Links: Goodreads
Rating:
Death scares me.
Not in the occasional fleeting kind of way, but the sleep loss, anxiety attacks skind. Most people get over that fear, or stop thinking about it somewhere in their preteen years. You just make peace with the fact that one day, you're going to die.
I don't.
It wouldn't be exaggerating if I told you that at all times, the thought of death is lingering somewhere in the back of my mind. So I do what I find is comforting the most: I read or write about what irks me. And I read this book, one that is narrated by death itself. I didn't do it to punish myself, I did it because reading heals. You read about something for so long, and it becomes a norm, and I'll be damned if this book wasn't healing. Not only is it bizarre to read a book from Death's point of few, but it was entertaining. Death had that dark sense of humor to him. You'll laugh and cry at the same time because of it.
I don't want to talk about the actual book. If you haven't read it, I want you to go in blind, just like I did. On the first few pages, you'll know this book is different. By the first few chapters, you'll become immersed in the novel, and as you read the last chapter (tissues will be involved, take my word on that), you'll know this is a book that will stay with you for a long time.
Final Words: If you can read this sentence, read that book. Right now, it sits among my All time Favourite shelf, with only ONE other book to keep it company. That's how much I loved it.
Have you read the book? Then let's discuss the hell out of it.
P.S: DO NOT click the button below if you haven't read the book. It might get spoilery. Also, be sure to mention it if there's a spoiler in your comment.
Not in the occasional fleeting kind of way, but the sleep loss, anxiety attacks skind. Most people get over that fear, or stop thinking about it somewhere in their preteen years. You just make peace with the fact that one day, you're going to die.
I don't.
It wouldn't be exaggerating if I told you that at all times, the thought of death is lingering somewhere in the back of my mind. So I do what I find is comforting the most: I read or write about what irks me. And I read this book, one that is narrated by death itself. I didn't do it to punish myself, I did it because reading heals. You read about something for so long, and it becomes a norm, and I'll be damned if this book wasn't healing. Not only is it bizarre to read a book from Death's point of few, but it was entertaining. Death had that dark sense of humor to him. You'll laugh and cry at the same time because of it.
I don't want to talk about the actual book. If you haven't read it, I want you to go in blind, just like I did. On the first few pages, you'll know this book is different. By the first few chapters, you'll become immersed in the novel, and as you read the last chapter (tissues will be involved, take my word on that), you'll know this is a book that will stay with you for a long time.
Final Words: If you can read this sentence, read that book. Right now, it sits among my All time Favourite shelf, with only ONE other book to keep it company. That's how much I loved it.
Have you read the book? Then let's discuss the hell out of it.
P.S: DO NOT click the button below if you haven't read the book. It might get spoilery. Also, be sure to mention it if there's a spoiler in your comment.
Ouch, I read it too long ago to discuss :-(
ReplyDeleteI didnt cry but my eyes did leak somthing....
I thought he was too old for her? But maybe they married.
I have mix feelings about the ending because of the boy's death, but maybe if he didnt die the story wouldn't so powerful.
I'm so glad you loved this book, and it makes me happy that you faced a fear to read it! Death narration was, without a doubt, my favorite aspect of The Book Thief!
ReplyDeleteAs for your discussion questions:
I did cry, a little, but I don't really know if it was specific. Just kind of a general sadness at the whole thing. I loved the ending and thought it was very appropriate. I'm not sure it occurred to me that Max and Liesl might end up married! But that's an interesting thought.
Ooh. I have this book on my super long TbR list. My friend said it's one of the best classics she had ever read. So :D great review!
ReplyDeleteCindy @ In This World of Books..
This book made me cry so hard. Have you seen the movie trailer? I think it's going to be good. I couldn't write a review about the actual book, either. I was way too emotional about everything to be even close to coherent.
ReplyDeleteRUDY. HANS. I'm torn over the both of them. Rudy for what he deserved, and Hans was Hans. You can't not love him.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for this very short comment because I must now flee from the feels.
He is too old for her, atleast according to our time, but maybe a twelve year old gap isn't much back then? I don't know but it's an interesting theory.
ReplyDeleteI know, right?! It was brilliant, and the foreshadowing kept me hooked. Yes, Death often spoiled what was going to happen in the end, but you kept reading to know how it would happen.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get around to reading it. Yeah, some people classify it into classic, but it's less wordy and more interesting, you know? :D
ReplyDeleteOooh, the trailer is so awesome. Except for the american narration at the end. Didn't you think that was weird? I hope that's not Death's voice. Too comical.
ReplyDeleteHa! I think at one point Death said exactly what you did. You can't not love Hans :/
ReplyDeleteOh, fleee! Or else the feels will take control and you'll be an emotional mess like I am.
Every time I see someone else reading this book, my heart smiles and cries at the same time. This book is one of my all time favorites and it's just so pretty. I've re-read it many times and every time I fall in love with it all over again <3
ReplyDeleteI know! I think he posted it on his blog/facebook. I hope it will be as cool as the book.
ReplyDeleteOh my god, rereading the book? I admire your bravery! :P I don't think I'll go near this book anytime soon. I had to cool the feels down, you know? ;)
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the title of this post, I almost killed my mouse trying to click on it. That's how much I love this book and reading other people's thoughts on it. (I am sorry, mouse. I love The Book Thief more than you.)
ReplyDeleteAnyways. I'm not a person who is constantly thinking about Death, and I guess I have sort of accepted it. But it was still really strange to read a book told from Death's point of view. And really, I think I feel more sorry for Death than I feel sorry for myself, he is truly being haunted.
Oh, and do you plan to go see the movie? I've reread parts of this book so many times and I can't wait to see certain scenes on screen :)
Are you kidding?! The Book Thief is awesome. If I had to choose between it and my mouse.. well, bye bye mouse then.
ReplyDeleteI think the narration is the best part of this book. I heard Markus Zusak had initially written Death as mean and evil, and then changed it into this thing that feels haunted by us, not the other way around.
Gaahhh, those last words!! So..good!
Definitely!! The trailer looks awesome, and I'm excited to see Geoffrey Rush on the screen.
I'll read this...some day. And I know I'll love it, too :)
ReplyDeleteYaaay!! Hopefully you'll do it before the movie is out.
ReplyDeleteI'll try. But I don't mind watching the movie first.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think it was Death. But he will be narrating! I read that somewhere; I was so relieved that they didn't cut that part out. It was pretty important.
ReplyDelete