I finished The Book Thief over the weekend. All annoyances I had with the page number typeface melted. This book is quite simply both stunningly beautiful and terrible. Marcus Zusak is a word master - so fitting since much of the book centers on Liesel Meminger's (the book thief's)love of words. The story takes place in Nazi Germany in the early 1940's, so, obviously we are introduced to the very worst in human nature. Nevertheless, Zusak does not allow us to despair. The beauty in the human spirit is revealed as counterpoint. For the first time that I can remember, I cried because of a book. The kind of crying that makes it hard to breathe. Anyone who picks up The Book Thief should know that it starts off slowly; but, within 50 pages I was captured. My additional advice would be to have something very light and funny to read afterwards, if you can conentrate on anything else for awhile. I picked up The Mother Tongue: English And How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson (a very witty, slim volume about a fascinating subject.) Even so, I could not remain engaged in it. Instead, I went outside for a walk, trying to clear my thoughts and ease my sadness. Still haunted by The Book Thief, I returned home and involved myself in a form of therapy that usually works for me. I made three batches of soup: Cheddar Corn Chowder, 15 Bean, and Beef Vegetable. As much as I loved the book, I wanted to keep any thought of it out of my dreams on Saturday night. I pretty much succeeded...but not entirely. I dreamt that a line of people arrived at my front door; the line continued down my curvy walkway, onto the road, and (although I could no longer see the people) I instinctively knew they continued all the way to the bridge over the Wilmington River. Each of them carried a bowl; I stood at my front door ladling soup.
Masterpiece is sometimes a term flung about without too much thought. This book might qualify, however. Although it is designated as a novel for Young Adults, it is really ageless and should not be missed.
This was my number one read of 2007! I think I sobbed through the last 50 pages! My husband thought I was crazy. If you get a chance, you should read Zuzak's I am Messenger. It was really good. Not quiet as good as The Book Thief, but pretty close.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog!
I will put I Am Messinger on my TBR list. Thanks for the suggestion. I get lots of inspiration from your blog.
ReplyDeleteOur book group met today to review this title. I asked if anyone had noticed or given any thought to the odd font in the pagination and chapter titles. No one did. I glad to note that another was curious about this. Thanks for posting your blog
ReplyDeletewhat is the reason for the odd page numbers?
DeleteWe read this book as part of our year 9 english reading project, and I then went on to read it again at home of my own accord. I have to say, I don't read very often, but this book really captured me, and I loved every word, even the second time around, Zusaks writing style is so poetic and beautiful. I would recommend this book to anyone, it's a real tear-jerker and a slight eye opener too, especially in the scenes at the death camps. But over all a simply beautiful read that will transport you back in time, and make you feel as though you were really there...really Liesels friend. As you come to know and love the characters of the novel. A must read for anyone and everyone!!! Stunning!
ReplyDeleteWe read this book as part of our year 9 english reading project, and I then went on to read it again at home of my own accord. I have to say, I don't read very often, but this book really captured me, and I loved every word, even the second time around, Zusaks writing style is so poetic and beautiful. I would recommend this book to anyone, it's a real tear-jerker and a slight eye opener too, especially in the scenes at the death camps. But over all a simply beautiful read that will transport you back in time, and make you feel as though you were really there...really Liesels friend. As you come to know and love the characters of the novel. A must read for anyone and everyone!!! Stunning!
ReplyDelete