In the third and fourth chapters of The Book Thief, we learn about Death’s two other sightings of the book thief and discover the actual context for this book. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to read The Book Thief.
I think that of all the books I’ve done under the Mark Reads banner, this is the first time where I feel pretty darn positive about the experience right off the bat. This book is bizarre. I’m not sure if I really like it, but it’s ultimately intriguing to me. I don’t know if I have ever read a book like this, and…well, shit, I certainly have never read a book where the narrator was Death, first of all. But the way that Markus Zusak writes his prose is flowery, poetic, and could possibly be really irritating. I’m not irritated myself; it’s a refreshing change from the style of the last three books I read. I do acknowledge, though, that this could potentially be really annoying to some of you reading this. That’s ok.
CH. 3: THE ECLIPSE
What these next two chapters establish is a better sense for where this book is headed, though, even saying that, I know that I am perpetually unprepared and I should tread lightly. Death is enthralled with the book thief, this girl who arrests his attention whenever she appears. Here, we learn about the second and third times that Death encounters her.
This time, I had come for a man of perhaps twenty-four years of age. It was a beautiful thing in some ways. The plane was still coughing. Smoke was leaking from both its lungs.
When it crashed, three deep gashes were made in the earth. Its wings were sawn-off arms. No more flapping. Not for this metallic little bird.
Here’s what I’m anticipating so far: We know this is in Germany and I imagine we’re near (or in) the time period of World War II. I think it will be interesting to see how Death is going to work in a world war like this. But I am, of course, wondering how the book thief ties into the greater story.
* * * SOME OTHER SMALL FACTS * * *
Sometimes I arrive too early.
I rush, and some people cling longer to life than expected.
It’s not until the end of chapter four that I am beginning to get a sense for why Death does this, but I can’t recall a book where the narrator is this self-aware that they are describing the book. Does this count as breaking the fourth wall? Wait, do they even have those walls in literature? I HAVE MANY QUESTIONS.
Anyway, it’s during this collection of the soul of the boy who is twenty-four that Death sees the book thief a second time. She arrives at the crashed plane just after a young boy with a toolbox. We’re not given a context to why she was there. What we are giving is A LOT OF SAD ALREADY.
From the toolbox, the boy took out, of all things, a teddy bear.
He reached in through the torn windshield and placed it on the pilot’s chest. The smiling bear sat huddled among the crowded wreckage of the man and the blood. A few minutes later, I took my chance. The time was right.
I walked in, loosened his soul, and carried it gently away.
All that was left was the body, the dwindling smell of smoke, and the smiling teddy bear.
Well, Zusak is all about unspoken imagery being used to DEPRESS THE FUCK OUT OF ME. Now I know why a few of you told me that maybe I might want to go after a different book after finishing Mockingjay. I am really not prepared either.
Zusak is slowly building this world with these brief passages. We only get bits and pieces at a time. It’s a strange way of introducing us to this book, but, again, it’s different. Is this whole book going to be like this? Is there a reason the syntax has a staccato rhythm to it?
Death moves away from the crowd that gathers around the downed plane, the pilot now dead, and as he continues on, we’re treated to another metaphor dealing with darkness and color, giving me the sense that color means everything to Death:
As with many of the others, when I began my journey away, there seemed a quick shadow again, a final moment of eclipse—the recognition of another soul gone.
You see, to me, for just a moment, despite all of the colors that touch and grapple with what I see in this world, I will often catch an eclipse when a human dies.
I’ve seen millions of them.
I’ve seen more eclipses than I care to remember.
Does Death mean there is an eclipse of color or an actual eclipse? I imagine he means a moment when the darkness sneaks in and he can no long read a person’s color. Creepy.
(Also, I hate that Stephenie Meyer ruined the word “eclipse†for me. Damn you.)
CH. 4: THE FLAG
The last time I saw her was red. The sky was like soup, boiling and stirring. In some places, it was burned. There was black crumbs, and pepper, streaked across the redness.
Earlier, kids had been playing hopscotch there, on the street that looked like oil-stained pages. When I arrived, I could still hear the echoes. The feet tapping the road. The children-voices laughing, and the smiles like salt, but decaying fast.
Then, bombs.
I love the mental images that Zusak paints for me already. But I suppose my question from earlier is going to be answered. What is Death like during war? The bombs fall on this village and Death arrives to collect the souls. Death describes them as “glued down†in the blood red rubble, and I wonder if he means that the actions of humans here tied all of these children together. How do souls work in this world?
Clearly, I see it.
I was just about to leave when I found her kneeling there.
A mountain range of rubble was written, designed, erected around her. She was clutching at a book.
This is now the third time Death has seen the book thief, only this time is the first time we’ve seen an actual book attached to her being. Does she steal one book, this book? Many books? And what is the significance of the specific book she is holding? Death focuses on the book thief once again:
Apart from everything else, the book thief wanted desperately to go back to the basement, to write, or to read through her story one last time. In hindsight, I see it so obviously on her face. She was dying for it—the safety of it, the home of it—but she could not move. Also, the basement didn’t even exist anymore. It was part of the mangled landscape.
So the book she is holding is one that she wrote herself. What happened to her to inspired her to write a book? Can I possibly ask more questions than this in one single review?
Death doesn’t interact with the book thief and, in fact, there’s a line where he says, “But that is not allowed.†Some law or set of rules prevents him from speaking to her in any fashion. Because of this, he has to sit idly by as he watches her drop the book she is holding as it gets swept up in a frenzy by a cleaning crew. On board the garbage truck that holds her book, Death sweeps in to take it himself. He does not return it to her.
I climbed aboard and took it in my hand, not realizing that I would keep it and view it several thousand times over the years.
Oh, Death. You’re not going to keep the contents of that book a secret from us, are you?
Before we even learn any more about this book, Death recalls the colors most associated with the book thief. It’s the red, white, and black Nazi symbol, one that specifically has caused so much terror, pain, and loss for so many people. Of course, I want to know why he associates the Nazi insignia with the book thief. What did she do?
Yes, often, I am reminded of her, and in one of my vast array of pockets, I have kept her story to retell. It is one of the small legion I carry, each one extraordinary in its own right. Each one an attempt—an immense leap of an attempt—to prove to me that you, and your human existence, are worth it.
Well, that’s a glowing recommendation. Death has pockets, by the way? Anyway, now I sort of want to know what other stories Death has kept all this time.
Here it is. One of a handful.
The Book Thief.
If you feel like it, come with me. I will tell you a story.
I’ll show you something.
Wait. What? Holy shit. Ok so the prologue is Death, but does the book now switch to the perspective of the book thief? WHAT IS GOING ON.
Oh, The Book Thief. How intrigued you have made me.
Heeheeheee. Unprepared, ect.
Also, I really like the way Zusak writes his imagery, making everything be something else. It's not really unclear in most places, and if I was ever confused I don't remember it. And it's so damn beautiful.
His imagery really is what 'makes' him as an author, at least to me.
Both of these chapters make me feel like death has a conscious. Which I'm not sure how *I* feel about. I want death to be indifferent. Welcoming but not friendly.
I love how in Eclipse he talks about seeing quick shadows darting by, which made me think of how paranormal activity can work with unsettled spirits [not saying that I necessarily subscribe to that philosophy, but I don't discount it either].
But like you, Mark, I have WAY too many questions about what is going on. Why a teddy bear!? And what else is in this toolbox?! I want to know more about this boy and if he's important in the future! And these books that are being stolen. Is it a literal book? Or a metaphor for the deceased person's life?! And why is the Book Thief a little girl!? [And why does my mind keep foolishly going to Anne Frank. For realz. I need to get her out of my mind with this book.]
Prediction: The book is The Diary of Anne Frank.
…. Anne Frank was Dutch.
This book takes place in Germany. With German characters.
Note to self: Don't make history jokes if you suck at history.
Know what? Might want to lay off the Anne Frank jokes too.
It's been more than 22.3 years.
I don't think time matters, necessarily, but I also don't think this was really an Anne Frank joke.
HOW ABOUT EVERYONE JUST MOVE ALONG
That REALLY wasn't. In my thoughts it was a good guess that's wrong due to a small fail in history.
Oh, oh Mark. Please tell me you know something about World War Two. Please tell me you have a background in the history that this book is built on. Please don't tell me you're flying blind into this. Please tell me that you're appreciating the shit going down in this book, and that it isn't as removed and fictionalized as the events of Hunger Games and Harry Potter. These are real things happening here. Zusak took some of these stories from his family members. Keep that in mind.
Oh god…. not prepared….
Really not kidding. Some of the stuff in this book comes direct from stuff his grandma told him. Stuff she witnessed first hand.
This isn't the Hunger Games. This is history.
I am very aware that this is based on historical events.
I'm really liking this book so far. The style of the prose has me intrigued, as does the setting. The formatting isn't working so well on my kindle, which is sad. I'm considering getting a physical copy for that reason alone.
I'm wondering if this will be anything like Sonnenblume, from Tales of the Slayers, of course I may be the only one here who actually read that. But I'm anticipating looking for similarities based on the Amazon review I read of The Book Thief. (I've only read the Prologue, so I have no idea if these will actually be alike at all)
I'm also really excited about Death being the narrator. I'm pretty used to Death being a character, as s/he has appeared in many of my favorite books, and I'm excited to see Mark Zusak's take on him/her.
So far I like the writing style of this book. The other books I've read recently have either described things clearly & straightforwardly so it's like watching TV (Hunger Games & World War Z) or in obsessive detail (o hai Infinite Jest). With The Book Thief I feel like I can't always figure out exactly what's going on or being described (I still don't quite understand the eclipse part) and it's a nice change. Even though this is supposed to be real life it feels dreamy and otherworldly, which is probably how it seems to Death.
I don't know what to say about the story because I'm pretty lost so far, so I'll stick with "I am not prepared".
Isn't this against the spoiler policy? Now when I get to those chapters, instead of experiencing them as part of the book & coming to my own conclusions about them at the end, I already know that they explain the end…
Death has pockets. Death pockets. I sort of like the way that sounds.
I do acknowledge, though, that this could potentially be really annoying to some of you reading this. That’s ok.
Haha, I love you. I actually enjoyed reading people's reactions to the writing style, so I hope they keep it up. And I don't think a fourth wall exists in literature; the mingling between the reader and the narration just seems more natural than in a play or movie — some sort of performance.
I'm glad you find it intriguing so far. 🙂
Death has a pocket, has a pocket full of sunshine…
<img src="http://www.gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=1222992&t=o" border="0"/>GIFSoup
Death has a love and he knows that it's all his oh ooh oh oh.
Dang that movie for making me like that song.
<3 <3 <3 <3 Emma Stone <3 <3 <3 <3
I was going to make some comment about Jim Gaffigan and hot pockets/death pockets but then I started giggling at the Easy A clip and it now no longer seems relevant. Yes I am still talking. No I don't know why.
I was planning on rereading this book with you, I got out my copy of The Book Thief and told myself I was only going to read the first two chapters. Next thing I knew it was midnight and I was had read all the way to Part 3. Whoopsie. But I was reminded of how much I love this book and I REALLY HOPE ALL OF YOU LOVE IT TOO! Even if it is dripping with sadness.
Me too. This is the exact same thing that happened with me and the Hunger Games. Planned on staying with Mark the whole way, finished each book within a week. I have no will power. So ashamed. So, so ashamed. (Well, except for Infinite Jest which is taking way longer than a week to complete.)
omgggggggggggggg i can't say anything. How can you stand it? I read this whole dang book over the weekend!
haha – "Yes, often, I am reminded of her, and in one of my vast array of pockets, I have kept her story to retell. "
Okay, so i'm completely picturing Hagrid right now, going through his pockets and pulling out intersestin' creatures and such to get to the pocket containing the book…
Stephenie Meyer ruins all words forever, but JK makes every image even more fantasmical.
YES. I will not be satisfied until Death pulls a tea set and a pack of franks out of his pockets!
And a bunch of smelly dog biscuits!!
omg, SPOILERS.
um, seriously?
wtf is with all the spoiling for this book already? is it always like this, and i just stay out of the comments mostly?
No, this is the worst I've ever seen. Maybe somehow we got a ton of spoiling n00bs all of a sudden?
Yeah this is awful. Can someone Tweet or message Mark somehow and tell him to STAY AWAY until these comments have had the shit Modded out of them?
i'll tweet him.
ETA: Tweeted.
You rock. Have a beer, on me.
will do! i really haven't read comments since MRHP, and everyone protected him so diligently, so i wasn't sure how things went with the hunger games series.
i have a spongebob ffuu image for moments like this, but it's not loading today. grrr.
http://markreads.net/reviews/about/
Here is a link to the spoiler policy. It can also be found by clickin on the Site Rules/Spoiler Policy link at the top of this page.
PLEASE READ IT. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE READ IT AND NO ONE RUIN THIS DAMN BOOK FOR MARK, AND SELFISHLY, FOR ME BECAUSE THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE READ/WATCHED SOMETHING ALONG WITH MARK AND SPOILERS MAKE ME GO CAPSLOCK RAEG.
^This.
Secondeeeeeed. This is also my first time reading along with Mark and I find the comments section/forum to be very interesting, insightful, community-building, etc. If I have to avoid the comments, I will be totally bummed! SPOILERMONGERS GO TO THE SPECIAL HELL WITH CHILD MOLESTERS AND PEOPLE WHO TALK AT THE THEATER.
AND PEOPLE WHO BREAK THE SPINES OF BOOKS WITHOUT BUYING THEM.
Agree!!! This is my first real-time read along…don't ruin it, folks! [for me or anyone else…please!]
LEARN TO BITE YOUR TONGUE!!
FOURTH'D LIKE WHOA
It's not hard, people. Has Mark Read it? No? Then shut up about it. Period.
Seriously, what is with all the spoilers??? Is it because it's Pi Day and the awesomeness of Pi has melted everyone's brains???
They are all being irrational!
I can't up-vote your comment enough
Hee, thanks! I'm glad I amused someone other than myself.
That was fantastic. <3 <3
math humor is always the best humor
Okay, I'm really late, but I just got a huge fit of the giggles. Math jokes rule. We should be allowed to have more than one upvote. I have two thumbs, for crying out loud.
Does anyone else but my family celebrate pi day by eating pie?
I do! mmm pie
It's also Steak and Blowjob day, but that might just be me and my friends…
I thought Steak and Blowjob day was a few months ago… Perhaps Steak and Blowjob day just happens whenever you need it to.
lol that sounds like the Best. Day. Ever.
I do!
Well, technically it wasn't Pi Day, but on Friday, since Pi Day was during the March Break and it was at school. But still.
We ate pie and listened to the Pi Song (of which there are many), which is a version of American Pie with lyrics about pi. It's pretty awesome. And it is now stuck in my head.
Also, I was a pie virgin before our technical-pi-day. But now I can finally say that I have eaten pie once in my life.
Pi, pi, mathematical pi
3.14159, 2
6585, 197
932384, 62…
64338327 (not rounded)<- [yes that is an actual lyric]
I have no idea wtf is going on in this book yet, but I kind of love the way Zusak is putting these words together. There's a sort of simplistic elegance that's just amazing. I love it.
AGREED.
Seriously! I'm already ascribing a lot of Discworld-Death's personality to this Death. All of the wanting to take a vacation and trying to find the right balance of caring about and interacting with the humans. This Death seems a bit more on top of it, though.
dude, reading the book in order does not constitue reading spoilers. it constitues reading FORESHADOWING/FLASH FORWARDS. not spoilers. however, pointing out foreshadowing/flash forwards IS a spoiler. please don't come back until you learn the difference kthxbai.
psh, foreshadowing is just a fancy word for spoiler
😛
Except foreshadowing is IN the book, and a part of the experience. You're intended to get some clues to the end so that you remain interested. In fact a book with no foreshadowng is nomally pretty poor, cause it's the auther pulling random facts out of a hat when he/she feels like it.
Spoilers, on the other hand, isn't a clue, it's the whole dame ending. It just make you wanna hit the spoiler really hard on the head.
*damn
I was just kidding! Sorry, I keep forgetting sarcasm doesn't work very well over the internet 🙁 When will I learn?
None of us will ever learn. I wish I could fix that ugly 0, but I already upvoted you once. A little help, someone?
Haha, don't worry about it 🙂
God, I adore this book.
That's all I will say for fear of spoiling. But omgg, I'm so glad you're reading this.
I'm going to add to your questions: Is there only one "Death" character in the whole world? Or does he have a legion of Reapers, like in Dead Like Me? We know he's early some times, but is he ever late to pick up souls? Can he pick up several souls at once? (What with WWII around the corner, I'm thinking he's going to have to be able to do that.) What does he do with the souls?
I'm actually really fond of the writing style so far. I can see everything so clearly, the sputtering lungs of the plane, the gashes on the earth, the teddy bear. I've always been fond of pretty flowery descriptions, it's why I like Dickens, but here it doesn't even feel superfluous. Yes, we've only just finished the prologue, so I can't say for certain whether it would grate on me, but I don't think so. Plus we're only reading a bit at a time, so I think it's safe to say I definitely won't.
Prediction: With how clearly I'm picturing everything now, I'm going to see the sad stuff when I know the characters, I'm going to be an emotional mess. Tissues galore.
OMG Dead Like Me!! When I was pregnant, I was going to name my baby Mason if it was a boy 🙂
When I read it the first time, I got a copy from the library and had to wait a couple weeks to get it. I decided to go out and get my own for Mark Reads, because there's no way I would be able to get and keep a library copy for as long as it takes to do the reviews. It's really popular!
I think Discworld Death has permanently altered how I see Death anyway, so I didn't really pay any attention to the odd similarities. Death is supposed to be a bit dry and simultaneously confused by and interested in humans, right?
Dancing yoda, ILU
It's the most random Gif I could find. It's perfect.
GO YODA! GO YODA! IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY! IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Still not sure if I like the style this is written in. Hope it does turn to the Book Thief's POV, despite me really loving death. Maybe half and half? Yes, that would make me happy.
My mother still hasn't sent my copy to me from home, so I'm heading down the library later to return some books, and I will check to see if they have a copy there. I can't say much, but I'm glad you're enjoying it so far!
Also, For some reason this is how I see Death:
[youtube MgHEKn2alvg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgHEKn2alvg&feature=related youtube]
LOL. THIS IS TOTALLY RELEVANT OKAY? OKAY?!?! Okay.
Love you forever. Seriously high fives have been earned.
<img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd315/courtabort8/Tumblr%20Gifs/highfive.gif">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/KingdomKirsty/tumblr%20shit/tumblr_lhd0lgStbF1qg2rei.gif">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/KingdomKirsty/tumblr%20shit/tumblr_lhjtynl1HW1qdzadg.gif">
Superior Gif usage as well. I pray that in the awesome factor I am the Barney ,the Marshall or the Dr. Cox and not the Ted or even the Quriell.
Unfortunately, I happen to be as cool as Elliot and JD's child would be. So, very cool then. 😀
Fine. You're Barney. I still want to be Marshall though. :p
Scrubs is the bestest.
Where is that Yoda gif from? It's mesmerizing
I believe it's an Easter Egg on either the Episode 2 or Episode 3 DVD.
Each one an attempt—an immense leap of an attempt—to prove to me that you, and your human existence, are worth it.
And somehow this book is classified as Young Adult.
Young adults (as well as children) are too frequently underestimated by authors. I'm glad this guy doesn't seem to be doing that.
Very true. Kids can handle much more than we give them credit for, look at Harry Potter and the Hunger Games.
Yeah when I first read this book I think I was about 14 and I thought whoa serious book. Then again I should have guessed it would be based on the description on the cover.
Is it? When I tried to find it at the library all the copies were listed in the Adult Fiction section. (Although there were a LOT of copies at high school libraries.)
Oh, that's cool! That's where it really should be. But here are some of the awards it's won:
2006 – Publishers Weekly Best Children Book of the Year
2006 – Booklist Children Editors' Choice
2007 – ALA Best Books for Young Adults
2009 – Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Master List
And it is a New York Times Children's Bestseller. Not to say that it hasn't also rubbed elbows with the big boys (it won the Boeke Prize, which is South Africa's version of the Booker Prize), but I think that novels with young protagonists are automatically considered to be for young readers, unless they're marketed differently, I suppose. Look at the The Lovely Bones and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which are clearly Serious Literature despite being narrated by children. Or, you know, To Kill a Mockingbird. They'd probably throw that in the YA bin if it were published today.
When I asked Markus a few years ago about the book's classification and what he'd intended it as while writing it, he answered the following (nonspoilery) answer:
"I never thought of the book as YA or adult. I was contracted as a YA writer even in Australia because of previous book, but at home they shifted me as soon as they read the manuscript. The difference is
that most Australian publishers are small. The adult publishing arm of the publishing house is down the hall, not across town or in another city. In America it was retained as YA because the adult/YA divions of Random House are very separate entities and I was contracted with the YA division. I hope that makes sense. I only knew that I was writing a book that was not your typical young adult novel – and I viewed that as a good thing. In the UK it has been released simultaneously as both adult and YA. The adult edition is outselling the YA by 3-1 (only different covers)."
I'm a bit late to the party, but the book being classified as YA is a thought that NEVER occured to me.
My copy is really omnious and grown-up looking, and was found in the bottom corner under Z at Borders last year before they liquidated in Australia. It's hard cover reminded me of the really old hard cover books my Grandfather use to have. How bizarre.
Despite the huge honkin' spoilers that I am now choosing to forget ever reading (DAMN YOU!), I have to say that I am really excited about reading this. I am not hugely in love with the style of writing (I am not an abstract thinker, gosh darn it), but I have hope that since this is just the prologue, things will settle down and become clearer soon.
UGH! I really want to have a lengthy discussion about this book (we talked about it in my YA Lit class), but I really don't want to inadvertently spoil anything.
I really appreciate Zusak's prose. I found it refreshingly original in some places. I like Death as a character and in some way, he feels quite human, which is an astounding feat.
I just want to say that if you end up adoring Zusak, you should definitely check out I Am The Messenger. It's unlike anything I've ever read before and the writing is just as sharp. Maybe one day you will do a Mark Reads on it?
Hope everyone has a phantasmagorical day. ^_^
I like you twice.
Once, for being considerate enough to avoid the possibility of spoilers on this dreadful spoilertastic day.
And Twice, for using the word phantasmagorical.
Seconding the love for phantasmagorical. It's such an amazing word.
Great job there. Even thinking that you spoil on accident and remove yourself from talking because of it. Secondly you're phantasmagorical.
You ARE a BAMF. Your name is true.
Thanks. <3
YOU HAVE A YA LIT CLASS!?!?!?!! *melts with longing* I can't even get some of my friends to CARRY AROUND books, it's "too nerdy".
also I love you for phantasmagorical. 🙂
yeah, it was pretty nifty. we read books like "feed" and "skim." it was quite cool. xD
Also, you can go to the spoilerzone!!!!!! http://markreadspoilerzone.wordpress.com/
I'll be there! you should come to!
Thanks for the link. I will definitely contribute there and here, later, when it's not so spoilery.
I'm so glad other people like I Am The Messenger! It's one of my favorites! 🙂
The narrating voice of Death in my head alternates between Alan Rickman, Morgan Freeman, and David Attenborough. I think I like Morgan Freeman the best, reminds me of Red in The Shawshank Redemption. 🙂
As for the intteruptive 'messages', I really like them. It makes me think of a silent movie, with the pictures of text in between. Only, you know, completely different.
Oh yes, it reminds me of that too. I really like them. It's like a stop in the action, a kind of tongue in cheek meta-commentary.
"Oh no, the train is coming and no one can untie me from these tracks!"
If you have Alan Rickman as a narrator then everything you read takes twice as long.
FACT.
omg, I love this book….so much. I loved the way that Zusak wrote it, its incredibly beautiful. Re-reading it now, so it should be interesting to see what new things I see second time around. This book is truly awesome.
Ah dang, I didn't know my comment would cause such a stirup. To be fair, I'm pretty sure the only thing that I was spoiling was that something happens in the book, which everyone pretty much already said even before he started reading. But still, sorry guys. How do you delete a comment?
I'm pretty sure the only thing that I was spoiling was that something happens in the book
That is some weird logic you've got there. I'm pretty sure telling someone what happens in the book is the definition of a spoiler.
<img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/120p6s9.gif" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">
FLAWLESS GIF.
No, you didn't just spoil that something happens in the book. you pointed explicitly to things that are said in a couple of chapters. Very clearly spoilerific.
I know you can't comment anymore, but it's still worth checking this out http://markreads.net/reviews/about/
Yes, I was, but I keep forgetting sarcasm doesn't work very well over the internet =/
And for the record, I didn't actually read what this person said, thankfully. VICTORY IS STILL UPON US.
MARK ALWAYS WINS.
Thank goodness! And luckily I didn't read it either, phew!
Oh good, so you don't know about the surprise alien invasion in chapter 6.
…Shit.
Well at least you didn't spoil the zombie pet apocalypse in chapter 4. I mean … dammit!
Oh my god, you guuuuuuuuuuuuuys.
You've just RUINED it.
Oh man, can you imagine a zombie apocalypse book narrated by Death? He'd be so frickin' emo.
I reaped four hundred souls today.
None of them took.
Sigh.
It's not narrated by Death, but you should read World War Z. It's good fun.
Oh, I have! Great book.
(And you should read Feed, my friend's zombie political thriller. Unpreparedness Level: Very High, Possibly Astronomical. The second book in the trilogy comes out in May.)
I didn't realise how early you put your Reads posts up but yay, my first Mark Reads. I’m not sure how well I’ll be able to keep up (damn you further education) but I really hope I can. Are you going to be sticking with two sections a day?
I want Death to narrate my life. I love how Death describes the world and when I read it I just go:
<img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/161ew74.gif" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">
I think it’s interesting that the book starts with the Prologue telling us when Death meets the book thief but because of the nature of Death and how he sees the world we only have enough information to tease us and give us hints, the white of a boy in the snow, the black of a crashed plane at night, the red of a bombed street, but we don’t know what any of it really means or how it relates to the book thief.
“Yes, often, I am reminded of her, and in one of my vast array of pockets, I have kept her story to retell. It is one of the small legion I carry, each one extraordinary in its own right. Each one an attempt– an immense leap of an attempt–to prove to me that you, and your human existence, are worth it.
Here it is. One of a handful. The Book Thief.”
Mark, you are not prepared.
asdjklafads. I accidentally read ahead a bit, but LUCKILY I managed to stop myself and now I'm waiting for you to catch up =(
So I'm not even going to comment about anything because my head can't think anything but "what happens next!what happens next! what happens next!"
Also I would love it if you let your "chapters" be a little longer. I'm dying here man.
I don't actually mind purple prose, as long as it doesn't get in the way. It only bothers me if I can't actually understand what they're talking about because of all the metaphors and big words they're throwing around. It works well for this, because Death wouldn't talk or describe things like a normal person would. (Anyway, this isn't very purpley, I've seen much, MUCH worse).
The girl…with the reference to the trains and then the Nazi flag, I kind of assumed she was Jewish…I hope not though. I'm probably just jumping to conclusions, as she seems to be out and about instead of hiding.
(The bit with the pilot was sweet, in a twisted way)
Reading along witchoo (ok, I'm a little ahead) and must say? The super-writerly language was starting to really irritate me. He's all, "I'm a super-amazing writer, ya'll — look what I can do with my PROSE." But as I get further into the story, it bugs me less. Or maybe he toned it down? Or maybe I'm just used to it? Well, whatever. Death can talk however he wants.
I never really understood how hard it is to read a book on chapter at a time per day. I started with Mark, but I'm already ahead. Yesterday I started another book to distract myself.
Well, aside from expressing spoiler-hate, all I have to say thus far is this:
The fourth wall definitely applies, though it seems to me that it's a lot more prone to being broken in literature than it is in other media.
I don't yet know how it'll shape up in this book, but what Death does is considered breaking the fourth wall. If Death ends up doing it constantly, though, it could be a case of there being no fourth wall in the first place. And if that's the case, it'll be interesting to see if the no-fourth-wallness affects other characters, as well, or if it's just the narrator.
I'm trying to figure out how I feel about the formatting so far, but I suppose that'll take some time.
Oh c'mon, Mauve! Just blurt out your gut reaction! What if the Reaper comes for your soul tonight? Then the world will NEVER know what you thought about formatting. :'(
But my gut reaction was "I don't know how I feel about this." On these sorts of things, my gut tends to air on the side of caution and indecisiveness, apparently.
Also, I have no soul. 😛
Well, you can borrow some of my overblown reactions if you need to. 😉
This book. THIS BOOK. <3
I read it a while back, but I'm rereading along with you all. I just… I can't even say anything. THIS BOOK.
Zusak's writing is super stylistic, for sure. It's edges on purple, but the style is so sparse and unique that I think it saves it a little bit from being TOO flowery and annoying. I happen to adore it, but I may be biased because I edge toward a similar style in my own writing. The whole short sentences, abbreviated thoughts, tons of (sometimes really weird) metaphors, thing. I think the voice works well for this narrator. I WON'T SAY MORE.
I decided to go ahead and start a spoiler thread for the Book Thief in the spoiler section of the mark reads/watches forums so everyone can go over there and talk about all the SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS to their heart's content there, OK?
And as far as these chapters are concerned, I don't have much to add besides continued love for his writing style. The first time I read this book, it definitely took me a little while to settle into reading it, so if you're still unsure keep reading and give it a chance to grow on you a little.
I have to admit, while the writing is weird, I think I like it… but it looks like there's going to be a lot of death in it. I mean, it's narrated by Death.
I guess it's just waiting to see the degree of sad.
I have just realised how much ahead I am. I probably won't be able to read anything this week, I'm not sure Mark will have caught up with me. But dammit, I am determined to read something along with Mark, so even if it's killing me, I will refrain myself from reading ahead. I will content myself with The English Patient, another depressing book so far.
Yes, Mark, "staccato" is the word that describes this style best: Every. Thing. Is. Punctuated. Whenever I start to enjoy the prose, those fiendish periods show up and slam on the brakes! I want to see beautiful semicolons again; they make everything flow together so well. :'(
And I am still annoyed by the bizarre, soupy descriptions, but at least they make sense in context. The Grim Reaper just pops in to take souls––if he stayed long enough to find meanings beyond color, he'd never get anything else done!
ok this book is great so far, but trying to stay with mark is tourture since this is the first book he’s done so far that I haven’t already read!
also whoever deletes the spoilers does a fantastic job! like I seriously don’t think I’ve seen a single one, just people being mad about them! thank you!
annnd here we go.
<img src="http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/bekkiglittz/GIFs/Misfits/bd02833e.gif" border="0" alt="Nathan, Misfits GIF Pictures, Images and Photos"/>
FYI I am on a serious Misfits kick. I watched it over my spring break. MARK YOU HAVE TO WATCH IT. AMAZING DOESN'T BEING TO DESCRIBE.
I simply love the Book Thief and it suffices to say that I'll take any chance to re'read it.
Have to mention though that I personally think it's much easier to get into the writing once to "real" story starts. It flows even better, at least to me
I first came across this book because I was taking an Adolescent Lit class for my Children's Lit minor is college. The Professor from this class was my absolute favorite and I ended up taking several more classes from her, mainly because of her book selections. When I read this book, I immediately fell in love with it. I absolutely adored the writing style and although it takes a little while to really get the feel for the style and be comfortable with it, I found it to be amazing. I think this is one of the most beautifully written books about a subject that is not easy to make beautiful. I also read I Am The Messenger after reading The Book Thief and loved it as well; I would definitely recommend it. I'm so glad you're reading this book and getting others to read it as well. It's been a couple years since I've read it but I think I'll go back and read it again. I really hope you enjoy it!
Must read this book!!!
Same here.
I keep expecting BookThief!Death to mention Susan or Albert.
Especially as I've just finished Soul Music (for about the 15th time…)
I love Zusak's writing style. It's flowery, yes, but it paints a beautiful image in my mind. (Maybe not beautiful since right now it's talking about death, but you get what I mean.)
I want to reread this with you, but I have a lot of other books to catch up on. I.e. Some from a couple years ago. I've just let them pile up. *sigh*
It'll be fun to relive The Book Thief. <3
(This Trinitykitsune, the person who forgets to comment. I forgot my password and IntenseDebate's e-mail is taking forever. :/)
I'm attempting to read along with this one (since I failed miserably with Hunger games)
Anyway, I was a bit confused by the style at first, but I love it. Its such a unique way of writing but very effective so far. I especially love the personification of Death. Its a trope I've read in a few fics before and seen in a few shows, but I love the idea of death seeing and feeling everything that comes along with the tragedies of human life. (And the inspirational stuff too!) Even if the rest of the book is from the book thief's perspective, I hope we get to see Death again soon! (in a good way of course…)
Also, is it just me or did anyone else get the impression that Death was really snarky?
so excited to be experiencing this with you. all the stuff you have read so far I have already read. A friend had recommended the book thief to me, but I wasn't planning on reading it. As soon as I saw you were reading it I knew I had to, because since I have found your site I have wanted to read a book for the first time along with you. I am so glad I picked this book up because so far it has held my interest.
Do you realize how much you influence people? Thank You.
I love this book, and I love wondering how you are going to approach different aspects in the book and if our opinions are the same or different.
Yes.I’m afraid we have. And that makes me kind of upset because then Mark will have to go through his NO SPOILING policy which (bless his heart) he has to do,it seems like every single time he starts a new series because people keep on trying to spoil him.Since most of know not to *spoil*(ex. SNAPE KILLs DUMBLEDORE!!) We have to realize that foreshadowing kind of has the same effect.ex. ” Hey,Mark totes keep an eye on Jacob during New Moon!” Ok,so even if it was blatantly obvious since the first book,and the only reason Mark was reading Twilight was NOT because he loves them the way I love dystopian novels.It doesn’t matter.You still spoiled him.
So far, the only description that I feel fits this book is that it seems very intimate – like Death is revealing something to you that he usually wouldn't. Beautiful style, very much like an epic poem. Looking forward to continuing through with you all!
Got my book today! I actually made it only as far as this also and I am in a state of Not Knowing What to Think. It's definitely bizarre and an unusual writing style, but… I think I like it.
I'm trying to fit together how this is all going to work, the first few sections were very beautifully written but OMG VAGUE and normally I feel like I'm pretty quick on the uptake but I'm still a little too unsure of where we're going to try to form any thoughts on it. Which is one of the things I love most about reading these reviews, they usually throw insights at me that I missed on my first read-through or that I hadn't fully thought through. Especially on Mockingjay, I just wanted to get that bad boy done as soon as possible. I DIGRESS.
At any rate – I am most definitely intrigued!
Ok, yes, Dancing Yoda gif is awesome, but that Natalie Portman gif is WIN. That is one of my favorite SNL sketches of ALL TIME.
Man, I just got over re-reading Mockingjay, for goshsakes. Now you must make me sad again with a TEDDY BEAR?! Teddy bears are never going to be as happy for me ever again. But anyway.
"SO MANY QUESTIONS."
Couldn't have put it better myself. But the thing is, I think I'm going to be able to follow along with Mark's pace, because the cliffhangers don't seem so… urgent, I guess is how you'd put it. With HP and THG, I read them super fast because the action just kept going and I NEEDED to find out what happened next IMMEDIATELY. With TBT (yes, I'm that lazy), I want to find out what happens just as much, but I can deal with waiting. I don't know if this makes sense to anyone except for my brain, but TBT seems… quieter (stupid English language, why don't you have the right words for me). Of course, I fully admit that I may end up eating my words later, because this time around, I AM NOT PREPARED.
I'm not going to say anything because it's been a while since I read it and I just know I will spoil something. So yeah. Just going to say I loved this book SO MUCH. It took me a while to get used to the strange syntax and the way he writes but eventually it sucked me in and… *stops there* no I don't want to even get close to a spoiler even of my reactions to it. Enjoy.
This is one of my all time favorite books. I'm so excited you're doing this! You should definitely do I am the Messenger if you enjoy this.