The Atrium

Death as narrator. He doesn't carry a scythe or wear a black robe. He doesn't get involved in humans lives. Except once as he watches a young girl steal her first book. This is the story of that girl, Liesel Meminger, who is sent to live with a foster family in working class Mulching, Germany in the late 1930's. It is World War II. Death is very busy. Still, he manages to tell Liesel's story. He tells of her joys, her sorrows, her interesting cast of friends and family, and of her thievery. This is a beautiful and haunting story about the power of words. Death does not enjoy his job, he carries children's souls in his arms, and he doesn't always welcome those souls seeking him out. Although this book has been published as a young adult novel, it is a novel for adults, as well. The title has recieved several starred reviews (School Library Journal and Kirkus) and was featured on NPR's All things considered. Death may surprise you.