Hey! I'm readin' here!

I don't make new years resolutions, as a rule - if I want to change something, then I change it.  No new week, new month (or new year) needed.  I'm a procrastinator, y'see, and if I see an excuse (like "I'll do that come Monday...") then I take advantage of myself.  Sick, I know.

But this year, I've resolved to read more.  I used to be a voracious reader, always had a book (or more) on the go.  But over the past couple of years, as jewellery design and other crafty pursuits have demanded more and more of my time, the so-called elusive thing known as "spare time" has become just that - elusive.  And my reading has pretty much gone down the gurgler as I try in vain to fit 28hrs into each 24hr period. 

So, true to my inner resolve, I today finished my first book of 2011.  OK, I started it in October 2010, but still.  I read one chapter, but then left it.  Then I picked it up about 4 days ago, and today it all came to an end.  By the way, I'd just like to publically thank my friend Sarah for the recommendation - this is one book worth making time to read.

It's called "The Book Thief" and is by Australian author Markus Zusak. 

It's different, as far as books go.  Firstly, it's narrated by Death (as in, Death as an entity - he is a character in this book, and is omnipresent, as I guess Death really is).  It's set in Nazi Germany and revolves around the life of The Book Thief (otherwise known as a little girl by the name of Liesel Meminger).  You can click here for the official synopsis of the story.

Zusak's style of writing is beguiling.  As somewhat of a writer myself (nowhere near in his league, but enough of one to realise what he is doing here and to appreciate his style and manner), I was impressed from the get-go.  His use of imagery is enchanting - so very clever.  And underneath (or is it on top?) of all this beautiful imagery and this tightly-woven and expertly told story, alive with characters who seem real, and human, and imperfect and so three-dimensional, is the fact that Hitler is there, in the background (and later, in the foreground) as Liesel's story is told.  You know what's coming and you dread it.  With every single page.  But it doesn't stop you.  Like a freight train, you barrel on through to the conclusion, holding your breath in some parts. 

It still made me cry in the final pages, regardless. 

If you love a good story, with heartwarmingly real characters (not perfect - real - there's a difference) and a slight historical feel, I highly recommend this one.  I can see why it's a bestseller.

If you've already read The Book Thief, please let me know by leaving a comment.  I'd love to hear your feedback too :)

~A