yet beautiful, and gives the story an interesting perspective. I'm certain that Leisel's story, and the insight it gave me into the lives of the ordinary citizens of Nazi Germany, will stay with me for years to come.

Intriguing - The characters, the narrator, the setting, the story. I loved it. Some people in my club complained it was too slow and couldn't get into it, but I was taken in immediately. I was drawn to the main character, her struggles and the relationships she had with the other characters. A great read!

While some dispute the use of Death as the narrator, I found it a stroke of brilliance. The story is not a typical Holocaust story, but rather focuses on a young girl living in Germany during WWII. The prose, the characters, and the musings of the narrator all come together into a very well crafted work that stays with you.

All our members agreed this has been one of the best books we've read. Cleverly written and all the characters really come to life...Highly recommend this book!

This book was uniquely written and pulls you in from the beginning. One member of our club described it as watching a stage production with Death sitting next to you, offering little teasers and tidbits to enhance the story. This writer has a gift for words and language which makes this story almost poetic.

This author has a true gift for descriptive writing. It is very well written. It is not a feel good book, but rather more reality based. This book is in the young adult section but is definately not just for young adults. It has very well developed characters, and has great discussion points.

Surprisingly interesting! Very slow and dark at first but it turned into one of my best reads.

Was confusing in the beginning and sometimes throughout. The way the story was told and who it was told by, was different and interesting. It was also thoughtprovoking but sad.

Started out really strange/wierd. Depicted WW2 and the holocaust from a German perspective. Really never thought about it like this. Very sad, so much loss. Surprising how much I don't know about this. Also surprised this is listed as children's literature. It's very deep.

Starts out strange, but really enjoyed the book. The people in the book became very real the more I read.

This book was a complete surprise to me. I hadn't even read a book jacket so I no idea what it was about. While some may think it is dark and depressing, which it is to an extent; I found it realistic yet ethereal. There is a lot of hope in these dark pages. The writing style is different. It is unique. I really loved this book!

It was an insightful book on WWII in Germany from the German teenager viewpoint. Our book group really enjoyed the book within a book concept along with Death being the voice for the book.

There is nothing left to say. The language. The eloquence. The story lines. The imagination. The cleverness. Everything about this book is amazing.

This book comes at you from all angles. It has a calming effect on you and allows you to reflect on the words and on their meaning. The story is great.

This book is narrated by Death. It is a very unusual start but stick with it because it is a beautifully written book. The author's use of words touches the heart of those of us who love words and books. You will fall in love with the characters. You don't want to miss this.

This book was beautifully written. Our group has read many different WWII books, but this one was one of the most well written and intriguiing. It was a little slow at first, but give it a chance!

This book looks at WW2 from a German (non-Jewish) perspective and how the war affected the life of a village. I got a lot more out of the book after our club met and discussed.

a great story. one of the only books that has ever made me cry. told from the point of view of "death" and even "he" becomes an endearing character.

Hard to imagine what life must of been like then - but this gives you a good view into their hardships.

Loved this book! Really gives you insight about living in Nazi Germany as a German. A real page turner.

This isn\\\'t a war story, rather a story about the human race, a love story, a tragic story, an inspiring story, but not a war story. You will become adicted to finding out the how, when, and why as you listen to the narrator unfold the story of a small girl who steals a book!

A must read! It shows the plight of some German families in World War II that you may not be aware of.

While adventurous it was heart rendering and thought provoking.

This is an unforgettable story of a girl who loves books and the power of words and images. It is both moving and profound with a timeless message. Highly recommend this book. for thinking people everywhere.

This book was difficult to read because of the horrific true events that were depicted. It is not difficult in terms of the writing. However, it allows you to understand how hard it would have been to be a sympathetic German or a Jewish person during WWII.

I was given this book last year from Christmas and absolutely loved it! It doesn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t surprise me that it\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s been made into a movie starring Geoffrey Rush as the \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"father.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"

This is a touching book full of surprises and some tense moments. I loved the notion of looking at the war through the eyes of Germans who DIDN\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'T sympathize with the Nazis.

Don\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t let the wartime setting put you off - this book is exciting, insightful, sad and uplifting. You won\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t regret reading it.

One of the best books ever, hard to start, but beautifully written. The movie is just as good!

Good, couldn't put it down.

Interesting and inspiring book with well-drawn characters. A quick read after a little confusion at the beginning of the book regarding the narrator.

see above for my description

We all agreed that this book provided a different perspective on the war and the extermination of the Jews. One of our club members had family that helped hide Jews in Germany! We had a very good discussion using the questions as guides.

Initially, I was a bit put off by the style of writing in the story. However, as I continued to read, I was drawn in by the imagery . The story also gave insight into what life was like during WWII for the Germans who were not Jews .

A beautiful, well written book. Gives you a little different view of the holocaust. This time we look at it through the eyes of a German citizen.

Very touching story told from an interesting perspective

This is the type of book that requires your full attention. It is a heavy read, often sad and confusing. I have read lots of books covering World War II and this one has an unusual plot.

Extremely well written with a very unique way of telling a story about the Holocaust. Obviously, the subject matter in itself is sad and when the narrator of the story is Death... need I say More? I would definitely recommend to young adults as well as adults.

It was beautifully written. I loved how he described the clouds and the way he expressed the feeling of the characters. Very moving......

EVERYONE in my Book Club liked the book. It was upbeat, optimistic, and fun.

Just could never get into this book.

Overall, our book club liked this book. We weren't as enthralled as some people seem to be, but it was a good story and we liked the characters. Some of us were slow to get into the book, but became invested in the story after the first 50 pages or so. Most of us weren't crazy about Death's frequent spoilers and interjections during his narration.

Although I found the omniscient narrator a new twist, at times it interfered with the smooth fluidity of the narration. I appreciated the tidbits that the omniscient narrator provided. The book kept me interested all the way through.

I loved the relationship between the daughter, Lisle and her Dad. I thought Lisle showed true courage to face her many hardships in life and she did not ever give up hope.

One of our club members said she thought it was the best book we had read. Very well developed, unusually written and so enjoyable! Look forward to the movie. So much symbolism.

Although this book is classified as a read for young adults, it is a read for everyone!

I couldn't put this book down, nor did I want it to end. Beautifully narrated by Death makes this such an unusual book and yet not depressing or dark. This is one of those books to be read more than once.

WOnderful book I can share with my granddaughter with hesitation. She just read Anne Frank.

This is a story of one little girl learning how words can affect ones life. She has to learn who she can trust with her secrets.

It was a good read. I like the angle from the Germans point of view, that they suffered as well under Hitler rule.

Good character relationships--long for a book club read

Well written, not light reading however.

I read years ago and have not forgotten anything about it! A perfect book club read.

A really good book, especially if you are interested in facets of WWII and the rise of Hitler and his affects on the German population. The story of a little girl who didn't understand and wanted to learn more. A story of courage.

This book was incredibly written, having the story told from death's perspective was new, fresh and definitely entertaining. The underlying story was beautiful in a very awful time. Finding family, love and friendship during a horrific war, and acceptance of someone who you are suppose to fear was wonderful.

The book was well written, pulling you in from the beginning with ending information about characters before it you got to know them, and then latterly explained in the book. Information (from a Germans point of view about the Nazis), good read.

The 13 members of our club LOVED this book. They found it easy to read, absorbing, informative, and inspiring. It made for excellent discussion.

Beautifully and creatively written. The author does a wonderful job of exploring characters and themes through intriguing literary techniques.

I did find this book interesting and insightful but I could put this book down and not pick it back up for a day or so.

Insightful book the provided much to discuss.

My review of this book in general would be different than my review of this for the purpose of a book club pick. It proved to be too challenging of a pick for us because the heavy nature of the content and writing style made for a slow read. NOT that the book is slow, but it was just difficult to get through in the amount of time we give for our monthly meetings (we ended up extending to 7 weeks and still only 2 of the 11 members finished).

I resisted reading this book because of the "setting" and what was going on then. However, once I started reading it, I was hooked. Brilliantly written

Amazingly beautiful language and an unusual narrator of Death makes this an unusual book. As the Book Thief is from the perspective of the Germans who opposed Hitler, it is also very insightful. Sad story, as all are about World War II, but provides great discussion opportunities.

Some of our members truly did not like the book. One of the objections was the brief "outline" before each chapter. "Annoying".
Others found the story about the German families and their feelings about Hitler a different and interesting approach.
Most of us felt compelled to keep reading.

I thought it was cleverly written with Death speaking throughout. I also liked the way the author captured words at the beginning of each chapter - that was great! And I also enjoyed the bold print in and out of various chapters - very good.

I loved this book from the first page all the way through to the end. The characters were well-developed and relatable. Even though I couldn't personally relate to the time period other than what I had learned in history, I found the characters and situations to be very well described and feasible.

I personally could never steal a book, but thanks to libraries, it isn't even an issue in this country. However, I do understand how important it was to the main character in this book and didn't look down on her a single iota. It was understandable and maybe even acceptable under the circumstances of the times.

This is the most unusual book I have ever read, but I really enjoyed it. The author did an incredible job.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I have nearly gotten to the end of it twice now but I haven't wrapped it up just yet. It keeps me reading.

Unique story told from the point of view of “death.”

One of my all time faves.

An absorbing story of war through the eyes of Death.

I didn’t want to read another book set in the time of WWll, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book thief. Marcus Zusak tells a story of a young girl , Liesel Meminger, and her love for books and reading. I couldn’t help falling in love with the characters in this Novel. The story is narrated by the Grim Reaper (Death) which sounds strange... but Marcus Zusak pulls this off with amazing grace and style.

This is one of my favorite books of all time!!

Loved