Wow.
Sometimes I read a book, and it’s so good, that I’m a bit in awe. This one is like that.
I didn’t know what to think, at first, of a book narrated by death. But it grew on me. And seemed so appropriate–Death telling a story about World War II–a time when he was unusually busy.
Liesel is a great main character, but I think my favorite was Hans Hubermann–a man both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. He doesn’t look like anything special. He’s not super-well educated (though he teaches Liesel to read and encourages her love of words). He doesn’t have an impressive job (though he’s a competent and reasonably hard-working painter). He’s not particularly talented (though he plays the accordion with gusto).
But–he keeps promises, and he loves in extravagantly practical ways. If, at the end of my days, as much can be said of me, I will have lived well.
I haven’t cried so much reading a book in a long time.
