BookBee8

1. I don't really, I never have the time because I leave it until the last minute to roll out of bed. If I do have breakfast, it's a cereal bar or a mini sausage roll. 2. Cooked breakfast with bacon, hash browns, sausages, beans and toast.

It's Nineteen Minutes, that's one of my favourites by her. I loved The Pact as well. I think I'm one of the only ones that didn't think much to My Sister's Keeper!

I have been arrested. Slumdog Millionaire - Vikas Swarup.

What?? Aww, sorry! No, I would definitely say it's worth reading but I guess it isn't for everyone. But then, no book is!

I expected The Book Thief to make me cry but it didn't. I think it was because I felt a bit distant from the characters and situation. I have cried over quite a few others though.

9. THE BOOK THIEF - MARKUS ZUSAK (19.02.09-06.03.09) Synopsis from Waterstones - HERE IS A SMALL FACT - YOU ARE GOING TO DIE. 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier. Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall. SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION - THIS NOVEL IS NARRATED BY DEATH. It's a small story, about: a girl, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. ANOTHER THING YOU SHOULD KNOW - DEATH WILL VISIT THE BOOK THIEF THREE TIMES. From page one, it's clear that The Book Thief is not your ordinary novel. The writing style immediately stands out as it is both unique and poetic. However, unlike many others, despite the original style of writing, I wasn't immediately gripped by the story. The initial appeal for me was based entirely on the way Zusak told the story in a beautiful manner that is unlike anything I've ever read. The pages consist of great metaphors which put a spin on seemingly ordinary words and turned them into something amazing. Throughout the story, the reader is treated to various bold sections which are filled with facts, thoughts, ideas and beliefs that the narrator feels necessary to announce at any given time. For me, these bold bits were a bonus to the novel although they had a distinct ominous feel about them. Their presence in the book confirm how powerful Death is. The novel ultimately tells the story of Liesel Meminger (the book thief) and her experiences as she grows up on Himmel Street and the characters that fill it. The darkly ironic translation of Himmel is Heaven which is in direct contrast with the horror which exists in the time and setting. In terms of the characters, my personal favourites were Papa and Rosa, Liesel's foster parents. Papa is immediately likeable and as the reader, I felt drawn to him due the support and love that he provides for Liesel. Papa is a key character who plays a huge part in Liesel's journey and love of books. Rosa's character is significantly less forward in her affections but actions often speak louder than words, a term associated easily with Rosa Hubermann, as she acts in a way that reflects her true nature. As mentioned in the blurb, the novel is one narrated by death. From this fact, even without opening the book, it's obvious that The Book Thief was destined to be a tale riddled with unhappiness. Even when the characters experience a smidgen of hope or happiness, this is tainted. Key plot points are revealed by the narrator earlier on in the novel and this gives the whole book an inevitable feel, like nothing could be done to change the fate of these characters, and I read it with a heavy heart. Knowing the outcomes before they occurred did not subtract from the story though. Other authors may have rushed the writing to reach these conclusions after revealing them but Zusak maintained the same pace throughout. There was no rush to reach the end. For me, and I stress the me part as I realise I may be in the minority, what initially appealed at the beginning of the novel became a negative to the story. Zusak's way of stringing seemingly random phrases into original metaphors was interesting and captivating for the majority. However, I found that the endless metaphors became slightly tedious towards the end of the novel. For me, it distracted from the telling of the story and became a tad annoying. Despite my enjoyment of The Book Thief and finding it an ultimately heart breaking but stunning novel, I was glad to finish it. It took me longer than it should have to read it due to Uni commitments and I wasn't as attached to the characters as others probably have been. I would highly recommened that everyone tries this book as it is fantastically written, based on a relativley simple tale which Zusak managed to spin into a complex story, set in the horror filled world of Germany during the war. 8/10

I know . Probably one of the best presents I've ever received.

Aw, that's a great surprise. I love it when things like that happen!

I'm on the book ring for this one, I am looking forward to it. But I was put off by the format when I first looked at it. Nice review, Kelly

I've really liked the bold bits too. I thought they were a bonus rather than an annoyance!

Ok, if you're anything like me (and a few others who have said the same) you might struggle with the beginning of The Host a little. I thought it had quite a slow start. But, it's worth carrying on with! I really enjoyed it.

Haha! That's kinda true, I have pretty much forced you all to read it. BF is very happy that you all approve of his gift.

Yeah, I guess I am pretty lucky! Hehe. Thanks for all the replies everyone!

Hehe, thanks!!! I had to share it with BCF!

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!! Ok, so I'm guessing most of you guys know that this is my favourite book as I literally recommend it everywhere and talk about it ALL THE TIME. My boyfriend asked Malorie Blackman to send me a signed copy for Valentine's day and she sent one! Plus, she went to the extra effort and wrote that postcard too. I just had to show you guys! :) From the happiest Bee ever!!!

Ohh, no. I'm going to cry my eyes out.

At what point does this make people cry? I haven't shed a tear yet and I'm 400 pages in. Just wondering whether I have it coming.

Your review made me add this to my wishlist. That's the first review on BCF that has made me do that!

:welcomeboard:I like your name!

Exactly! That happened, for me, with the Noughts & Crosses series, the Twilight saga and a little bit with Testimony. I got quite attached to one of the characters. I'm glad someone else is reading it, I don't know anyone else that has!