AC Summer Reading 2015- The Book Thief

The Book Thief sat in my library for a year, and I never picked it up because I didn't find the summary interesting. But after going through this story, I can say that this book is one of my all time favorites. This is the only book I have ever read that has made me cry 3+ times in less than an hour. It’s going to haunt me for awhile, the ending to this story. Out of the times I’ve cried, I think that the one that made me cry the hardest was after the bombing, when Zusak was describing everything in detail from Liesel’s point of view— from finally kissing Rudy, to Liesel sitting between Mama and Papa. I’m definitely going to be rereading this story. Although next time, I’ll be smart enough to wait until day time to read the ending so that I don’t have to be worried about waking anyone up with my tears.

AC Summer Reading 2015- The Book Thief

This is too much at once. Markus Zusak really knows how to make someone cry. First, everyone died. I still had comfort in not knowing about Max's whereabouts, hoping he was safe. Then, he decides to go back and say how Max was in a concentration camp. The way he phrased everything, and how Markus portrays Liesel's thoughts.. it's heartbreaking.

AC Summer Reading 2015- The Book Thief

I'm crying. There are literal tears rolling down my cheeks at 11;23 p.m. because of the bombing on Himmel Street. I can't believe that after everything, Liesel lost everyone. Max's book saved her life, for that was why she was in the basement reading when the bombs hit. I don't know how to explain it. I was so emotionally attached to all of the characters. It hurt when Hans was sent to war, but now he is dead, along with every one else on Himmel Street. I can picture the scene in my head, I think thats the saddest part.

AC Summer Reading 2015- The Book Thief

Oh, my God. I can't believe they sent Hans off to war, all for giving a Jew a piece of bread. I understand that in this time period, that type of punishment (along with execution) was normal in this situation, but Hans is such a good guy and in no way deserves that. I hope he lives. Max as well.

AC Summer Reading 2015- The Book Thief

I’m confused. Why is the mayor’s wife letting Liesel read her books instead of punishing her for stealing the book from the fire? Maybe she used to steal books, too. Or maybe her son (?) liked to read and Liesel reminded her of him? I originally thought Ilsa would give Liesel a watschen (beating), but her real reaction shocked me. 

AC Summer Reading 2015- The Book Thief

I should probably finish the paragraph before I update on here. But now that I have, I see that my previous questions as to why Ilsa Hermann hadn't said anything were false. She HAD seen Liesel steal the book, but she was just waiting for the right time. Most likely the right time to expose her as a thief, but I’m not 100% certain. Poor Liesel, she had such an ephori sense of relief when she thought she got away with it.

AC Summer Reading 2015- The Book Thief

Update: I found out who she thought had seen her steal the book. It was the Mayors wife, Ilsa Hermann, one of her mama's costumers. When Liesel faced her for the first time after stealing the book to give the woman her bag of cleaned and ironed clothing, she said nothing. Ilsa simply took the bag, examined it, and give Liesel the money, like always. Maybe she hadn't seen her? Maybe it was a figment of Liesel's imagination. Or, maybe Ilsa Hermann was in that spot, but happened to miss the events. They're all a possibility.