The Book Thief Pages 197-205

SPOILER ALERTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 197-205
eight pages, two parts. This is going to be interesting. I don't know if Rosa is happy or angry that Max is staying at the Hubermans. She seems to be willing to help him, unlike everything else, but yet seems a little angry that Hans brought him in. Did Rosa know that Max was lying about him vomiting in the sink? It was not that clear. Rosa defiantly seems a lot different around Max. I wonder why. World War two has arrived, so keeping a Jew safe would be very dangerous. So why are the Huberman's doing this? Hans talked to Lisesl of the consequences if she told anyone about Max. I have the sneaking suspicion that Liesel is going to slip, but I hope that doesn't happen. Either way,  I really don't want the Hubermans, especially Hans, to every have to leave the pages of this book, physically or mentally.

The Book Thief Pages 185-195

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 185-195
So max has come to Hans, and Liesel was told not to be afraid. I was pretty disappointed at the vagueness of this first part of the section. Geez... not even two pages. But nevertheless, I am exited to see what the Author will do with this. So now we know that the jewish fist fighter is named Max. He has a like for blood. Slightly creepy, but I guess if you do something long enough, it sticks. This also reminds me of when I was in kindergarten, I remember all of my friends telling me that blood tastes good. (A group of fist fighters right there! XD ). I guess it is the most bizarre things you remember from your childhood. So, we know that Erik was his father, because his father was blown to bits on a grassy field, and Erik, if I remember correctly, WAS blown to bits on a grassy field. Wow, its a small world, ain't it?
 "Personally, I quite like that. Such stupid gallantry."
To be honest, I was amused to by the previous sentence. But I do hope that he does live up to his vow. (sorry Death, I know that your job is annoying enough)
speaking of jobs, I still want to know who "they" is. You know? From the beginning of the book. But I guess that is for later on in the book to be discovered.
In the battle proceeding, this shows that Max is ruthless. A person who can withstand pain on almost any extent. I find it quite warming though that they became close friends in the end: Max and Walter.
The story of him and his mother quickly shattered the warmth in me, I feel sorry for Max. Anyways, this section was very interesting, and I'm glad the short section turned into something afterall. I have so many questions, each answer deciphered in the pages of this book. If you have stumbled across this blog, and have not read the book, I hope that you will be inspired to read along with me.

The Book Thief Pages 173-184

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 173-184
This section of the book thief started off strange, yet interesting. Part of World War One was included. It is also stated that Hans is trying to avoid the narrator. At first, it was obvious that this was narrated by Death, but now I don't know if that has changed or not. In this case, the narrator is probably Death, and some friends who have already read the book (**COUGH**MATTHEW**COUGH**) have already confirmed my theory on death narrating, that Death is always narrating. This section has also told us that Hans has taken a lot of life-threatening risks. Erik, the one who taught Hans to play the accordion, seems to have also been an influence to Han's kind nature, it was sad that he was apparently blown up on a hill later on. Hans survived only by not being there, not going into battle that day. I find the simile cool, how you can survive, just like running from Death(the narrator). Now, however, world war two is starting, and Hans is loosing customers, because most of his customers are Jewish. Death also points out three small yet figuratively big points. One of these points foreshadowed Hans being invited into the Natzi party. This flashback and present thoughts from death were very interesting, and I hope that more will be revealed in the next section.

The Book Thief Pages 154-167

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 154-167
This first part of the section raises some questions. How much is a pfennig worth? Why did the shopkeeper not explain to them that they did not have enough and just gave them a piece of candy? If a pfennig was worth that much, why did Liesel and Rudy treat it like more, regarding the fact that their families are relatively low on money. I find it interesting that the book about hitler was introduced by "The Book Thief Productions". Is it intended to be a little joke? We are back with Max, who is reading the book. This also introduces Walter a bit more. Max is at a train station now. How did he get there? Was this were the locked door led to? Why is Liesel still so loyal to Author's gang that they would injure a person to show their loyalty. I guess it makes sense, though, that they are loyal, but looking outside of the current situation, I think it is a bad idea. I hope that if you have stumbled across this blog post, and have not read this book yet, that you will be inspired to read it with me.

The Book Thief Pages 142-153

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 142-153
In these eleven pages, a lot had happened. The section started with Liesel and the Shoulder Shrug. I still don't know what is up with Hans and the previous section, however, and I am very suspicious of it. I also have the suspicion that it is right under my nose, and I just cant pick it up from the reading. The Major's library is still a warming part, to know that you are able to wonder in a room revolved around your passion. Johann Hermann, I still don't get it. Is he possibly the character we have touched in the last section? Then we walk over to the himmel street field, were soccer games are taking place. Liesel was trying to apologize to Tommy. Why did the author choose for this to happen? Why now? That is another thing I am confused about. Tommy is really scared of Liesel, and I can see why. If I were him, I would think it would be best to stay away anyways, knowing that Tommy has a big mouth. Now, we skip over to the river. I don't know why Liesel doesn't  want to go into the river. It was hinted because it was too cold, but I think there is another reason. I also do not know why Rudy is so insistent to get a kiss from Liesel. But then again, I don't get any of those people. Then we switch AGAIN to Liesel and Rudy, who have found out about the apple farm, and are planning to steal from it so Liesel does not have to eat pea soup, and so Rudy is not starving. I wonder why the two are so incoopretent, and yet still friends. I guess that is how some friendships are, though. I do not know why the Author has chosen to switch scenarios throughout this section so often. Hopefully I will find out soon, or Markus Zusak himself will stumble across this blog and answer it for me. If you see this blog and have not started to read it yet, I hope that this inspires you to read the book thief with me.

The Book Thief Pages 138-142

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 138-142
As short as this section is, it was defiantly the most interesting. Why are we suddenly switching to a new scene. If the author if so confident that he knows, why doesn't he just tell us like he has with other bits of the story? Ah, but he has. If the author had switched to a new scene, it must have been important, right? It stated that the character focused on was a Jew. A jewish fist fighter, perhaps? Death states in the beginning that there will be a jewish fist fighter included in the story, might it be him?
What was that voice speaking to him? I hope we will find out later. And what is the key's purpose in this story? is it to free him from his "prison"? To discover something that will help him? The very ending was very shocking. ", he knew the man's name. Hans Huberman."
I don't even know were to start with that, but once again I hope it will all be explained.

The Book Thief Pages 125-141

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 125-141
This section was (as I say for most sections) rather interesting. Hans was acting very strange in the last section, but who can blame him. I am glad he is partially back to his warm self. Liesel's visit to the mayor's library was defiantly the most interesting part of the section, however. The major's wife knew that Liesel stole the book, so why bring her into her own library? To catch her again stealing a book? Or is she just feeling sympathy for Liesel's passion? For a relatively long section, not much was in it, and yet it was the perfect amount. "With wonder, she smiled. That such a room existed." This sentence caught me, and I read it over many times. I cannot quite explain it, but it feels like the author greatly expressed Liesel's amazement with the room. I mean, if I found a room full of the best video games or the most challenging math problems, I would be just as amazed.
This section was really exiting for me, and I hope that if you stumbled across this, that you will be inspired to read this book just as I am.

The Book Thief Pages 114-122

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 114-122
This is the section were we find out that Liesel's mother was taken by the Fuhrer. I really expected Hans to feel sympathy when this happened, so I was surprised when he slapped her in the face. I guess the Fuhrer is pretty important. That was defiantly a crack in Liesel and Han's relationship, but I guess Hans had to do it for his own life. In fact, I think Liesel is scared a bit of Hans now. Liesel taking the book was a risk I would never have taken. That proves Liesel's devotion to books, and making big memories out of small things. Luck. Yes, luck is another think required to be a book thief. If Liesel had not been lucky enough to be ignored, she would probably have gotten herself and her foster parents killed. Or was it lucky? After all, someone was watching the whole time...

Some Questions I Have On The Book Thief.

1. Farther back in the book, the author choose not to use quotations in a speech, and say afterwards that it was not said, but implied. "Come on Liesel. It was not said. It was pulled along, rough handedly." 

Why did the author choose to do this? 

2. Also, at the beginning of each part of the book, it contains a list of briefly what happens in the part. This so called "spoiling" has been used a lot throughout the book. I want to know why. 

The Book Thief Pages 101-113

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 101-113
Liesel checking the mailbox for a letter from her mother in my opinion was a great way to start off this chapter. It was a smooth transition from the last section to this one. In the section, it also continues with Hitler's birthday. "There would be a parade. Marching. Music. Singing. There would be a fire." This is an interesting aspect of Hitler's given culture, especially the bonfire. When Hans is telling Rosa about the woman he saw out the window, it confused me on what Hans was doing. Why was he lying to Rosa about the woman? I wonder why the Author decided to open the event were Hans and Rosa could not find their flag. But I guess those questions will have to wait for later in the story.
The short part about Hans and his son was rather interesting. How his son left for war and calling Hans a coward. Why would Han's son be against him, even after Hans was with him, raising him his whole life (or WAS he)? The final sentence of the first part of this section was also interesting, foreshadowing what will happen, again, in the proceeding chapter. In the next part, Liesel gets separated from Rudy, which I guessed helped what the Author was intending to show.
"She saw it so clearly. Her starving mother. Her missing father. Her dead brother." That was a sudden moment that I wasn't quite expecting. I pictures it as a quick flashback, but others might have thought differently. Liesel talking to Ludwig also seemed like a good choice by the author. I don't know why the Author chose to have the short conversation happen in during the bonfire, but that will all be found out soon... hopefully.
This section was very interesting to me, and I hope that if you have happened to stumble across this blog, that you would be inspired to read this book as well.

The Book Thief Pages 91-100

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 91-100
This section is very emotional, it makes you fearful, angry, and it even made me tear up... a lot. The first world war has started, and Rosa has lost a customer because he was not able to afford the washing and ironing that Rosa provided.
"Come on, Liesel. It was not said, it was pulled along, rough-handed"
This part interested me a lot, how the Author added in a speech that was said without speaking, which completely contradicts what we know about writing normally, but Markus is able to make it work, by telling us that it was spoken without words and with an action that corresponds very well. Rosa imitating Vogel after she was fired from her job still confuses me, though, how she mocks them for being lazy, even though she is the one getting paid to do it for them, and then after her insulting Vogel many times after he shuts the door after paying her. Even if the war did not cut the budgets of Vogel, it was totally called for that he would hear her muttering from the window one day, and decide to fire her. Liesel carrying the washings and ironings to the homes was probably a great experience in my opinion for Liesel. As said she got to meet a few people, and became good friends with most of them. But a bit back, in the following quote " 'yes mama' Saying those two words was often the best way to survive..."
I find that sentence interesting, because the Author was saying something that the audience clearly knew, but he wrote it so that it sounds sort of like a military camp, except replace mama with Sargent or General (even though they really aren't that far apart). The author also explained the four people Liesel visited, which I think was a good idea because it gave you a sense that it was a very important part of the story, which it was, but it did not seem like it at first. Rudy also convincing Liesel to spend her money was also a huge part of the chapter, though it was only a paragraph. I believe that this was involved with Liesel's intention to mail her letters later on in this section.
Ah, not we come to the middle of January, were Liesel decides to write to her mother. This shocked me at first, because I had thought that Liesel had almost forgotten about her parents, besides the fact that she has the grave digger's handbook as a memory. I also thought it was a very good idea, and I wanted to see how the letter turned out, so I was disappointed not to see a section of the letter in the book.
"What had they done to her?" When Liesel overheard a conversation between Rosa and Hans, I was shocked when I had heard that sentence. Is Liesel's mother related to the war? Did she get kidnapped? Those are questions I really want to be answered in the book. I feel bad for Liesel overhearing the conversation, It sort of made me wish she had never heard it in the story, even though it is a very important part. It broke my heart as much as Hans when I found out Liesel never got a letter back from her Mother. Rosa's ironing service is dying quickly thanks to world war two. That is causing a lot of stress toward Liesel via her mother. Liesel never received any gifts during this time period, because their family was so low on money they could not afford it. When Liesel uses some of her parent's money to mail her letters, I was shocked that she dared to do it, and I felt to bad for her when she was hit with a wooden spoon by her mother. But when I really teared up was when Liesel told Rosa that she used the money to mail the letters, and her mama kneels down, and says "I'm sorry Liesel". I don't know how to quite explain it, but it feels sad and happy at the same time, I don't know what to feel, really, it was the sympathy Rosa finally gave to Liesel that really got at me. As you may have assumed, this chapter was really powerful, and I hope that if you have not read this yet, and you stumbled upon this, that you will be as encouraged as me to read along.

The Book Thief Pages 83-90

SPOILER ALEARTIf you have not started to read this book, and have stumbled across this blog, be warned, there are some spoilers in these passages. 
The Book Thief Pages 83-90
This chapter was rather interesting in my opinion. It was interesting to know how Liesel stole her second book. This also explained some cultural references of Germany I did not know of:burning books. The author built up the energy so much in this section that I to felt a bit of happiness when they finished the book. " The last passage looked like this..." It made me feel like I was reading the book to, so I was exited when I finished it. I am amazed by the author's perfection with this section, and it inspired me to do the same in my work. I don't get why Rosa is not impressed by Han's experience. I want to know what happened between them, because if they got married, It could have not been how it was now between them. 
Overall, this was a very exiting section of the book, and It really makes me exited for the next section. 

-Keaten

#keatenstealsthebook