The Maze Runner by James Dashner

We have made it to the second book!  We would love to hear what your thoughts were on The Book Thief, but in the meantime let's get started on book number 2.  Elise and I chose the Maze Runner by James Dashner and we both thoroughly enjoyed the book. Here is a quick synopsis: Imagine waking up in a pitch black box and the only thing you can remember is your name. It was a scary feeling for Thomas. When the box opened up, he found himself trapped in a dangerous maze amongst other gladers who had been there for 2 years. They don't understand who put them there or why, all they know is that they need to find their way out before it's too late. So find out what happens. We hope you enjoy the book as much as we did. See you in two weeks!

What we thought...

Elise
I really enjoyed "The Book Thief." When I first started reading, it took me a while to get used to the style of writing and I didn't really like it. Then, after reading 10 pages or so I fell in love with the way it was written. It's definately a unique book that takes you on a journey exploring the world during world war II through the eyes of death. I really enjoyed the character of death. He painted a perfect image of human nature. Leisel was such an exciting character. I related to her in some ways and I was drawn to her words. I respected her adoptive parents, especially her Dad. He was very soft spoken yet strong and bold through his actions. I wish I new if Leisel and Max ended up getting married? Any thoughts? I was really sad that Rudy ended up dying because he also had such a strong character. The kiss that they shared and that Rudy fantasized about was so inocent but really was epic. The author was able to take this small action and carry through in such a passionate way. I loved all the thievery and childish competitions as well. So I give this book high ratings because it was uniquely written and the flow of the words take you through the book like the brush strokes in a painting. Markus Zusak is very delicate and poetic as he tells a story of hatred, disease and death.

Janell
I am a little behind in posting my thoughts on The Book Thief and I apologize. I let the Thanksgiving Holiday distract me; kudos to Elise for being prompt!


I thought this book was marvelous! The author had a very interesting writing style. It took me a couple of pages to understand who the narrator was. How creative. I have never read a book from the perspective of ‘Death.’ I also thought the author wrote beautifully. There were passages that were so artistic and poetic.  One of my favoriate parts was the mother sitting on her bed with the accoridan sitting in her lap.  The author gave you an intimate portrait of all the characters and I fell in love with each of them.  For me the book was also filled with little reminder messages, such as, appreciate the little things in life like an unfinished crossword puzzle or bread and the importance of friends and family. It also shows the impacts of compassion and selflessness. I would give The Book Thief five stars.

The Journey Begins!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is where our book club begins.  Random House gives a great description, which is as follows:

"It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul."

We'll see you in two weeks!