The Book Thief Quick Review

            In my English class, we were recently assigned book to read in literature circles. I chose The Book Thief, written by Markus Zusak. It was an excellent read. It is about a young girl, Liesel, who has been dropped off at a stranger's house and was told that was her new family after her mother was mysteriously taken. She becomes a part of the family and the neighborhood of Himmel Street, gaining new friends and new enemies. She is obsessed with one goal throughout the story: reading. She is so determined to read that she steals books from many different sources...including a book-burning. The story is mainly a bildungsroman, or coming of age story, but has a bit of a twist as it takes place during WW2, Nazi Germany. The strict behavior required by the Nazis plays a huge role in the plot. Certain behavior is expected, and those who stray from it face imminent danger. Leisel strays very far. She steals food with her friend, she breaks in to the mayor's house, and her family even harbors a Jew in their basement. The description of her journey through learning the ways of life of Himmel Street in Nazi Germany almost forces you to feel what she feels and see what she sees. This is a very excellent book and is strongly recommended.