Most people are under the impression that our young professionals book club, The Book Thieves, was named after The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. That, actually and sort of surprisingly, is not where our name came from, but we figured if we were going to be mistaken for it, then we probably should at least read the book anyway so we know what it’s all about. And I have to say, after spending some time with it and giving it a thorough read, I don’t mind at all if people want to liken us to Liesel Meminger, the book thief herself. It’s a really good book.
There were many things we all liked about it (there’s about 15-20 of us, male and female, in our 20s and 30s, for reference). Great story, great characters, touching and funny. I think the book is technically labeled as a young adult book, but we all agreed that it doesn’t necessarily read like one, even though the main character is a young girl. There are plenty of older characters and mature topics to contend with. But, truly, a wonderful story. One that you most definitely wouldn’t expect to love or find much humor in, but there it was. We met in November to discuss the first half of the book, and again last night to discuss the second half. We will be seeing the movie together in theatres on December 16th and we’re pretty excited about it! It’s a great book, so here’s hoping they made the film with integrity and didn’t ruin it like The Great Gatsby!
Of course, we also feasted. At our first meeting there was split pea soup and a loaf of olive oil rosemary bread (very appropriate, if you’ve read the book), and this time we paid a little homage to German heritage with soft pretzels, beer cheese muffins, a cranberry orange loaf, bread pudding, and champagne (also very appropriate, if you’ve read the book). There was also dark chocolate and sea salt covered graham crackers, veggies and dip, awesome Christmas sugar cookies (another book appropriate food item), white chocolate pretzel bark, wine, and brownies.
As always, I do so love book club nights!
Up next: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Have you read The Book Thief? What did you think? What is your book club reading this season?
Hi Lara,
We met the other night at the book club…I was the Melissa sitting to your right with the dark curly hair. I think you had mentioned that you had 1/2 off tickets to A Christmas Carol and I meant to ask you for your info and then saw your post on the Book Thieves facebook page! If you still have tickets available, I would be interested in three; if not that’s okay.
I hope you are doing well!
Melissa
Hi Melissa, I’m sending you an email! :)