Thursday, November 20, 2008
I have just finished reading one of the books that will go on "the list" of the books I've red this year. I read a lot, but not many end up on my public "recommend" list. My "guilty pleasures" list is a really long one, but the "real" list has only one title to it for this year. Well, maybe 3.
The book I'm talking about is called The Book Thief, and it is written by Markus Zusak. The subject of the book is everything I run away from. Just mention me a Nazi Germany and I'm out of there. I'm not into depressing books, and Nazi Germany holds a crown of all depressing books. I've heard that genocide books from different parts of Africa are giving it a run for its money, but I have not read any of those, so I can not say much.
So, how did I come across this book? It started with one review on sparkpeople.com of all places. One lady was singing high praises for this book, and she was so touched by this book that it made me look it up on Amazon. So once I saw that it was set in Nazi Germany I cooled off immediately. I don't do THAT depressing. One thing I look for in the books is for them to lift up my spirits, not put them down.
So, how did I manage to read it, you might want to know. Well, I went to buy a can rack on Amazon, and they have that little thing called "previously viewed items", and it was sitting right there and staring at me. So, the sucker I am, I click on it and read some more of the reviews and synopsis. One thing I found out is that the narrator of the book was Death. The seed was planted. It took me another few months and countless reminders from Amazon, and the book arrived at my doorstep. It took me another few months (till this week) to actually decide to read it.
I must say that the book held my interest quite well for the most part. I savored the characters. It took me back to my grandpa and I was gently reminded of all the things that tied me to him. This morning I reached page 512, and I was sobbing uncontrollably. I will often cry while reading the book, but that one page has made me lose it ugly. Just one page of 550. That one page was worth it. I am glad beyond measure that I have read this book. It is right there on top of my "list", and I think I'll be going back to re read it periodically.
Now, for that one haircut. I had one yesterday. I look like back in 6th grade. The worst part is that I have a picture to prove it. Think Suri Cruise. Actually I'm so cute with my bangs I could give Suri run for her money:-). Now the creepy part is that I'm actually going to publish this last sentence.
Hugs,
Ms D.
As for posting my face up here, it is a bit more difficult than that. I don't have a pic of me now, and the one from the 6th grade is on little portable device, and not on my computer. I guess you'll have to take a pic of me again:-).
Anyway, looking forward to checking this book out. Thanks for mentioning it. I love to read and it's nice when you get a recommendation from a trusted source.