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Original poster

The Book Thief - MUST read

130 replies

katiekittlemouse · 05/11/2008 21:05

I have just finished this book - it's brilliant! Well written, unusual, harrowing, sad, and in parts funny....
Everyone should read it!! What did you think?
It sits now on my shelf of the best books I've ever read with The Secret History, Shantaram and The Kite Runner.

OP posts:
Tillyboo · 28/11/2008 22:43

I am descended from Dutch Jews and I have been researching what happened to them in WWII. There was no happy ending for the majority and so, to me, reading The Book Thief was poignant, thought provoking and gave me an insight into how some Germans felt about the persecution.

A brilliant book and one I urge you to read if you have not.

Dior · 27/11/2008 21:58

Message withdrawn

Blossomingintoachristmasfairy · 27/11/2008 21:51

I wonder if I should try and finish the Little Friend. I too waited with bated breath for it as loved Secret history, might have to read that again now.

Loved Kite Runner and Splendid suns.

Just finished a Jodi Piccoult run, and am relaxing with Slummy Mummy which has had me laughing out loud on trains etc.

forkhandles · 27/11/2008 21:42

So on the strength of this thread I bought the Secret History and have just finished it and loved it. Thank you

TwoIfBySea · 07/11/2008 19:59

I do think that it is jam packed with metaphors that do sometimes catch of the flow of reading but even for that I still loved The Book Thief. Simply for the characters I think and for once I didn't foresee what was going to happen.

Also loved The Secret History too and was equally disappointed in My Little Friend. Although I didn't mind the ending as such I did feel it was very rushed, almost as though she realised how much she had written and got fed up with the story so just ended it. There, managed that without putting a spoiler I hope!

nuttymum303 · 07/11/2008 08:13

I have a copy of The Book Thief (have read it already). GOt a copy from charity shop for 45p lol.

sleepyeyes · 06/11/2008 18:55

I found it hard to get into 'The Book Thief' and gave up in the end, there are so many other great reads out there.

I second Donna Tarts Secret History it was highly recommended to me on here last summer, its one of my favorite books now.

FlossieT · 06/11/2008 12:38

Am putting Shantaram on my list - never heard of it before but it sounds excellent. Thanks, kkm!

Original poster
katiekittlemouse · 06/11/2008 12:31

lilibet - was warned off My Little Friend..... what a shame after such a good first novel

OP posts:
lilibet · 06/11/2008 12:02

Retiredgoth - I can't find it on IMDB - can you do a link please?

lilibet · 06/11/2008 12:00

They're making a film of Secret History - oooh - I wonder who they have cast. Will go and look, bet they will be wrong.

Oh, I tried and tried and tried with My Little Friend - total bilge!

Original poster
katiekittlemouse · 06/11/2008 11:28

The Secret History is by Donna Tartt, it's a fab book - unputdownable... another MUST READ.

Shantaram is a mammouth novel, set in India. I is about a guy who escapes jail from Australia, travels to India and gets involved with the mafia and also works as a doctor in the slums of Bombay.... fascinating. I love books about India. Have travelled there several times, my fav. country!

OP posts:
Simplysally · 05/11/2008 21:52

I loved the Book Thief - not quite so much 1000 Splendid Suns. That made me angry more than anything.

nowtygaffer · 05/11/2008 21:49

I didn't enjoy it at all. Found it far too contrived and irritating. Thought it was just me who felt like this as most of my friends loved it.

retiredgoth1 · 05/11/2008 21:44

...the answer to my own question is yes. Projected 2010 release....

retiredgoth1 · 05/11/2008 21:40

.....whilst I can see where the criticism originates (contrived and clunky metaphors certainly) I loved this book.

Despite the seemingly bleak subject matter it is ultimately warm, funny, human and humane.

...I read the book, have listened to the audiobook, and am just going to have a peek on IMDB to see if film rights have been sold. I think it would transfer very well to the screen....

boogeek · 05/11/2008 21:39

What's the secret history? What is the secret history???
It is wonderful - my favourite ever and the only book I have ever read through (in about 24 hours, breathlessly) then turned over and started again immediately.
By the unfortunately named Donna Tartt: it apparently took her 10 years. She then spent another 10 years and came up with The Little Friend, which was so disappointing.

bagsforlife · 05/11/2008 21:35

I didn't like it at all, sorry. Found it really irritating but was written as a children's book originally I think.Did make me cry. Found it a bit self consciously trying to be clever. However, The Secret History is one of my fave books! in fact may read it again now you have reminded me.

EmmalinaC · 05/11/2008 21:33

It's a wonderful book - made me sob. And I also loved The Secret History and The Kite Runner. So, like boogeek I too am off to hunt down Shantaram - thanks for the tip katielittlemouse!

Spaceman · 05/11/2008 21:28

made me choke up badly. You WILL cry.

geraldinetheluckygoat · 05/11/2008 21:25

oh no, it is going to make me cry then definitely (not hard as nails at all...)

Saturn74 · 05/11/2008 21:22

I loved 'The Book Thief'.
It made me cry, and I'm hard as nails usually.

duckyfuzz · 05/11/2008 21:21

I started this on holiday and struggled at first then got into it and enjoyed it, but since we've been back home (only a couple of months ) I haven't finished it - will try harder!

Spaceman · 05/11/2008 21:20

I've read thousand splended suns and kite runner too. To be honest I started of loving both stories and then they suddenly seemed a bit soapy - especially suns.

What's Secret History? Never heard of that one either.

Twims · 05/11/2008 21:18

What's the secret history?

Loved Book Thief