Have you heard of this book? Have you read it? Because I'm telling you now, you should..
"It is 1939, Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still."
If you can imagine, it's a story told by the point of view of Death. Who was quiet a hoot, I have to say, considering his occupation. But it follows the story of a German girl named Liesel as one the first acts we see from her is stealing a book from the grave of her little brother; The Grave Digger's Handbook. There begins this appreciation and love of books as her foster father stays up with her at night sounding out each word as she learns to read and struggles to cope with the death of her brother that still haunts her. (I have to love a girl that loves books so much that she saves/steals them from Nazi book burnings)
And of course, being Nazi Germany, it's a dangerous time for everyone, especially when Liesels family hides a Jew in their basement.
What I appreciated greatly about this book is the telling of a girls story (starts when she's about 11) when she has no idea what's really going on. Of course it's hard; rations, soldiers, bombings, etc.. But she's eleven. She doesn't fully understand all the repercussions of what is happening around her country. I liked that it was more of just a regular German citizen trying to get by without ticking off the wrong people. Trying to be good, and trying to survive through the war. There were fantastic highs and devastating lows. I also appreciated Deaths distain for Hitler. I have often viewed Death as the villain, the black hooded demon who comes to steal people away in the night. And while this may be his occupation, he hated what the Nazi's were doing, it was evident that he felt it was unnecessary.. and his appreciation for those that lived and the lives they led was something that forever sticks in my mind.
I listened to this book while at work, and let me tell you there was such a range of emotions. I laughed out loud, guffawed at all appropriate parts, was angry and felt the utter devastation at the deaths of those who had become near and dear to my heart.
I share with you, at this juncture, the first page. In a creative writing class, we discussed the whole "hooks" at the beginning of books that catch us. And this did. Hook-line-sinker.
-------------------------
DEATH AND CHOCOLATE
First the colors.
Then the humans
That's usually how I see things.
Or at least try.
***HERE IS A SMALL FACT***
You are going to die.
I am in all truthfulness attempting to be cheerful about this whole topic, though most people find themselves hindered in believing me, no matter my protestations. Please, trust me. I most definitely can be cheerful. I can be amiable. Agreeable. Affable. And that's only the A's. Just don't ask me to be nice. Nice has nothing to do with me.
***REACTION TO THE***
AFOREMENTIONED FACT
Does that worry you?
I urge you-don't be afraid.
I'm nothing if not fair.
--------------------------------------------
now go read the rest...
I promise you won't be disappointed. Actually, in all honesty, all I can think about right now is getting my own copy so I can read it again and mark all my favorite parts.
