Books2Movies Club discussion

Based on the beloved bestselling book, THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany.
(from the official movie site)

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Last year we discussed The Schindler's List, this year we have The Book Thief, a fictionalized yet equally grievous story of World War II, this time set in Nazi Germany. The movie hasn't visited all the cinemas around the world yet, but it will, hopefully till the end of February.

If you haven't read the book or you plan to see the movie, freely post the expectations you have from both, and any thoughts in general you have about the book and the movie if you have already read/seen it/them.

I adored the book! Haven't seen the movie yet, am waiting for DVD. Might try to catch it in the theater if I can find the time.

I'm really curious to see how they deal with the narrator. In the book, Death narrates.

And it was Deaths narration that made this book all the more interesting

Travis of NNY wrote: "And it was Deaths narration that made this book all the more interesting"

Agreed! :)

I absolutely loves this book when I read it! super excited to see the movie!

I loved the book too, and am also curious how they will do the narrator. I'll probably go to see, but I fear how I'll bear it, the story was so sad :(

Zeljka wrote: "I loved the book too, and am also curious how they will do the narrator. I'll probably go to see, but I fear how I'll bear it, the story was so sad :("

Yes, lots of sadness. But it also shows how resilient humans can be.

This is one of my all time favourite books. I am equally excited and nervous to see the movie, I really hope it does the book justice.

I thought the movie was really good. The characterization was great, even the narrator. I won't reveal anything though :)

I liked the book, although I didn't fall in love with it as many others did. I'm afraid the movie is going to be really sad, so I've been nervous about seeing it.

I did want to sob but that's not uncommon for me :). I did try to control it in the movie theater. Haha

I watched the movie yesterday.
I managed not to cry (although I balled my eyes out in the book)

I think the movie was good. but there were a lot of major things that were left out. I didn't like Death as the Narrator in the movie, it just didn't feel right... but the characters were cast really well. And Rudi was adorable.

:]

I really love this book - I read it last year, and couldn't put it down. The narration and vivid descriptions just kept me so intrigued. The intro chapter talks about the colors Death sees at each interaction with Liesel -- white, red, then black. Did this make you think about what color would appear when you die? I would want a bright happy optimistic orange...what about you guys?

I haven't seen the movie, because very few movies can live up to the pure greatness of the novels....

Kimberly wrote: "Did this make you think about what color would appear when you die? I would want a bright happy optimistic orange...what about you guys?"

That's an interesting question, Kimberly. I would have to go with gray because it is my favorite color, but it would be edged with shades of pastels — pink, purple, coral and teal.

Wow great question. I think for that moment I always pictured some sort of light sky blue color. That's the color that for me reflects inner peace, happiness and calm I wish would be present in that moment.

For me I'd like it to be shades of blue and purple: my 2 favourite colours which make me feel calm.

I am watching the movie next week and am looking forward to it...

Thanks for responding -- this book just makes me think about death a little differently, like he (the narrator) is trying to be our friend.

Another great line from the book..."when she came to write her story -- she came to wonder when the words began to mean something... But everything."

That's how I feel about books-- the words sometimes really mean everything.

I just finished the book last night and really loved it. I would put it up there w/ Les Miserables, which is my all-time favorite fiction book. I really liked how death had emotions and feelings. I'm not sure if I want to see the movie. Movies are usually a disappointment since they have to leave so much out. I'll probably wait and rent it when it comes out on DVD, so I have time to forget some of the specific details. That way, the things they leave out won't be so glaring.

I agree with you, Kimberly to a point. The RIGHT words sometimes really mean everything.

I loved Zusak's command of language and they way he worded things to hit all the right emotions for the circumstances. Naivete and knowledge mixed to create beauty amidst horror. Too few writers can accomplish such a feat.

Michelle, I'm waiting for the DVD as well. If I'm going to be disappointed I want it to happen in the comfort of my own home. ;) Let's hope we are pleasantly surprised.

want to read this book.....

The one thing I really like about this book is Liesel's love for books, and her ability to keep reading the same books over and over. Could you imagine if your reading life could only be made up of 9 books (over and over)?

My favorite book she owns is the Stand Over Man by Max --- sweet and sad. What's yours?

Kimberly wrote: "The one thing I really like about this book is Liesel's love for books, and her ability to keep reading the same books over and over. Could you imagine if your reading life could only be made up of..."

If I could only have 9 books, I would start with The Bible, Les Miserables and the Complete Works of Shakespeare. Those are long enough to keep me busy for quite awhile.

I agree and would add The Count of Monte Cristo and some Jane Austen. Others?

I very much enjoyed the film version as I thought it encompassed most of the essence of the book remarkably well compared to most adaptations. The aspects that were better done in the film were the relationships towards characters while the details and poetic language of the book set it apart. I recommend looking into both if you like one or the other that is for sure!

The Hobbit would be an essential for me

Why do you all think Zusak chose death as the narrator ---- and not an angel, or Liesel herself? How do you like the narration, and do ever feel for the narrator?

I saw the movie last week in the theater... It was sweet and sad as expected, but not that much, it was just like in the book, shock was there but we can't actually say we weren't forewarned by the narrator himself that this was going to happen. You know, when heart wants to believe differently, but it simply can't be differently. I think movie captured really well most of the book's tone and rhythm.

At first Death irked me with weird language, but then I grew accustomed to him. Like a storyteller uncle who with his bad tendencies to spoil the stories afterwards sort of prepared me to the horrible things that are to come, while also keeping my curiosity all the time up.

Kimberly wrote: "Why do you all think Zusak chose death as the narrator ---- and not an angel, or Liesel herself? How do you like the narration, and do ever feel for the narrator?"

I think Death was chosen because a) it's a unique narration choice, b) it's something which suits a book set during WW2 and c) it's almost unsettling or unusual to contrast death with sweet poetical writing - which is what the writing is to me. I think it also allows the writer to get outside of the story and discuss bigger themes...

Zeljka wrote: "I saw the movie last week in the theater... It was sweet and sad as expected, but not that much, it was just like in the book, shock was there but we can't actually say we weren't forewarned by the..."

I love the voice they chose - Roger Allam was perfect for the role I thought. I agree on that the movie captured the essence of the book's tone and rhythm.

I saw the movie yesterday after finishing my reread of the book. Both were beautiful, but certain things stood out in the movie for me /-/-I loved Liesel's reaction to Frau Herman's library. The awe is how I feel when I enter a library. I also liked the relationship she had with Frau Herman /--- she wasn't so pitiful as in the book. Let's see //// I think the overall theme of the impact of war in families was very very strong. My dad was in the military so it made me remember him going off to war and his homecomings ----- so so sad. I have to say I really love the book and thoroughly enjoyed the movie.