Because this was selected by TWO of my book clubs, I was excited to get it. Though this book is classified as Juvenile Literature, the themes are somewhat advanced and I never felt like I was reading a child's book.
The story is narrated by Death and follows a young girl in Nazi Germany. Liesel, the book thief, captures Death's attention early when at age 10, en route to a foster home, her younger brother dies on a train. She "steals" her first book just after the funeral when she notices that one of the gravediggers dropped it in the snow. Ironically, Liesel can not read, but has a strong love for books.
Upon her arrival in Munich, Liesel meets her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann. Rosa has a big heart that she tries to conceal with her foul mouth and Hans is a kind man who wears his heart on his sleeve. The Hubermanns do not believe in Nazi Party ideals, but Hans is forced to join the party and enlist in the army in order to protect his family--and Max Vandenburg, the son of the Jewish man who saved Hans's life in WWI and is living in the Hubermanns' basement.
Throughout her years with the Hubermanns, Liesel learns to read very well and develops relationships with many people in the neighborhood because of her love of books. Her strongest tie is to Rudy Steiner, her best friend and neighbor. The story ends with Liesel finally granting Rudy his long-awaited kiss, after he (and everyone else in their neighborhood) is killed in an attack. Liesel, the only survivor found in the ruins, was saved, essentially, by her love of words.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely!
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