Shut Up & Read

This book is both enchanting and heart-wrenching. How can these two emotions come together? Read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and then come back here so we can discuss it—any day, any year. I’ll be waiting!

Summary

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is set in Nazi Germany in 1939. Liesel, a young girl, has her life changed when she steals her first book, The Gravedigger’s Handbook, at her brother’s grave. With the help of her foster dad, she learns to read, sparking a deep love for books. As the war intensifies, she takes bigger risks to steal more, even from Nazi book burnings. Things escalate when her foster family hides a Jewish man in their basement, confronting Liesel with the harsh realities of the time while deepening her connection to words and stories.

Review

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I adore the youth and child like spirit of the book. The story unfolds where we meet our little girl Liesel Meminger. In her short life, she has already witnessed her brother’s death and had to adjust to a new life with foster parents. Despite these challenges, she manages to keep on living, giving and receiving love, thanks to her foster parents, Papa and Mama, who provide her with the care she needs as she grows.

As the narrative progresses, we observe Liesel go about her life as a joyful child, spending time outdoors, enjoying the company of other kids, and developing a special fondness for one in particular. We witness her deep emotions, outbursts, and poor decisions—like stealing a book and falling deeply in love with it, which leads her to steal more. This builds a childlike wonder, innocence, and curiosity.

What makes it even more compelling is that it’s told from a unique perspective that struggles to fully grasp human emotions, yet ironically can’t tear its gaze away from Liesel Meminger, who is buzzing with energy. This contrast is well tied together, as the author effectively maintains the narrator’s impassive character—with a pinch of humor—while telling the story

Final Thoughts

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This is a beautifully written book. I can see many ways this could have fallen apart up at some point. It is set during a very dark period in history, from just before World War II to the war itself. An impending doom looms throughout the story, even as Liesel’s character brings a sense of lightness. Yet, Zusak delivers a poignant narrative from an intriguing perspective—one that is distant, unremorseful, and unemphatic, yet still compelling, with a way with words that matches his character.

I would recommend this book to everyone of all ages! I first encountered it as a movie when I was a teenager, and it made a significant mark on me. I also know people in their 70s who enjoy this book. And you can tell just by how many copies this book has sold (17 million and counting) that this book is dearly beloved.

Have you read this book? What part of it fascinated you the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments! 💕