Cheryl's Comments: I am not the sort of reader who would seek out this book. The story takes place during the holocaust, in Germany. The narrator is death himself – and as you might imagine, he has plenty of business in that place, at that time. No, this is not the sort of book I would read, and yet . . .
Liesel is 9 years old when we meet her, and she’s about to lose everything she knows and loves. Liesel intrigues Death. Something in her makes him watch and observe, wondering if there is anything of worth in these humans. In the worst of circumstances, Death sees the hope amidst hopelessness and goodness in the face of evil. Books and words play important roles in this book: Words are weapons, words are lullabies, and words are salvation. Death narrates it all with a wry wit and not a little compassion.
The Book Thief has won the Printz Award, and it is well deserved. Zusak writes with an offbeat poetry that is disarming. If the style or the subject matter puts you off, persevere. There are some book you just have to read. Check Status at GPL
