Author: Markus Zusak
Why I picked it up: Required reading for a YA literature class in Undergrad at UNCW
Summary (Goodreads): 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
Opinion: I usually don't like assigned books, but I loved this one. It's not just another WWII novel, it's a new and exciting tale that sucks you into the life of a powerless girl in Nazi Germany. Liesel is an ordinary, relatable protagonist who does the best she can, through small deeds, to keep the world from crumbling around her.
Ratings
Girl Power: 5 (Liesel is no hero, but she finds power in a world that makes her powerless).
Writing Style: 5 (straight to the point, yet beautiful).
Plot: 4 (it's not really plot-driven, but more of a literary 'sit and savor the scene' book).
Overall: 5
This is a must read for anyone who likes literary, funky, or off the beaten path books (though I know it's become quite popular in recent years--deservedly so!)
I have not seen the film yet on this one. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it? Did it live up to the book?
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