The Book Thief

[DaisyNonna]

Have you read this book? I laughed, I cried, I was angry, I felt pity. What was your reaction?

[naomi24]

Absolutely loved it! It is a book I shall never forget.

Actually, when I read it I didn't realise it was written for teenagers - but who cares?!!! Brilliant. I would recommend it to everyone!!

[DaisyNonna]

I won't forget it either. Not sure how old my teenage grandchildren need to be to read it.

[sophie_1003]

Love it; so well written. Another one by him is called I am the Messenger; that's a bit more obviously aimed at teenagers but was very enjoyable nonetheless.

[puddle-duck]

No I haven't heard of it. What's it about?

[naomi24]

I'll look out for that Sophie.

[DaisyNonna]

The second World War from the experiences of a young German girl interspersed with reminiscences by Death. Sounds awful, absolutely riveting. I cared about the characters.

[Bambiagain]

I have to say it doesn't read like a book for teenagers. I read it some time ago and thought it was excellent.

[rockyracoon]

I read this a couple of years ago and thought it was fantastic, it's not the usual sort of stuff that I normally go for. Like you Daisy I had quite mixed emotions whilst reading it. I didn't realise it was written for teens either although I think it would be good for them to read to give them a good sense of what living under Hitler's Germany during the War was like.

[ethandron]

it's not written for teens, it's the authors first adult book.
i thoroughly enjoyed it and think if a teenager wants to read it, they should be allowed to. the story is part of life and personally i don't think this kind of book is something teens need to be, or should be, protected from. it's the kind of book i read as a teenager, as did my children.

[naomi24]

http://www.randomhous...rl?isbn=9780375842207

[ethandron]

interesting link naomi. amazon has a different opinion:
http://www.amazon.co....s-Zusak/dp/0552773891
scroll down to product review/description.

[naomi24]

Amazon is not the publisher, it is a retailer, and as such it will attempt to appeal to the widest readership possible. However, it's a very worthy book, and if it now reaches a wider audience, that, in my opinion, can only be a good thing. Quite brilliant!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_Thief

[ethandron]

as i understand it, it is marketed differently in different countries, some as an adult book and some as a teen book. the two versions are apparently both available in britain.
it felt to me as if it was an adult book even though the main character is a youngster. i agree with you naomi, the wider audience it reaches the better :)

[bluebirdino]

fantastic book, ive just had it back from doing the rounds amongst
friends and family i might read it again . if you enjoyed this you may like
"the boy in the striped pajamas" by john boyne .

[DaisyNonna]

Thankyou blue. I have read it but it really upset me. Did however spot how it would end. The lice!

[mosesg]

This ia a fantastic book, so well written. Like yourself I felt so much emotion reading it. Would definately recommend it to anyone to read.