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An astounding book. Zusak towers over other writers in his absolute command of language. That said, I confess I had to start it twice. I just couldn't warm up to Death as the narrator at first. After a second attempt, however, I was completely hooked. Zusak is a brilliant and passionate writer who describes the experiences of a young German girl, her family and friends whose lives are shattered by World War II. This should be on every high school reading list. A select few middle school readers could also tackle it, but it's really one of those fabulous adult novels that is content appropriate for teens. It is worth experiencing in both audio and print format.
Zusak also wrote I Am the Messenger, which won a 2006 Printz Honor Award for Young Adult literature and is next on my reading list. He is truly a magnificent writer.