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I loved this book. Full stop.
I recently found out that I enjoy historical fiction, which has caused me to want to read more of them. I've had my eye on The Book Thief for quite some time now. I'm glad I finally read it. I've always had an interest in the Nazi Germany era and this was no disappointment.
Though the story takes time to develop, I feel it is worth the wait. This story made me feel a stir of emotions. I felt happiness, sadness, and I even laughed a few times. What book does that? This one. I agree that this is a haunting, impactful story that will stick with you. I feel that Mark Zusak crafted it in such a clever way, by choosing an unlikely narrator, Death. Death had a way of foreshadowing and hinting at which of the characters will die. Death didn't have the sinister tone we're used to. Instead, Death told the story as an observer, not as someone happily collecting souls. Though I am used to Death being a collector of souls, it was nice to see a twist as he became invested in Liesel's story.
I do not carry a sickle or a scythe.
I only wear a hooded black robe when it’s cold.
And I don’t have those skull-like
facial features you seem to enjoy
pinning on me from a distance. You
want to know what I truly look like?
I’ll help you out. Find yourself a mirror while I continue.
Then there's the rest of the characters... Can I just hug them? Can I? Death can get a hug too, at this point.
Liesel was such an enjoyable and relatable character. She is by no means perfect and very much does all the things a girl her age would do. She's so smart, brave, and sweet-- you can't help but fall in love with her. Liesel developed this deep love for books and the stories inside them, when she learned how to read. Her love for books was so valid. I think any avid reader could relate with Liesel and her love for books. She loved them so much, she started stealing them and became the book thief. I even thought to myself, why didn't I think of that when I was 10 years old. Instead I stole my grandfather's money and bought Barbie dolls... but we won't get into that story.
Now Max, oh Max... I just love him! He was such a sweet, caring, and wonderful guy. Did I mention he works out? Just thought you should know...
I especially loved the friendship that Liesel and Max developed. Though there was over a 10 year difference in age, it wasn't creepy or uncomfortable in any way. To me it felt like a big brother and his little sister, it really was wonderful to see.
Like the books that Max made for Liesel, with the cute illustrations... *insert heart eyes here* How about when he was teaching her how to do push-ups?! GAAHHHH! Or how about years later when they see each other again, and they hug each other and cry. Arrrgh, my heart just can't take it.
We also can't forget Rudy, who is the cutest boy ever. I also enjoyed the friendship they had, as well as the very little romance they had. The kiss and the way he felt for Liesel. I also loved that they would go together when Liesel would steal books.
Hans Hubermann! He is like the best literary dad ever! Periodt! I never fell in love with a dad in a story, however Hans stole my heart. The relationship he and Liesel share is so stinking adorable! Mind you, he is her foster dad and that is what makes it even more meaningful. I loved that though he wasn't a great reader, he still taught Liesel to read. He was the one that sparked the love for words that she has. The moments they had was everything. The things he would tell her was just GAAAHHHH!
Hans creates an illustration for Liesel. The illustration is of a stick-figure girl with a huge smile and no eyes.
Liesel: Papa! I have no eyes!
Hans: With a smile like that, you don't need eyes.
See! Need I say more... it's just too much...
Overall, this book has such a powerful message. Not only how friends and family shape you, but how stories can help you get through the toughest time. Although I have never experienced such tragic or traumatic events, this book hit me deep in them feels. It is definitely a story I will cherish and reread again. This has become one of my favorite books ever, words can't express how much I will cherish this book. I would gladly recommend it to the world!
Well Gaston, you're in luck because this one does have pictures. 😉
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