The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

From the back cover:
It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist: books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

My thoughts:
Set in the midst of World War II in Germany, this book features the life of Liesel Meminger who was sent to foster parents around age 10. The story is narrated by "death", a reluctant collector of souls, who does not enjoy the job he is given. A bit quirky (yes) but as a member of my book club said, death has no time restrictions and so the book is written in such a way that you get glimpses of the future then you are plunged "headlong" into the story! I found that irritating at times but totally understood the writer's perspective. Leisel as a teenager is a person I hope to be some day. She is brave, loving, tender and kind. She is able to form these loving friendships borne out of heartache, misery and pain and you gotta love and appreciate her character! I enjoyed the "banter" she shares with Rudy, her soul mate and partner in crime. Well Rudy doesn't really enjoy stealing books, he just likes to eat. We are also introduced to Liesel's real mom, brother and her foster parents! As meagre as their existence was, they were able to be a family, opening up their home to a jewish man by the name of Max. Again, Leisel comes forward and shows Max unconditional love. The kind of love that can raise the dead (yes, literally). OK, you need to go and buy this book. It's an entirely different perspective on the war and holocaust. Enough said........great read!

Next on my List, Jill Smolinski

I read this book for my Book Club which I am happy to say, I have been a part of for 2 months now. Its really nice to meet over wine and food to discuss the lastest time so I am definitely looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday.

I won't give a long review but just to say I enjoyed reading this book because it was heart warming, light read, though it had moments of sadness. June gave Marissa a ride home from their weight watchers meeting and they ended up in an accident in which Marissa died. June found a list of things Marissa wanted to do before her 25th birthday and decided to complete the items on the list as a means of honoring Marissa's life.

Well, I don't to give the book away so you will have to read the book if you want to know whether or not June completed the list. I will say that on the journey, June definitely changed her life for the better and inspired her friends and relatives along the way.

A good weekend read!

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Well written classic but extremely depressing. Follows the story of the poor Joad Family as they left Oklahoma for California to seek a better life during the depression. It shows the hardship and oppression suffered by migrant laborers during the Great Depression. The story starts with Tom Joad who was released from prison for killing a man during a fight. We follow Tom home and along the way, he meets Casey, his former Pastor -- they continue to Tom's home together only to find his family had to move and was living with Tom's Uncle John. The rest of the book gives an account of the Joad's journey to California where they hope to find work and start a new life. Everything that can go wrong -- goes wrong. From the death of the family's dog to their Grandpa then their Grandma long the way. When they arrive in California, its to find that they flyers that advertised work, were handed out to thousands of families so wherever the Joads show up for work, there would be hundreds of families wanting to work as well. This is a sinister plot by the landowners to decrease the wages paid to pick (whether fruit or cotton) and the poor "Okies" (as they are called) had to take the job so they can buy food for the families. This book is worth the read as it gives an account of life as a Migrant Laborer as he struggles with taking care of this family while trying to keep them together. My gripe with the book is that the ending is desperately sad and the characters disillusioned!