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Milly's Reviews > The Book Thief
The Book Thief
by
by
Milly's review
bookshelves: a-must-buy, audible, aussie, aussie-reading-challenge, award-winning, favorite-ya, historical-fiction, juvenile, made-me-cry, printz-award-winner, war
Oct 02, 2011
bookshelves: a-must-buy, audible, aussie, aussie-reading-challenge, award-winning, favorite-ya, historical-fiction, juvenile, made-me-cry, printz-award-winner, war
**4.5** for the audio version
Audible Review
Aussie Reading Challenge #9
TBR Reduction Challenge
The Book Thief audible version that I listened to was read by Allan Corduner, an English-Jewish actor. I could still hear his voice in my head, giving life to Death, the narrator of the book. I thought he did a superb job changing his voices from Death, to Liesel's Mum, and to Liesel herself. I still hear Liesel calling out to her "Papa" and calling Rudy, "Saukerl". It makes me smile and teary-eyed all at once. The reason for the rating of 4.5 for the audible was the struggle to keep track of what was going on historically as one's inundated with dates, and the moving of the story back and forth, forward and back.
“It’s 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�
The journey is told by Death. It begins with Liesel Meminger, who was 9 years old at that time, delivered by her mother to her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubberman, to live in Molching, Germany, a small working-class neighborhood. The story goes back and forth between 1930s to 1940s, up until Liesel turns 14 years old. In this journey, in which Death narrates Liesel's life, we become an audience and get acquainted to Liesel's inheriting a new foster family, meeting and befriending her best friend Rudy, keeping her Jewish friend Max a secret, her thievery of books, and the bombing of her hometown of Molching and Munich, Germany...and so much more.
This book is nothing short of being profound, deep, and extraordinary! It often makes interested readers intimidated by the possible heartbreaking and tragic events of World War II and the horrendous loss of life. These two made me reluctant as well; you almost have to be in a specific mood to be able to experience such a book. I wanted to know more about the lives of the people caught in crossfires during World War II Germany. I've never learned about the bombing of Munich and how it affected the innocent Germans in my World History. I was curious to know their lives and their perspective on the war. Surprisingly, Markus Zusak did a tremendous job of balancing the good, the bad, and the ugly. This book was not all about lives lost and the tragic events of the war. It is also about Liesel, coming-of-age, understanding about love and loss, and being ever courageous. Her thievery and shenanigans with Rudy were hilarious! Their quarrels were laughable! The way they called each other, Schaumensch and Saukerl, was endearing. Only these two could make swear words sound so sweet! They were just hysterical!
“He was waving. "Saukerl," she laughed, and as she held up her hand, she knew completely that he was simultaneously calling her a Saumensch. I think that's as close to love as eleven-year-olds can get.� -- just adorable!
I loved the relationship that bloomed between these two; best friends since age 9.
“He does something to me, that boy. Every time. It’s his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry.� --that Rudy made me cry too!
I also loved the relationship between Liesel and her foster father, Hans. I think Hans was instrumental in teaching Liesel about compassion, courage, and generosity. Hans epitomizes the goodness in humanity. I was blown away by his kindness and his bravery. He is definitely my most favorite character in this book! He represents the perfect dad and was a perfect father to Liesel, though he was only a foster father to her. It melted my heart the way he got up everyday at 2 in the morning to comfort Liesel from her nightmares, help her change her wet clothes and sheets from her bedwetting, and sit with her and teach her how to read until she fell asleep. His dedication and love for a stranger was admirable. It's no surprise that Liesel loved him the most!
“Goodbye, Papa, you saved me. You taught me to read. No one can play like you. I'll never drink champagne. No one can play like you."
Liesel also made a friend in Max, the Jewish fist fighter, and the Jew who hid in her basement. I loved the stories he told Liesel especially the Word Shaker. There's just something about that story that was awe-inspiring and freeing. They were both orphans, left behind by tragedy and death, and survived. But most especially, I loved that he inspired Liesel to write and believed so much in her words.
As he stood, Max looked first at the girl and then stared directly into the sky who was wide and blue and magnificent. There were heavy beams-- planks of son-- falling randomly, wonderfully to the road. Clouds arched their backs to look behind as they started again to move on. "It's such a beautiful day," he said, and his voice was in many pieces. A great day to die. A great day to die,like this.
Liesel walked at him. She was courageous enough to reach out and hold his bearded face. "Is it really you,Max?"
Such a brilliant German day and its attentive crowd.
He let his mouth kiss her palm. "Yes, Liesel, it's me," and he held the girl's hand in his face and cried onto her fingers. He cried as the soldiers came and a small collection of insolent Jews stood and watched.�
As in any historical-fiction novels, I learned so much from reading this book, which I loved. I especially loved the characters that Markus Zusak created. They were so authentic and real, and they made me both laugh and cry. Hans reminded me to be compassionate and kind. Liesel and Max encouraged me to return to writing. And Liesel and Rudy inspired me to live like I'm dying and to say I love you and what's in my heart to the people I care about every moment I got.
“Hair the color of lemons,'" Rudy read. His fingers touched the words. "You told him about me?"
At first, Liesel could not talk. Perhaps it was the sudden bumpiness of love she felt for him. Or had she always loved him? It's likely. Restricted as she was from speaking, she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to drag her hand across and pull her over. It didn't matter where. Her mouth, her neck, her cheek. Her skin was empty for it, waiting.
Years ago, when they'd raced on a muddy field, Rudy was a hastily assembled set of bones, with a jagged, rocky smile. In the trees this afternoon, he was a giver of bread and teddy bears. He was a triple Hitler Youth athletics champion. He was her best friend.(view spoiler)
Audible Review
Aussie Reading Challenge #9
TBR Reduction Challenge
The Book Thief audible version that I listened to was read by Allan Corduner, an English-Jewish actor. I could still hear his voice in my head, giving life to Death, the narrator of the book. I thought he did a superb job changing his voices from Death, to Liesel's Mum, and to Liesel herself. I still hear Liesel calling out to her "Papa" and calling Rudy, "Saukerl". It makes me smile and teary-eyed all at once. The reason for the rating of 4.5 for the audible was the struggle to keep track of what was going on historically as one's inundated with dates, and the moving of the story back and forth, forward and back.
“It’s 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�
The journey is told by Death. It begins with Liesel Meminger, who was 9 years old at that time, delivered by her mother to her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubberman, to live in Molching, Germany, a small working-class neighborhood. The story goes back and forth between 1930s to 1940s, up until Liesel turns 14 years old. In this journey, in which Death narrates Liesel's life, we become an audience and get acquainted to Liesel's inheriting a new foster family, meeting and befriending her best friend Rudy, keeping her Jewish friend Max a secret, her thievery of books, and the bombing of her hometown of Molching and Munich, Germany...and so much more.
This book is nothing short of being profound, deep, and extraordinary! It often makes interested readers intimidated by the possible heartbreaking and tragic events of World War II and the horrendous loss of life. These two made me reluctant as well; you almost have to be in a specific mood to be able to experience such a book. I wanted to know more about the lives of the people caught in crossfires during World War II Germany. I've never learned about the bombing of Munich and how it affected the innocent Germans in my World History. I was curious to know their lives and their perspective on the war. Surprisingly, Markus Zusak did a tremendous job of balancing the good, the bad, and the ugly. This book was not all about lives lost and the tragic events of the war. It is also about Liesel, coming-of-age, understanding about love and loss, and being ever courageous. Her thievery and shenanigans with Rudy were hilarious! Their quarrels were laughable! The way they called each other, Schaumensch and Saukerl, was endearing. Only these two could make swear words sound so sweet! They were just hysterical!
“He was waving. "Saukerl," she laughed, and as she held up her hand, she knew completely that he was simultaneously calling her a Saumensch. I think that's as close to love as eleven-year-olds can get.� -- just adorable!
I loved the relationship that bloomed between these two; best friends since age 9.
“He does something to me, that boy. Every time. It’s his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry.� --that Rudy made me cry too!
I also loved the relationship between Liesel and her foster father, Hans. I think Hans was instrumental in teaching Liesel about compassion, courage, and generosity. Hans epitomizes the goodness in humanity. I was blown away by his kindness and his bravery. He is definitely my most favorite character in this book! He represents the perfect dad and was a perfect father to Liesel, though he was only a foster father to her. It melted my heart the way he got up everyday at 2 in the morning to comfort Liesel from her nightmares, help her change her wet clothes and sheets from her bedwetting, and sit with her and teach her how to read until she fell asleep. His dedication and love for a stranger was admirable. It's no surprise that Liesel loved him the most!
“Goodbye, Papa, you saved me. You taught me to read. No one can play like you. I'll never drink champagne. No one can play like you."
Liesel also made a friend in Max, the Jewish fist fighter, and the Jew who hid in her basement. I loved the stories he told Liesel especially the Word Shaker. There's just something about that story that was awe-inspiring and freeing. They were both orphans, left behind by tragedy and death, and survived. But most especially, I loved that he inspired Liesel to write and believed so much in her words.
As he stood, Max looked first at the girl and then stared directly into the sky who was wide and blue and magnificent. There were heavy beams-- planks of son-- falling randomly, wonderfully to the road. Clouds arched their backs to look behind as they started again to move on. "It's such a beautiful day," he said, and his voice was in many pieces. A great day to die. A great day to die,like this.
Liesel walked at him. She was courageous enough to reach out and hold his bearded face. "Is it really you,Max?"
Such a brilliant German day and its attentive crowd.
He let his mouth kiss her palm. "Yes, Liesel, it's me," and he held the girl's hand in his face and cried onto her fingers. He cried as the soldiers came and a small collection of insolent Jews stood and watched.�
As in any historical-fiction novels, I learned so much from reading this book, which I loved. I especially loved the characters that Markus Zusak created. They were so authentic and real, and they made me both laugh and cry. Hans reminded me to be compassionate and kind. Liesel and Max encouraged me to return to writing. And Liesel and Rudy inspired me to live like I'm dying and to say I love you and what's in my heart to the people I care about every moment I got.
“Hair the color of lemons,'" Rudy read. His fingers touched the words. "You told him about me?"
At first, Liesel could not talk. Perhaps it was the sudden bumpiness of love she felt for him. Or had she always loved him? It's likely. Restricted as she was from speaking, she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to drag her hand across and pull her over. It didn't matter where. Her mouth, her neck, her cheek. Her skin was empty for it, waiting.
Years ago, when they'd raced on a muddy field, Rudy was a hastily assembled set of bones, with a jagged, rocky smile. In the trees this afternoon, he was a giver of bread and teddy bears. He was a triple Hitler Youth athletics champion. He was her best friend.(view spoiler)
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Quotes Milly Liked
“He does something to me, that boy. Every time. It’s his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry.”
― The Book Thief
― The Book Thief
“How about a kiss, Saumensch?"
He stood waist-deep in the water for a few moments longer before climbing out and handing her the book. His pants clung to him, and he did not stop walking. In truth, I think he was afraid. Rudy Steiner was scared of the book thief's kiss. He must have longed for it so much. He must have loved her so incredibly hard. So hard that he would never ask for her lips again and would go to his grave without them.”
― The Book Thief
He stood waist-deep in the water for a few moments longer before climbing out and handing her the book. His pants clung to him, and he did not stop walking. In truth, I think he was afraid. Rudy Steiner was scared of the book thief's kiss. He must have longed for it so much. He must have loved her so incredibly hard. So hard that he would never ask for her lips again and would go to his grave without them.”
― The Book Thief
“Hair the color of lemons,'" Rudy read. His fingers touched the words. "You told him about me?"
At first, Liesel could not talk. Perhaps it was the sudden bumpiness of love she felt for him. Or had she always loved him? It's likely. Restricted as she was from speaking, she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to drag her hand across and pull her over. It didn't matter where. Her mouth, her neck, her cheek. Her skin was empty for it, waiting.
Years ago, when they'd raced on a muddy field, Rudy was a hastily assembled set of bones, with a jagged, rocky smile. In the trees this afternoon, he was a giver of bread and teddy bears. He was a triple Hitler Youth athletics champion. He was her best friend. And he was a month from his death.
Of course I told him about you," Liesel said.”
― The Book Thief
At first, Liesel could not talk. Perhaps it was the sudden bumpiness of love she felt for him. Or had she always loved him? It's likely. Restricted as she was from speaking, she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to drag her hand across and pull her over. It didn't matter where. Her mouth, her neck, her cheek. Her skin was empty for it, waiting.
Years ago, when they'd raced on a muddy field, Rudy was a hastily assembled set of bones, with a jagged, rocky smile. In the trees this afternoon, he was a giver of bread and teddy bears. He was a triple Hitler Youth athletics champion. He was her best friend. And he was a month from his death.
Of course I told him about you," Liesel said.”
― The Book Thief
“On many counts, taking a boy like Rudy Steiner was robbery--so much life, so much to live for--yet somehow, I'm certain he would have loved to see the frightening rubble and the swelling of the sky on the night he passed away. He'd have cried and turned and smiled if only he could have seen the book thief on her hands and knees, next to his decimated body. He'd have been glad to witness her kissing his dusty, bomb-hit lips.
Yes, I know it.
In the darkness of my dark-beating heart, I know. He'd have loved it all right.
You see?
Even death has a heart.”
― The Book Thief
Yes, I know it.
In the darkness of my dark-beating heart, I know. He'd have loved it all right.
You see?
Even death has a heart.”
― The Book Thief
“I like that every page in every book can have a gem on it. It's probably what I love most about writing—that words can be used in a way that's like a child playing in a sandpit, rearranging things, swapping them around. They're the best moments in a day of writing—when an image appears that you didn't know would be there when you started work in the morning.”
― The Book Thief
― The Book Thief
“Goodbye, Papa, you saved me. You taught me to read. No one can play like you. I'll never drink champagne. No one can play like you."
-Liesel”
― The Book Thief
-Liesel”
― The Book Thief
“Max," she said. He turned and briefly closed his eyes as the girl continued.
There was once a strange, small man,"she said. Her arms were loose but her hands were fists at her side. "But there was a word shaker,too."
One of the Jews on his way to Dachau had stopped walking now. He stood absolutely still as the others swerved morosely around him, leaving him completely alone. His eyes staggered, and it was so simple. The words were given across from the girl to the Jew. They climbed on to him.
The next time she spoke, the questions stumbled from her mouth. Hot tears fought for room in her eyes as she would not let them out. Better to stand resolute and proud. Let the words do all of it. "Is it really you? the young man asked," she said. " Is it from your cheek that I took the seed.?"
Max Vandenburg remained standing.
He did not drop to his knees.
People and Jews and clouds all stopped. They watched.
As he stood, Max looked first at the girl and then stared directly into the sky who was wide and blue and magnificent. There were heavy beams-- planks of son-- falling randomly, wonderfully to the road. Clouds arched their backs to look behind as they started again to move on. "It's such a beautiful day," he said, and his voice was in many pieces. A great day to die. A great day to die,like this.
Liesel walked at him. She was courageous enought to reach out and hold his bearded face. "Is it really you,Max?"
Such a brilliant German day and its attentive crowd.
He let his mouth kiss her palm. "Yes, Liesel, it's me," and he held the girl's hand in his face and cried onto her fingers. He cried as the soldiers came and a small collection of insolent Jews stood and watched.”
― The Book Thief
There was once a strange, small man,"she said. Her arms were loose but her hands were fists at her side. "But there was a word shaker,too."
One of the Jews on his way to Dachau had stopped walking now. He stood absolutely still as the others swerved morosely around him, leaving him completely alone. His eyes staggered, and it was so simple. The words were given across from the girl to the Jew. They climbed on to him.
The next time she spoke, the questions stumbled from her mouth. Hot tears fought for room in her eyes as she would not let them out. Better to stand resolute and proud. Let the words do all of it. "Is it really you? the young man asked," she said. " Is it from your cheek that I took the seed.?"
Max Vandenburg remained standing.
He did not drop to his knees.
People and Jews and clouds all stopped. They watched.
As he stood, Max looked first at the girl and then stared directly into the sky who was wide and blue and magnificent. There were heavy beams-- planks of son-- falling randomly, wonderfully to the road. Clouds arched their backs to look behind as they started again to move on. "It's such a beautiful day," he said, and his voice was in many pieces. A great day to die. A great day to die,like this.
Liesel walked at him. She was courageous enought to reach out and hold his bearded face. "Is it really you,Max?"
Such a brilliant German day and its attentive crowd.
He let his mouth kiss her palm. "Yes, Liesel, it's me," and he held the girl's hand in his face and cried onto her fingers. He cried as the soldiers came and a small collection of insolent Jews stood and watched.”
― The Book Thief
“He was waving. "Saukerl," she laughed, and as she held up her hand, she knew completely that he was simultaneously calling her a Saumensch. I think that's as close to love as eleven-year-olds can get.”
― The Book Thief
― The Book Thief
“Possibly the only good to come out of these nightmares was that it brought Hans Hubermann, her new papa, into the room, to soothe her, to love her.
He came every night and sat with her. The first couple of times, he simply stayed - a stranger to kill the aloneness. A few nights after that, he whispered, "Shhh, I'm here, it's all right." After three weeks he held her. Trust was accumulated quickly, due primarily to the brute strength of the man's gentleness, his thereness. The girl knew from the outset that Hans Hubermann would always appear midscream, and he would not leave. (36)”
― The Book Thief
He came every night and sat with her. The first couple of times, he simply stayed - a stranger to kill the aloneness. A few nights after that, he whispered, "Shhh, I'm here, it's all right." After three weeks he held her. Trust was accumulated quickly, due primarily to the brute strength of the man's gentleness, his thereness. The girl knew from the outset that Hans Hubermann would always appear midscream, and he would not leave. (36)”
― The Book Thief
“He lay with yellow hair and closed eyes, and the book thief ran toward him and fell down. She dropped the black book. "Rudy," she sobbed, "wake up...." She grabbed him by his shirt and gave him just the slightest disbelieving shake. "Wake up, Rudy," and now, as the sky went on heating and showering ash, Liesel was holding Rudy Steiner's shirt by the front. "Rudy, please." THe tears grappled with her face. "Rudy, please, wake up, Goddamn it, wake up, I love you. Come on, Rudy, come on, Jesse Owens, don't you know I love you, wake up, wake up, wake up....”
― The Book Thief
― The Book Thief
Reading Progress
September 5, 2011
–
0.0%
"on pause...due back at the lib and now I have to wait to borrow it again!"
Started Reading
September 25, 2011
–
Finished Reading
October 2, 2011
– Shelved
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
a-must-buy
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
audible
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
aussie
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
aussie-reading-challenge
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
award-winning
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
favorite-ya
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
historical-fiction
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
juvenile
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
made-me-cry
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
printz-award-winner
October 23, 2011
– Shelved as:
war
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Emily
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rated it 5 stars
Oct 02, 2011 05:42PM
This review is so well written, Milly! You captured the book perfectly. Also, I love the quotes you chose :)
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Great review Milly! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)
Wow! Awesome review Milly!! This book definitely was powerful. I hope you get a chance to pick up the book to see some of the pictures that are included. Most of them were drawn by Max. I read this book years ago and I still remember it pretty vividly.
Arlene wrote: "Wow! Awesome review Milly!! This book definitely was powerful. I hope you get a chance to pick up the book to see some of the pictures that are included. Most of them were drawn by Max. I read this..."Thanks Arlene! Definitely a powerful read! Thanks for letting me know about the drawings. I had no idea!!! I would love to check them out!
Jasprit wrote: "Great review Milly! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)"Thanks Jasprit! I so glad I decided to finally pick this up! Such a special book!
Emily wrote: "This review is so well written, Milly! You captured the book perfectly. Also, I love the quotes you chose :)"Thank you so much Emily! This book definitely made a lasting impression with me! I won't ever forget several of the characters in this book! Just a wonderful, wonderful book!
