The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I imagine it is never an easy task to select a book for a book club. I personally did not know, as I have belonged to one book club in my life. It was when I was in my mid-twenties and lived in Burlington, VT. For this book club, the books were selected for us since it was held and sponsored by Border’s Bookstore. I guess looking back now, the selection may have been based upon what was not selling in the store and an opportunity got the manager of Borders to push some stock. I really never asked how the selection was made or by who, which looking back now seems very odd. But since I am the shy, quiet, accepting type, maybe not.

So here I am now with my first opportunity to select a book for book club and I will not lie, I feel some pressure.  I want to select a book that I feel others will appreciate, find value and not wonder what the hell I was thinking when I picked that book.  However, I also want to select something I have not read myself and is not your standard book club read (or recommended by Oprah). Since this selection was for a new book club, The Standley Lake Book Club, which I helped to form, I want to start off on a good, but unique note.

I did what I do when I want recommendations, I turned to friends and co-workers.  In this case, I asked my two co-workers, Lana Kellams and Terri Hill. I have worked with both these ladies for many years and I know them fairly well, so their opinion means something to me (but please do not tell them that as it will go right to their heads). I also knew they both belonged to the same book club until it disbanded recently (I tell people an inter-book club romance broke up the group, but actually someone moved and it just seemed like a good time to call it quits). Anyhow, both said that of all the books they read, the book with the greatest impact and that they liked the best was Markus Zusak’s 2006 book, The Book Thief. Both even said they had recommended it several people and Lana even bought a copy for her sister, Lisa.

However, here is the unique part about the book - it is technically classified under young adult. Okay, would everyone think I was a complete freak for selecting a kid’s book for our first selection? Probably, but who cares. Here is how I see it:

1. Neither Lana or Terri would recommend a horrible book (well unless they were getting even for all the work I assign them)
2. A kid’s book may be perfect for the first selection as it may be a good way to ease into the thicker books.
3. The book has one a ton of awards.
4. I doubt anyone in this new book club has read this book.
5. I like to be different.

So what is The Book Thief about? Death and Germany during the Holocaust, which does not really sound like a topic you would expect for young adults, huh?

Here are a few of the reviews I found on Amazon.com regarding the book, which I think give a nice synopsis, without revealing the plot and explains why so many people are surprised the book is classified in young adult.

B.L. Medford wrote:

“Very rarely a book comes out that steals my breath away. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak is a revelation. Narrated by Death, this story follows Leisel as she steals books in Nazi Germany while she and her best friend Rudy discover the power of words, language and friendship. Zusak's writing is mesmerizing; it's sarcastic, emotional, sophisticated and wondrous.

If you only read one book this year, read this one. Share it with your friends and family. I don't expect to read anything better this year, or next year either. “

Lesley West wrote:

“This is a story told by Death. An interesting point of view perhaps, but as it is set in Germany during World War II, perhaps it is entirely appropriate. It is also a story of a young girl, who in spite of having a life that no one would wish on anyone, still manages to have glimpses of pleasure through many small things, including the few books that she manages to acquire (or shall we say, steal).

It is interesting to see that it appears to be targeted to young adult readers - please don't be put off by this - it is very much an adult story about children who are doing their best to live a normal life in times of unspeakable horror. It would also be a good way to introduce more mature readers to the history of the times. But be warned, it is quite confrontational at times, and considering who the narrator is, very sad.

To add extra punch to the story, it appears that it is the true story of the author's grandmother. When you consider this, you realize how truly resilient we humans are, and how occasionally, and with a bit of luck, we can hold off death for a time.”

N. Gargona wrote:

"...I will tell you that this is an astounding book, a beautiful book, and a book that I know I will read again and again.

I read a lot, two to three books a week, my family makes fun that I "love" so many that I read...but in the past few years there have only been a handful of books that when I finish reading the book I sit and try to think of who I can send a copy to, who can I share this wonderful experience with. A book that when I finish, I want to go back to the beginning and start over.

I am a little sorry it is listed as a young adult book, I feel that if the bookstores put it in the young adult section, so many people will be missing out on a wonderful experience. Yet it is important that younger readers, high school readers, read this book too. When I was growing up, I remember reading Diary of Anne Frank, and the feelings I had when I read it...and understanding the importance of everyone reading that book. Well, this book is that important, this book is a must read.

I am going to go back and read this author's other book, I don't know how it can measure up to this one, but if it is half as good, I am in for a treat."

So there you have it, the first selection of the Standley Lake Book Club is The Book Thief. We will be meeting in mid-September to discuss the book at my house and if people end up hating it, I guess I can always pin it on Lana and Terri, right?