|
Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Markus Zusak's THE BOOK THIEF.
Eileen from Chicago, IL
What authors do you usually read?
THE YELLOW-LIGHTED BOOKSHOP by Lewis Buzbee; THE CASE OF THE MISSING
BOOKS by Ian Sansom; MY FATHER IS A BOOK by Janna Malamud Smith; 500
GREAT BOOKS BY WOMEN by Erica Bauermeister, Jesse Larsen, and Holly
Smith; IN THE STACKS by Michael Cart.
What did you think of THE BOOK THIEF?
The major premise of this novel is stolen books! The author shows us
that in the midst of chaos and a rather unpredictable life, books give
people comfort. The story is an amazing one that is carefully crafted
to pivot around this idea, during a time of severe political unrest
with the Nazis in Germany. The first part of the story is a little
cumbersome, but it just gets better and better. The author is a great
storyteller.
Would you ever read a future book by Markus Zusak?
Yes. I would like to see if the theme in his work really comes down to
the importance of books in our lives.
Eric from Dayton, OH
What did you think of THE BOOK THIEF?
I had previously read his well-received book THE MESSENGER and was
excited by his writing style, which incorporates both traditional
literary conventions and the newer laid-back approach to fiction
authoring. THE BOOK THIEF builds upon his wonderful style combination
and adds in the depth of a story that still interests and sobers the
entire world. At heart, it is about the injustices of World War II, as
seen through the eyes of an abandoned child. Zusak easily tackles this
sensitive topic with a delicate touch, leading the reader on an epic
journey.
Heather from Glen Burnie, MD
What authors do you usually read?
I enjoy historical fiction from a wide variety of authors, and also
many literary classics. I don't follow particular authors except in
the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre (especially Robert Jordan and Anne McCaffrey).
What did you think of THE BOOK THIEF?
This is an excellent book. The writing style bothered me a bit at
first; however, once I got into the flow, I truly enjoyed Zusak's
interesting and unusual use of language. His descriptions of common,
everyday situations used anything but everyday phrases, making those
descriptions even more vivid. Zusak's use of foreshadowing was
especially poignant. He sprinkled the novel with tidbits of information
about what was coming next, often telling the reader things that --- it
seems --- would ruin the ending. Despite this, he always provided more
information at just the right time so the reader was never disappointed
or left feeling that she knew too much too soon.
Would you ever read a future book by Markus Zusak?
Depending on the topic, yes. I am more of a "topical" reader than an "author reader".
Jana from Cambria, CA
What authors do you usually read?
Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, Dan Simmons, and Joseph Finder.
What did you think of THE BOOK THIEF?
Three elements woven into the story line made the novel especially
evocative for me. The literal use of color to represent mood and
setting was unsettling, but effective. Otherwise mundane details were
rendered horrifying through context. I was particularly fascinated by
the masterful skill it took to turn Death into a sympathetic character.
Would you ever read a future book by Markus Zusak?
Sure.
Meredith from Port St. Lucie, FL
What authors do you usually read?
I read a wide variety of authors, both fiction and nonfiction. Some
recent books I've read are Tom Standage's A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 6
GLASSES and VEIL OF ROSES by Laura Fitzgerald.
What did you think of THE BOOK THIEF?
I loved it. I thought it was wonderfully written and incredibly
original.
Would you ever read a future book by Markus Zusak?
Yes, definitely.
Michele from Chesterton, IN
What authors do you usually read?
I like a lot of different authors, including James Patterson, J. K.
Rowling, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Janet Evanovich, Shana Abe, etc. I have
a lot of favorites.
What did you think of THE BOOK THIEF?
I absolutely loved it! It was such an interesting book. The story was
such a departure from the usual tales of Germany. It kept me fascinated
from page one. The point of view was so riveting from Death's
perspective. That is a first for me! Liesel, her foster family, Rudy,
Max and all the others who live in her neighborhood were such rich
characters. Zusak made you feel like you were actually there,
witnessing all that took place. This is a phenomenal story that I will
certainly pass on to my friends!
Would you ever read a future book by Markus Zusak?
Definitely!
Sherry from Broken Arrow, OK
What authors do you usually read?
Jo Derek and Diane Mott Davidson.
What did you think of THE BOOK THIEF?
I liked it very much.
Would you ever read a future book by Markus Zusak?
Yes.
Margaret from Signal Mountain, TN
What authors do you usually read?
John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Carol Higgins Clark, Mary Jane Clark,
Beverly Barton, Joanne Fluke, Stuart Woods, Robin Cook, Tess Gerritsen,
etc.
What did you think of THE BOOK THIEF?
Unfortunately, I found it very hard to get into. I did not enjoy it at
all. I actually had a hard time making myself finish it. I am sure it
would appeal to a wide number of readers, just not to me.
Would you ever read a future book by Markus Zusak?
Most likely I wouldn't read another one, unless it came highly
recommended from a friend whose readings tastes I know well.
Jamie from Kitty Hawk, NC
What did you think of THE BOOK THIEF?
I am a bookseller; no sooner do I get in 8 or 10 or 12 copies of THE
BOOK THIEF, that they vanish. I hand-sold two today. This man, this
wordsmith, is so incredibly talented, and his novel --- an instant
classic --- is so beautiful. You will savor every word you read, every
tear you cry and will tell EVERYONE that you know that they MUST read
this book. In 93 years, it will be on the 'Best Books of the Century'
list. Zusak is no “one trick pony,” for his earlier novel, I AM THE
MESSENGER, displays his unbelievable talents as well. I long for more.
© Copyright 1996-2008, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
|
