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The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

Stories and survival in Nazi Germany

Bestseller Critically Recognized
Regular price $16.89 USD
Regular price $28.15 USD Sale price $16.89 USD
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Paperback New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Bestseller

    #1 New York Times bestseller

    Source describes this book as a #1 New York Times bestseller.

  • Editorial selection

    One of Time magazine’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time

    Included among Time magazine’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time.

  • Critical praise

    “The kind of book that can be life-changing.” —The New York Times

    The New York Times described the book as the kind of book that can be life-changing.

AlbakiReads Editorial

Stories and survival in Nazi Germany

Set in 1939 near Munich, the novel brings together Liesel Meminger’s life in foster care, her growing relationship with books, and the danger surrounding a Jewish man concealed in her family’s basement. Reading becomes part of how Liesel connects with neighbors during bombing raids, while the historical setting shapes the risks faced by those around her. The book’s focus on books, secrecy, and everyday life under Nazi rule gives its young protagonist’s story a distinctly historical frame.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in historical fiction about the Holocaust
  • Readers interested in stories where books and reading connect people in difficult circumstances
  • Those seeking fiction set in Nazi Germany and centered on a young protagonist

Themes

Books and readingLife under Nazi ruleSecrecy and refugeCommunity in wartime

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME - A NEW YORK TIMES READER TOP 100 PICK FOR BEST BOOKS OF THE 21ST CENTURY - A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE CENTURY

The extraordinary, beloved novel about the ability of books to feed the soul even in the darkest of times.


When Death has a story to tell, you listen.

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who 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.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

"The kind of book that can be life-changing." --The New York Times

"Deserves a place on the same shelf with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank." --USA Today

DON'T MISS BRIDGE OF CLAY, MARKUS ZUSAK'S FIRST NOVEL SINCE THE BOOK THIEF.
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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.