The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is an older book, but I just read it. It's narrated by Death, and he gets his workout in this book that is set in Germany during World War II. Germany and all of its atrocities and wonders are seen through the eyes of Leisel Meminger, a young girl whose dreams wake her up at night. A book thief, Leisel shares her stolen words with others in so many dire circumstances. The words seem to help. Reading and the ability to use words is shown to have such power!

One excerpt that struck with me was this.... Words!
“There was once a strange, small man. He decided three important details about his life:
1. He would part his hair from the opposite side to everyone else.
2. He would make himself a small, strange mustache.
3. He would one day rule the world.

...Yes, the Fuhrer decided that he would rule the world with words.”

The book is rough. Several times it describes bands of Jews as they're marched through Leisel's town to Dachau. There is despair and sadness in this book, but there are also moments of joy, love, and compassion amidst the the sorrow.

I don't know when I've been so completely captivated by a book...  I downloaded it from the local library.