Markus Zusak: From The Book Thief to Three Wild Dogs

Set in Nazi Germany from 1939 to 1943, 'The Book Thief' follows the life of Liesel Meminger, a nine-year-old girl who is sent to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, after her brother dies and her mother is forced to give her up due to the dangers of the Nazi regime. Liesel develops a deep love for books and words, stealing them from various sources, including Nazi book-burnings. The story takes a dramatic turn when the Hubermanns hide a Jewish man, Max Vandenburg, in their basement. Narrated by Death, the novel explores themes of war, loss, friendship, and the human spirit, providing a unique and powerful perspective on life during World War II.

The story follows the five Dunbar brothers, who live in a state of near-feral existence after their mother's death and their father's abandonment. The narrative revolves around Clay, the fourth brother, who agrees to help his father build a bridge, an act seen as a betrayal by his brothers. The book explores themes of family, loss, and reconciliation through the lens of the brothers' experiences and their father's past. It also delves into the backstory of their mother, Penelope, and her journey from Eastern Europe to Australia, as well as Clay's relationship with his neighbor and love interest, Carey Novac.

Ed Kennedy, a young taxi driver in a small Australian town, is thrust into the spotlight after stopping a bank robbery. He then receives a series of mysterious messages, each on a playing card, directing him to help various individuals in his community. As Ed navigates these missions, he learns valuable lessons about humanity, compassion, and the impact of small acts on people's lives. The novel explores Ed's growth from a passive observer to an active force for good, despite his flaws and self-doubt.

In this autobiography, John Irving delves into the interrelationship between writing and wrestling, two disciplines he has been passionate about since his teenage years. The book recounts his journey from being a beginner in both fields to his fourth wrestling-related surgery at the age of fifty-three. Irving shares anecdotes and lessons learned from mentors such as Kurt Vonnegut and Ted Seabrooke, reflecting on the importance of living well and the pursuit of his writing career.

In this poignant, funny, and disarmingly honest memoir, Markus Zusak tells the story of his family’s adoption of three big, wild, street-hardened dogs—Reuben, Archer, and Frosty. The narrative delves into the chaos that ensues, including street fights, public shamings, property damages, and hospital visits, but ultimately highlights the explosion of love and the joy of recognizing family. It is a love letter to the animals that bring hilarity, beauty, and the visceral truth of the natural world into our lives.