Have you ever read a book from peculiar  point of view of death? Or considered why someone would steal worthless books instead of much needed money or food? In The Book Thief By Markus Zusak Liesel is faced with the hard reality of surviving in Nazi Germany during WWII and turns to stealing books to keep her passion for reading alive during a hopeless time. By the end of this young adult historical fiction book will  change your point of view about life and death forever.

The Book Thief  begins on a train- a train to the Hubermann household- where Liesel and her brother will be fostered after their mother is killed. Just as Liesel thinks she has lost everything, her brother dies. As soon as Liesel meets Hans Hubermann, her foster father she feels a connection with him, but she doesn't know that he is about to change her life and help her become a book thief. Liesel's very first book is called "The Gravedigger's Handbook" and although she tries, she cannot read the squiggles of words on the page. Yet, she is still fascinated by books. It isn't until years later that Liesel asks Hans to teach her to read.  Each night becomes a new lesson. Hans taught Liesel how to read and how to write by painting words on the walls of the basement. Liesel longs to read more but the Huberman's can't afford to buy Liesel books so Liesel become "The Book Thief", Every time the Nazis burn books Liesel sneaks to the front of the crowd and grabs the first book she sees and runs Liesel finds salvation through the stolen books. I found the plot page turning and suspenseful as Liesel navigates the hard and depressing life of Nazi Germany. Liesl's books might just save her from what's coming around the corner.

One thing that makes The Book Thief increasingly unique and that made me like it more than any other book is who it is narrated by. The Book Thief  Is not narrated by Liesel the protagonist whose passion is to steal books or her Stepfather Hans Hubermann who was the one to teach Liesel the joy of learning to read. It is not narrated by Rudy; Liesel's best friend, The Book Thief is narrated by Death who in the book heartbreakingly has to take many people. “A small fact: You are going to die (3)” is one of the first lines death says in The Book Thief. Death plays a big part in The Book Thief  especially considering The Book Thief takes place in Germany in World War II. The author developed death like a character and like a person. Death even says "A small piece of truth: I do not carry a scythe. I only wear a hooded back robe when it's cold (307). " and "You want to know what I truly look like? I'll help you out. Find yourself a mirror (308)."

Not only has The Book Thief  been translated into 40 languages, sold over 16 million copies and is "an extraordinary international bestseller" it has also won numerous awards such as being the winner of Book Sense of the Year Award and The National Jewish Book Award, and over 13 more awards. I found every part of The Book Thief  gripping and haunting to read. If you like the books Boy in The Striped Pajamas, Prisoner of Night and Fog  or just love any book that takes place during the WWII you will laugh and cry this beautifully written book. I promise you Lisel will change your life and make you cry your heart out at the end of The Book Thief.