In 2010, a 15-year old who went by the name of Bookkeeper reviewed a book that is still popular among readers, saying it was “Beautiful and sad.”

On Common Sense Media, Bookkeeper looked at Makus Zusak’s The Book Thief. According to Goodreads.com, the story takes place in “1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

“By her brother’s graveside, Liesel’s life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger’s Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor’s wife’s library, wherever there are books to be found.

But these are dangerous times. When Liesel’s foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel’s world is both opened up, and closed down.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

Bookkeeper reviews the book by saying “Markus Zusak has a way with words, and it shines in The Book Thief. At once hopeful and devastating, it’s an observation of humanity from an outsider who sees it all; Death says things bluntly, and at one point spoils a bit of the plot early, because he doesn’t see the point in keeping anything a secret. A real tear-jerker, The Book Thief keeps a steady pace to the end, if not with plot, then with words. I’ve read it many times, and each time I notice something new and amazing.”

Do you agree with Bookkeeper’s assessment over a decade later? If you’ve read the book and want to share your opinion, add it to the comments below.