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The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak
Narrated by: Allan Corduner
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Publisher's summary

Don’t miss Bridge of Clay, Markus Zusak’s first novel since The Book Thief.

The extraordinary number-one New York Times best seller that is now a major motion picture, Markus Zusak's unforgettable story is about the ability of books to feed the soul. Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

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)

©2006 Markus Zusak (P)2006 Random House Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group
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Critic reviews

  • Book Sense Book of the Year Award, Children's Literature, 2007

"The astonishing characters, drawn without sentimentality, will grab readers." (Booklist)
"Zusak has created a work that deserves the attention of sophisticated teen and adult readers....An extraordinary narrative." (School Library Journal)
"The Book Thief will appeal both to sophisticated teens and adults with its engaging characters and heartbreaking story." (Bookmarks Magazine)

Featured Article: 25+ Quotes About the Power of Kindness


Kindness is the quality of being considerate, compassionate, generous, gentle, and caring towards others without expecting anything in return. Often described as a virtue, kindness is also a strength—in fact, it may be one of humanity's greatest superpowers. Whenever you need a little encouragement or gentle reminder, turn to these quotes from authors who understand the power of kindness and express it quite remarkably.

What listeners say about The Book Thief

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loved it, couldn't put it down.

Great book, great narrator, very descriptive as told by the handover man. portrays the struggles encountered of a young girl growing up in WWII Germany.

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Amazing

The characters are compelling, the emotions pull at the heartstrings, and the narrator adds that final touch. It's one of those books that you don't want to say anything specific about it because it'll ruin the genuine reactions you get while listening. One of my favorites yet

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amazing a real story that gets your heart

I loved it, the narrator was fantastic. the entire book was so detailed and the ending was a bit everywhere but it works its self out at the end.

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A million stars!

Hands down the BEST Narration. Plot. Writing. Emotions. I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. I’m obsessed. About to start it over from the beginning. It’s the most brilliant performance and piece of writing I’ve had the pleasure of listening to ever!

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Perfect in every way!

I could not stop listening to this book! The perspective of the narrator is downright brilliant. The character development of Himmel St. and it’s inhabitants is beautifully laid out. And the entire story is utterly captivating! My heart is still heavy with sadness from diving into this account of the most tragic period in history… and I am so thankful I did. Also, Allan Corduner is now on my list of favorite readers!

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Good narrator

Very nicely narrated. Nice ww2 tale from the perspective of German families. I've read many WW2 from the Jewish perspective

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Favorite book

I found this book originally at a book sale and couldn’t put it down. I then purchased the audio book. The narrator does an amazing job at conveying the emotions buried in this book without breaking rhythm. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants a peek into life as a German in WWII.

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a happy surprise

when I started listening and realized that the narrator was the grim reaper, I put it down for a while. when I picked it up later, I discovered the genius of choosing him to narrate this story.

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Humanity at its worst and best…

The narrator literally brought me to tears. I wonder how he managed to infuse this telling of such a poignant and tragic slice of history without succumbing to its many facets of emotions.

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Absolutely amazing!

This book pulled me completely in. I felt like I lived the story! So emotional but so worth it!

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