Recommended Reading, The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak

A highly recommended read.  It was a slow start.  Get this, the book is "narrated" by Death.  Yes, just what it says.  While Death's comments are understandable in the first few pages, it's a rambling start to a great story taking place in Germany up to and including World War II.  The characters' lives are so bleak, but they find ways to keep going, adjusting to each political, economic and social blow.  The Nazi party controls all aspects of their lives, starting when youngsters are elementary school age when they have to join government groups.  The main character is a little girl whose Mom has sent her to be taken care of by another couple.  They live in poverty, barely knowing about the nearby concentration camps.  But the problem comes knocking at the door.  A very important element of the plot.  A rare relationship develops between the girl and her new 'papa.'  What a strong character the 'mama' is and while you will love to hate her, her abrasiveness is her strength.  The little girl IS the book thief.  Books are given a main character status. There is a great friendship between her and a neighborhood boy.  This one will continue to play with your brain when you have to put it down and after you finish it.  I'd give it a high 11 on a scale of 1-10.  Of the 1846 books I've read and rated, this is a very rare high score.