If any one of you readers are truly readers at all, you've probably at least heard of this novel at some point. In case you were wondering if I think you should read it, wonder no more.
I, Bithiah Lee, formally recommend this book to you now.
What a beautifully written novel. Sometimes, I just forget what it feels like to read something that is gorgeous-- even if that something also infuriates you, makes you want to cry. You also feel giddy, because you realize that it's just words that are doing that to you. The shaking, the breathing, the blinking, the cheering-- just words.
I would write more, but my fingers are still stiff, my eyes are so tired, and my head is throbbing, still, from taking in the last 250 pages of the The Book Thief all over the last couple of hours.
Instead, let me leave you with this:
As you can see, I have been in your library again and I
have ruined one of your books. I was just so angry and afraid
and I wanted to kill the words. I have stolen from you and
now I've wrecked your property. I'm sorry. To punish myself,
I think I will stop coming here. Or is it punishment at all? I
love this place and hate it, because it is full of words.
- 522
If only she could be so oblivious again,
to feel such love without knowing it,
mistaking it for laughter and bread
with only the scent of jam spread out
on top of it.
- 408
I have hated the words and
I have loved them,
and I hope I have made them right.
- 528
Think on that, will you?
Thank you, Zusak, for this story.
- bcl.