I just finished an amazing book. It takes a lot for me to put a book on a pedestal of awesomeness. I also don’t like recommending books because I don’t want something I think is fantastic to be ruined by my friend saying, “Eh, it was okay.”

That said, if you haven’t already read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak you should do so immediately (well after you’ve finished reading this blog post). I know I’m behind on the times and I severely regret not having read this book sooner, but it’s never too late to read a good book.

This is not a boy-meets-girl kind of story, but it is about love and identity and so much more. When a book evokes a variety of emotions and sucks the reader into the story, you know it is well written. Zusak does a spectacular job of this. The story is narrated by none other than Death, which is a unique choice. The point-of-view is mostly Liesel Meminger’s, but as told by Death, who occasionally has outside observations the make the story well rounded. Not only is the narrator interesting, he is also thought provoking. He gives a unique perspective on humans, but not an omniscient one because he gets his info through his experiences and what he hears/sees. But he is Death, so he brings a lot to the table. He’ll have you loving and disliking the characters you’re meant to, and cheering for the human race in general.

Because there is so much depth to each character, you can tell the writer (and the narrator) took great care in telling the story of this girl, Liesel, and the people she loves and loses. I read a blurb that said: “It’s the kind of book that can be LIFE CHANGING.” It was for me (to some degree). With young adult books there is so much fluff and crap on the shelves, it is inspiring to read something great. And as a writer who is interested in YA, I have to appreciate the wording and phrases that were used. There is an elegance and intelligence needed to write such a moving piece (I know I’m being a bit cheesy, but it’s true).

Even if you have no interest in history or Nazi Germany, you will fall in love with this book or I hope, at the very least, you will enjoy it half as much as I did. It will leave your heart bleeding and cheering at the same time.

SIDE NOTE: I don’t say this often about a “book” movie, BUT…you should watch the movie as well. It is just as thought provoking and beautiful in its own right. They did a great job at casting the characters and telling Liesel’s story.