The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I have been accidentally reading a lot of fiction based around World War II the last 2 years and this is the first book in that time I've read from a German's perspective. I've heard a lot about The Book Thief and I'm so happy I got it off the shelf to read at last. This book is on my To Be Read Challenge list and has been on my shelf since June 30, 2009.

The story is not told from the soldier's perspective. Instead Death tells us the story of an orphan girl living with a foster family that quietly opposes Hitler. Quietly they hide something in their basement. Quietly the Book Thief steals her treasures.

The book's emphasis is not pro-war or anti-war, but on the incredible power of words. Words are the enemy so we burn books. Words are what give Hitler his power.

This book is horrifically wonderful and horribly moving.