The Book Thief by Markus Zusak- Book Review

Ahhh!

I just finished this book in the backseat of a Honda Pilot with my family right there. I was like:

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Oh, come on, stop being a wimp. Oh, Say Something is on the iPod, here comes the floodgates. No. Don’t cry. Your family is literally right there. Whew. Okay. That wasn’t so bad. It’s done already?!

So, yeah. Emotional rollercoaster in this one. At first, I had no idea what was even going on. I have to admit: I didn’t really get interested until about 1/4 of the way through the book. But since then, I’ve been reading it constantly, and I finished a few minutes ago. Then, I just stared out my window. Why, Rudy Steiner, why? I mean, come on, at least give her one person to live beside. Sorry: went on a little rant there. But I just stared out of my window for like, twenty minutes.

 

What now?

 

I go through this every time, and I always know it’s coming, but it never fails to happen. Book hangover. Look it up. Even if it was extremely hard on my heart, I still loved this book and I’m so glad I gave it a chance.

 

Five stars for The Book Thief.

All the Major Constellations- SPOILERS

 

Andrew is leaving high school behind and looking ahead to a fresh start at college and distance from his not-so-secret infatuation: Laura Lettel. But when a terrible accident leaves him without the companionship of his two best friends, Andrew is cast adrift and alone—until Laura unexpectedly offers him comfort, friendship, and the support of a youth group of true believers, fundamentalist Christians with problems and secrets of their own. Andrew is curiously drawn to their consuming beliefs, but why? Is it only to get closer to Laura? And is Laura genuinely interested in Andrew, or is she just trying to convert him?

SPOILER ALERT, YET AGAIN.

 

I must say… I wasn’t sure if I was going to be happy with this book. It mentioned spirituality on the summary, and I assumed that meant the whole freakin’ book would be based on Christianity. I was wrong…

Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone under sixteen. It has language, which wouldn’t be such a big deal if it weren’t for the sexual content in the book… But it was an interesting read. I have to say that Pratima Cranse took her time getting to the good stuff. By good stuff, I mean where Andrew turned his life around.

It took him some time, and I was starting to wonder if this book was even about Christianity or worth reading (no offense, just being honest), but right at the end, I really enjoyed it, and any doubts I had were somewhat erased. It still had a bit of… pervasive language, but overall? A good (but mature) read. I was happy to see where the main character took his life, and how Christianity changed him, even if it took a while.

But I have to say: it seemed like Cranse reinforced sin and sinful acts more than Andrew’s journey with the Lord. I liked the book, I would’ve just liked to have seen more… Christian values. A sad, but eventually fulfilling read.

I’m going to give this book three stars. That’s my take on it. Want to read it and share your take on it with others? Here’s the link:

http://www.amazon.com/All-Major-Constellations-Pratima-Cranse/dp/0670016454

http://www.amazon.com/All-Major-Constellations-Pratima-Cranse/dp/0670016454

http://www.amazon.com/All-Major-Constellations-Pratima-Cranse/dp/0670016454

http://www.amazon.com/All-Major-Constellations-Pratima-Cranse/dp/0670016454

http://www.amazon.com/All-Major-Constellations-Pratima-Cranse/dp/0670016454