Review: The Book Thief

Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Length: 552
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Source: Purchased
My Rating:
Synopsis: (from Goodreads): It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery....

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

My Review:  This was a very interesting book.  It took me awhile to really appreciate it. I started reading and thought "It's good, but I don't really understand all the hype." I'm not sure exactly when I began to really appreciate this book but appreciate it I did.  

This book is unique in a few different ways. First, it is the only book I've read where the main character was a non-Jewish German child.   This does not mean that the war didn't change her life drastically but it was not your typical story of the persecuted Jew. There is a character that fits that description in this book but I don't feel that his story was stereotypical either.  Second, the narrator is Death or the Grim Reaper, whichever you prefer. He, once again, is not what you might expect. He feels almost benevolent while adding a global view to a story centered around one young girl.  Through him you see not only her story but are able to feel the horrible impact of the war on a larger scale while not being intimately acquainted with it. Death's imagery, his voice, is comforting and haunting all at the same time. Third, it is a story told through a procession of books, through a love of books.

I found this to be a story of childhood, friendship, rebellion, bravery, loss, books, words, and most of all love in the midst of WWII Germany. This is a beautifully written story. A book that is worth your time to get to know.

Review: Divergent

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Length: 487 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genre: Young adult, Fiction, Dystopian
Source: Purchased
My Rating:
Synopsis (from Goodreads): In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

My Review:  This is not just a story about Beatrice Potter having to choose from one of five factions.  It is also about expectations, family loyalties, fitting in, coming-of-age, determination, bravery, and romance set in a future dystopian society.

This book is by no means anywhere close to the genre of book that I normally like. However it was being talked up on an message board that I frequent and I decided to give it a try for a change of pace. I was very pleasantly surprised by Divergent. It was a fairly quick read, well written, with interesting story lines and engaging characters. I enjoyed comparing the different factions and trying to decide which one I would pick.  I also must admit that I was a little taken with the, as others would say "swoon worthy", male lead, Four. This book also has a very strong female lead.  I can see how this book would be quite popular with the "young adult" crowd and am not at all ashamed to admit that I enjoyed it, being slightly older than a young adult.  I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy, Insurgent, when it comes out May 1, 2012.