Book/Series Reviews

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

Ages 13+

Rating 10/10

You often hear that no books written in this day and age are really worth the read. At school we're forced to read the classics, the 20th-century-and-older stuff.

However, I would like to applaud Markus Zusak for creating a book worthy of those so-called "classics." Because The Book Thief was undeniably beautiful. The wordsmithery was on point, and the narration of the story was wonderful and oh gosh I freaking loved this book so much.

Basically, for you uncultured underlings, it's about a girl in WWII who goes to live with a German man and woman. Shit happens, Hans Hubermann is the best, and then they take in a Jew, who I fell in love with instantly.

The real hook, though?

The book is narrated by Death.

But Death is probably my favorite character. He (it?) is sarcastic, drily funny, but also serious and grave when he needs to be.

Guys, if you haven't read this book, then you need to go and read it. Please. It is beautiful, and you won't regret it. It's better than TFiOS, if that means anything to you.

Now on to the spoilery section.

SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Except there isn't much to be happy about with this book because it freaking broke my heart.

The end. Why. Why the hell did everyone have to die. Why the hell did only Liesel live. Why the hell didn't Rudy get his kiss. Why the hell did Rudy's dad come back only to find his family dead.

I can't deal with the emotions.

As for Max . . .

He was one of my favorite characters. He was so sweet to Liesel, and am I the only one who thinks that he's the one she married? Because to be honest, they are my OTP and will forever be. Even though Zusak wrote that he didn't intend for them to be married, but also that it's up to the reader to decide. So you know what, Markus Zusak? I say that they do get married. Because Max is all Liesel has left, and if either of them deserves anything, it's each other. No one else would be able to hold an older Liesel as she wakes up from nightmares of her past in the way Max could have, because Max is the only one who would have understood.

So yeah. That's my reasoning. Let me know if you disagree or agree or what.

Anyway there's my review. My heart is now broken by this book.