I just finished The Book Thief last night in bed in tears. I had not heard about the book at all but I love books and I bought it because the title suggested a story about someone as pasionate about books as I am. I almost gave up at the first few pages but I persevered and got into the rhythm of the writing and seeing "life" through the eyes of "Death". Other reviewers here have written more, eloquently than I, about the story and characters. All I want to say is it is the best book I have ever read, unforgettable! It is pure poetry and should be on the reading list for schools, the War in the story could be any conflict, Death is the only winner.