Welcome to the Blog for The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Please complete 2 posts on this site; one post must be original, the other post must be a response to one of your classmate's postings.
The Book Thief is a great book, but it doesn't have an individual making a big change in the world. I think that the whole book was more about her and her relationships than her helping the world.I also think that they souldn't have died at the end 'cause I liked rudy, and he liked his sister, and it was so sad how he died and I also really liked the narrorator 'cause he was awesome and could see souls and stuff. I really dont think that it was abouther making a difference so much as that she wasa great peroson and that not all germans are bad. so in conclusion- the book was good, but it wasn't really in-keeping with the theme of our unit.
PS. Mrs Middleaer can we speak whith words loke lol lawl rofl etc.? :) :(
I think that the book thief was a very good book, at the beginning. Gradually the book kept lagging on. She only ended up steeling about six books. When Max came I thought they would find him but they didn’t, this was kind of unusually for me because how can you store someone in your house without someone being suspicious, especially when Liesel was acting different. I also didn’t like how the Author, Death, kept foreshadowing in the beginning it was not as much but near the end it spoiled the book. For example: “A small announcement about Rudy Steiner” “He didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” This small section ruined the book. I also think that Liesel didn’t make a difference. About all she did was give bread to a couple of Jews. And made Max a bit happier, but all she did was talk about her life, and steal books. In my opinion she didn’t make much of a difference to the world. I would say Geronimo Stilton made a bigger difference than Liesel!
I have not fully completed the book but I still have some things to say. The book so far has not really shown how Leisel makes a difference in the world; so far the book is just showing her difficulties in her relationships and the goods in her relationships. The one thing that really keeps me reading this book is that it always keeps you guessing, thinking and is always hinting at you. The fact that the narrator is death really changes the story quite a bit; it makes you think about what if we are wrong and what would happen if everything was different?
I agree with Austin, one of the reasons I kept reading the book is because it kept keeping you guessing, and foreshadowing, however foreshadowing gives away sometimes too much.
Sorry the quote for the last post was supposed to do with how death is obsessed with color. Here is the quote "people observe the colors of a day only at its beginnings and its ends, but to me it's quite clear that a day merges through a multitudes of shades and intonations, with each passing moment."
To add onto what I said, they leave some questions unanswered, such as this guy (I forgot his name sorry) said that he would get back at Rudy, but nothing happened, Also they leave out why Death is so interested in Colours! I was looking forward to answers but they never came... this dissapointed me, however it was not that bad of a book.
Robby, he did get back at Rudy, he came up to Rudy and Leisel while they were at the river, and he threw Leisel's book into the river. Rudy then jumped in to get it for her.
Overall I think that the book The Book Thief could have been more powerful in the area of making a difference in the world. In the book, Liesel doesn’t make much of a difference worldwide but she makes a bit of a larger difference in Max’s life. Since Max met Liesel, he began to take better care of himself knowing that someone cared for him. Other than that, she just lives her life like any average person except she steals books and food. I guess stealing things might make a bit of a difference in other peoples’ lives but not a completely positive one. In my opinion, I don’t think that Liesel is a very strong character. She isn’t weak, but she could have more to her; what do you guys think about her character? I think that it might have been more powerful if death hadn’t kept spoiling the ending for you. The part where he is all like, “I’m sorry that I wrecked the ending for you,” drove me crazy. I though that the part where Max said, “It’s a beautiful day. It’s a beautiful day to die like this,” was really powerful. It wasn’t so much of making a difference but more of Liesel’s life story and her friends, family and problems. If the story hadn’t taken place in world war two, I don’t think that it would have been about change at all. On the other hand, I really liked the way that it was written. Deaths perspective was very interesting in my opinion and it changed the way I thought about it.
Chelsea, I totally agree with you, it drove me crazy when death gave away the ending! It makes me mad when the narrator gives away the ending, I don’t mind foreshadowing, but not the type where they give away something straight forward, for example "Rudy, Didn’t deserve to die the way he did," This is giving away way to much, but the normal foreshadowing is ok for example I am reading, "We all fall down" Has foreshadowing but a good type of foreshadowing for example: "...Who knows, it might be an experience that changes your entire life!" That doesn’t give away too much information, and it is the type of foreshadowing I enjoy. Sorry for it being so long.
To add onto what i said before, the quote "imagine smiling after a slap in the face. then imaging doing that 24 hours a day that was the buisness of hiding a jew" i think that it really sums up all the good liesel Did in the whole book, and it shows that she was brave, even if it didn't make a difference in the world
To response to Louise, that wasn't much of a comeback! I mean throwing a book in water wasn't huge, I thought that he would end up killing him until the part is says that Liesel is going to kiss his bombed lips... Thanks Louise for telling me the answer, I forgot about that
I have to dissagree with robby and chelsea, because if It hadn't said that, then you would have been really mad at him when Rudy died, and you would tink that the Narrorator was stupid and nobody had to die. this way you still think he's stupid, but you don't feel as sad
To the comment robby wrote under mine: I completely agree with you Robby. I always enjoy a little bit of foreshadowing; it always keeps me guessing on what’s going to happen next. What I don’t quite agree with is the straight up, “so-in-so is going to die. Oops! Did I just say that?” type of thing. What do you guys think about Liesel’s character? I kind of think it is a little weak and that it could have been stronger. Do you agree? If so, do you think that it would have made the book more powerful in the area of making a difference?
I think that the fact that death is the narrator is a good idea, but the author doesn't use much of this idea. At the beginning of the book, I found it really hard to keep reading, because it was all death talking, but then when i got past that part, death barely said anything. I enjoyed reading the small things that he sometimes said, because they were funny, and I think that there should have been more of them throughout the book.
To Michel the one above mine: I never really thought of it that way but am still going to have to disagree. I think that if he had not told us who was going to die, that it would have been more powerful and it would made you think more once they did get killed by the bomb. That was a pretty powerful part but it could have been stronger if death hadn’t told us of the death beforehand.
Liesel was weak but strong at the same time, for example she beat up kids at school when they made fun of her, she also talked to Max at the parade even though she knew they would hit her. But at times she was weak, I agree with Chelsea that she was weak, if she was a little bit stronger it would have made the book a lot better. Also to comment on Michaels comment, I would have prefered if Death didn't tell us that Rudy was to die, I would have predered that it would be a shocker to the readers.
I agree with Chelsea, Above me, and Louise above Chelsea, Death in the beggining was interesting but as the story went on he kind of got boring, and those small parts were really funny. I also agree with Chelsea it would have been stronger if the deaths would have came to a surprise.
Like death I to see a connection with the colors and deaths all around the world. Death says “that color is everything; if the sky is dark there will be many deaths. If the day is bright blue or red it will be a good day with minimal deaths.” I to see this connection but not in the sky but in the people; in Africa the majority of the population is of a darker skin color and Africa has the most deaths per day in the world…. These deaths are caused by starvation, disease, rebel incidents happening in South Africa and lastly child labour and slavery. Here in North America we still do have many deaths but not as much. The Majority of the population here is white people. Considering this if you go onto the news and listen for any murders most are caused by gangs and most gangs are made up of black people. I think that death has seen the connection in the skin color as well. He said “when I recollect her, I see a long list of colors, but it’s the three in which I saw in her flesh that resonate the most. Sometimes I manage to float far above those three moments. I hang suspended, until a septic truth bleeds toward clarity. These colors were red, white and lastly black.” This all makes sense because she is a good hearted person but also has a bad side to her. There must be some black in her in order for her to steal books. I just wanted to talk about that connection and I hope you people understand it.
I didn’t want this to be racist at all for any of those people who will take it offensively.
The Book Thief should have made more of a difference because all that had happened was that Liesel gave some bread to several Jews and helped to make Max happy. I admit that this made a little difference in happiness but not a big difference because Max ended up in a concentration camp in the end. The foreshadowing in this book also made me adequately choleric, for example, “Rudy Steiner did not deserve to die the way he did” (pg. 241, I edited out the “didn’t” for proper grammar). This quote was relevant because it showed that Rudy Steiner would most likely die a horrible death. My own experience with reading and writing books shows that it is a spoiler and fascinatingly annoying to have such a big fore shadow. I believed that the “death narrator” point of view was interesting and I am thinking to write a story with an odd perspective or point of view to it because it interests the reader. What are your thoughts on the book? What alternate ending would you have put on for the Book Thief?
If Liesel would have made a bigger difference, I would have enjoyed the book more, also if Death didn't tell us who died, it would have been better, but i enjoyed how he foreshadowed Secondary Characters' deaths! But Liesel should have made a bigger difference. And Death should make words slip out of his mouth!
Robby, that is an interesting thought you had on the foreshadowing of the characters deaths but personally, I thought that death shouldn't have fore told it but I am interested in you view. I must, however, agree with you about how Liesel made a difference becuase i feel she didn't make a difference at all. Thank you! :)
To Austin, the one above Anaahat: Wow! I never would of thought of it like that! Your colour theory makes complete sense in my opinion and I think that that is really powerful. If that is so, I believe that the book might have more little twists like that that went unnoticed. It there is more, the book might be more powerful than I thought! What do you guys think? Do you think that there is more little things like that? Nice quote to go with your theory, too!
I think that the book thief is a very bad book. It is bad and it does not show any personal touch to it. It just goes on and on and on and I would not have kept on reading it except we had to. Liesel in my opinion was a very bland and weak character. All Liesel cares about is his papa's accordion and Max. I think that this book is very weird because the names of the chapters are not good. They go like for example Chapter Nine: featuring a cat, horse, and a mouse. This is absolutely not a way to introduce each chapter. Shame on you Markus Zusak for writing such a long and boring book. This certainly would not have appealed to me and I strongly dislike this book.
Some people were wondering why Death was so obsessed with colors. (I’m responding to anyone who wants to know.) This is the reason: the colors are a distraction; he also distracts himself with other people’s lives, such as Liesel’s. The explanation to why he is so obsessed is on pages 4 and 5.
Part of Austin’s quote: “These colors were red, white and lastly black.” (I’m not sure which page it’s on) This may not be what the quote is about, but those colors (red, white, and black) are also the colors of the Nazi flag.
It wasn’t the best books that I’ve read; although I have read worse. This book was fairly boring and the narrator, Death, kept getting sidetracked from the story at certain parts in the book. The foreshadowing is slightly annoying, such as when Death was talking about Rudy: “A small announcement about Rudy Steiner “He didn’t deserve to die the way he did” (Death; page 241) Even though Rudy Steiner died in the end it didn’t seem like the appropriate place for maximum effect to put that information near the middle of the book when Rudy actually dies in the end of the book. It was very disappointing that he dies, or that many of the characters die; but I guess that’s what you get when your narrator is the “all knowing,” Death. I felt that the ending was weak. It was weak because it was a cliff-hanger.
Many people would think that Liesel didn’t make a difference in the world or to anyone else. I agree and disagree at the same time. Liesel changed many lives, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, Rudy Steiner, Max Vandenburg, Ilsa Hermann, Frau Holtzapfel, and even Death. She changed Hans and Rosa Hubermann’s lives because she was their foster daughter and they loved her. “Some facts about Rosa Hubermann…But she did love Liesel Meminger.” (Page 35) Rudy Steiner, she changed his life because they were best friends, partners in crime, and in the end they both loved each other. She changed Max Vandenburg’s life because they were both friends; she would read to him; when he was sick Liesel read to him and gave him presents. This quote (below) shows how much she cares about him and he’s thanking her, in his own way. “‘Look at all this. These gifts.’ He (Max) looked at everything she’d brought him. ‘And Rosa said you read to me twice everyday, sometimes three times.” (Max; page 334) Ilsa Hermann’s life was changed by Liesel when Liesel stole the books from Ilsa’s library. Liesel changed Frau Holtzapfel and all of the people who were in the basement when the bombings were taking place by reading to them. She even touched the life of Death. Death was obsessed with Liesel; he followed her story and her life. I also think that she didn’t make that much of a difference in the world because she didn’t affect a bigger picture. Liesel affected the people around her. She didn’t stop the World War, or the bombings, but she did affect the lives of others, even if majority of them died in the end.
I agree with Mkyensie that she made a bit of a differece, but the question is how can an individual made a difference to the WORLD? not to a character but to the world... and Liesel simply doesnt do this. Anyone elses feedback?
This is in responce to Robby, and Mykensie's posts.
Every indivdual makes a difference in the world. From the moment they are born, people influence other people's lives, and make a difference. However some individuals make a greater differece than others. I think that Leisel did make a difference in the world, just not a difference that influenced everyone in the world, if you get what i'm saying.
That makes sense, Louise youve just changed my point of view, I never thought of that, Liesel also influenced Rudy, and many other characters including the mayor's wife! Louise you have opened up my mind...lol that sounded really cheesy =D
This is for Robby's feedback and a reply to Mykensie's
I agree with Mykensie and Robby about the Book Thief not affecting the bigger picture. It is true she touched the life of death and many others like the Hubermanns and Max but most of them ended up dying in the end. It also was sad, inmy opinion, how it ended because i felt no one deserved to die but that's my opinion. How would you rate the ending? Also, how did you feel about it?
Some great postings here, folks! Robby has over 10 responses, Louise and Chelsea have 4 responses, and the discussion is great. Mykensie has some good insight, as well as Austin. Keep it up!
Justin, I agree, Liesels life takes some bumps, and the book changes very quickly. I also liked the thought about Death being the nararator. But the book would be way more affective if they used Death being the nararator more for example making him take more souls etc.
"Here is a small fact: you are going to die"the book begins with this, adn it sets the tone for the rest of the story.And for the rest of the booki was wondering about thos colors, Red, white, and Black I think that the Red, Black, and White could be the Nazi flag, but it could also be the emotions that death talks about, and how the flag evokes emotions. Also, on the cover, and in the book they play with Dominoes, and they all fall down when knocked over by the others. I think that it could have been a way of seeing war, you knock over one dominoe, and it knocks one down, and it knocks one down etc. And in the end all the dominies are knocked down, and it takes hours to set it all straight again, only to be knocked down again. Some of you say that the book is Boring, but i think that you're only reading the surface.
Michael I find that a great insight about the nazi colours and I really must agree with you about the dominoes. However I am in half a mind if the book was dull or boring because there were several interesting parts but the book adds many unnecisary parts to it. What do you think about the nazi colours and the dominoes? I also couldn't have made that connection so i really commend you Michael
I agree with what Louise is saying. From the moment they are born, they can make a difference in the owrld. It's just that mow much do they contribute is te real question.
Wow Michael! You really got in deep! I completely and utterly agree with everything you said in you comment. I never noticed that the colors matched the Nazi flag and I never would have thought about the amount of emotion and meaning there is in that. The domino effect was a great way to describe war and I never would have thought of putting it like that! I knew that there was other little things that were deeper beneath the surface but I never saw that. Great observations! Oh, by the way, once again, do you guys think that Liesel’s character was a bit weak?
Hey Justin! I agree with you and the fact that the book is full of little surprises, I love it too! There is always the tiniest bit of suspense that pulls you into the book to read more. I find that there are a lot of things that people can relate to in that book, not always positive. Even things like all of Liesel’s relationships make it easier for people to understand and relate to the book. What do all of you guys think about that? Can you relate to some things? I know I can. Hope you enjoy the rest of the book, Justin!
I have to agree with Michael about the domino effect of war. Although, it could also mean how one person affects another person and so on. Such as how Liesel affected the people around her. In my opinion this book was boring at some parts, although it picks up in certain places. Overall this wasn’t one of my favourite books. I would have preferred a book that kept my interest; while this one just wanted me to finish reading it so that I could get on to the next book in our literature circles.
thank you to Anaahat, Robby, Chelsea, and Mykensie for your thoughts. to Anaahat, I think that the little things are what make the book, and it made it stronger. Your welcome Robby. I think Liesel's character started out weak, but improved thanks to the Hubermans, and Max. But I also think that because of Hitler and his programs, everyone in germany was feeling pressured to join, and that the pressure of hiding a jew and thinking about Max got to her and she became a bit wavery. And even if the book had a few boring bits, i kept wondering if max would return, or a bomb would fall, and that kept me reading. again thank you.
Throughout the novel, The Book Thief, I was continually impressed on many engaging aspects that Markus Zusak has illustrated. I was very interested with the fact of death as a narrator, and was impressed of the details that the author described. One thing I haven’t been exposed to however was how a person can make a difference, unless that includes Hans Hubermann’s rebellion against Hitler. I believe there are some huge twists that change the plot drastically. An example of this change would be when Liesel’s brother dies on the train. In result, Liesel’s life is tragically changed, spiraling downwards into near destruction; there have been many occasions in which Leisel was sent to tears at the thought of her brother’s death. “Every night, Liesel would nightmare. Her brother’s face. Staring at the floor. She would wake up swimming in her bed, screaming, and drowning in the flood of sheets.” An example of this change that reflects my life would be when a close family member passes away—fortunately this tragedy hasn’t occurred yet to me. Overall, these are few of the many illustrative details that Markus Zusak has authored, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next.
The Characters in this book I think were not original and actually very boring. Each time I would read the name Rudy Steiner I would shake my head. I absolutely hated the character Rudy. He would always bug Leisel about kissing him and that annoyed me quite a bit. I like to look at books realistically and how often do you see Ten year olds running around kissing and bugging each other about it. In real life I don’t like people talking to me about the same thing for the whole entire day so why should I like characters that do it in books. Another thing that bothered me was that Leisel was such weak character and usually people like reading books were the main character is a hero or a bold and brave person; well I do at least. Leisel does eventually become braver and starts taking risks later on in the book and I finally started to take a little bit of interest in the book. The only time I would get some form of excitement through out the book was when Mama would start swearing at people. A quote for the book was “Do you want me to carry your bag for you?” asked Rudy “No, because you’ll just ask me to kiss you because you are carrying my bag.” Leisel said. This just shows that Leisel is already picking up on Rudy’s behaviour. In general I suggest that the author rewrites the book with better characters.
Austin, I agree that Rudy was a bit annoying, but he seemed like a nice kid overall, when he asked her to kiss him it was more like he wanted to see what it was like. also, at the end I kinda felt sorry for him. another thing, you said that you like action, but if this book was written like an action book, then hitler would die, liesel and rudy would have a forbidden love, and max would be a wimpy sidekick.
Great blog Austin! I totally agree with your insight on the beginning of the book. I myself am perplexed at the thought of death at the narrator and I believe that this is what's keeping me reading this novel, I also like how death is very calm and calculative. This aspect combined with the setting of the World War creates a solemn, but engaging topic. Overall, well done Austin!
I agree with Austin, Liesel was a very weak character, and in real life no guy would be asking a girl to kiss him every minute, I agree it got a but annoying!
55 comments:
WARNING SPOILER!!!!!
The Book Thief is a great book, but it doesn't have an individual making a big change in the world. I think that the whole book was more about her and her relationships than her helping the world.I also think that they souldn't have died at the end 'cause I liked rudy, and he liked his sister, and it was so sad how he died and I also really liked the narrorator 'cause he was awesome and could see souls and stuff. I really dont think that it was abouther making a difference so much as that she wasa great peroson and that not all germans are bad. so in conclusion- the book was good, but it wasn't really in-keeping with the theme of our unit.
PS. Mrs Middleaer can we speak whith words loke lol lawl rofl etc.? :) :(
I think that the book thief was a very good book, at the beginning. Gradually the book kept lagging on. She only ended up steeling about six books. When Max came I thought they would find him but they didn’t, this was kind of unusually for me because how can you store someone in your house without someone being suspicious, especially when Liesel was acting different. I also didn’t like how the Author, Death, kept foreshadowing in the beginning it was not as much but near the end it spoiled the book. For example: “A small announcement about Rudy Steiner”
“He didn’t deserve to die the way he did.”
This small section ruined the book. I also think that Liesel didn’t make a difference. About all she did was give bread to a couple of Jews. And made Max a bit happier, but all she did was talk about her life, and steal books. In my opinion she didn’t make much of a difference to the world. I would say Geronimo Stilton made a bigger difference than Liesel!
I have not fully completed the book but I still have some things to say. The book so far has not really shown how Leisel makes a difference in the world; so far the book is just showing her difficulties in her relationships and the goods in her relationships. The one thing that really keeps me reading this book is that it always keeps you guessing, thinking and is always hinting at you. The fact that the narrator is death really changes the story quite a bit; it makes you think about what if we are wrong and what would happen if everything was different?
I agree with Austin, one of the reasons I kept reading the book is because it kept keeping you guessing, and foreshadowing, however foreshadowing gives away sometimes too much.
Thank you Robby
Sorry the quote for the last post was supposed to do with how death is obsessed with color. Here is the quote "people observe the colors of a day only at its beginnings and its ends, but to me it's quite clear that a day merges through a multitudes of shades and intonations, with each passing moment."
I didn't understand why death liked colours, they didnt explain in the end? Can somebody tell me the answer please? Thanks
*Not a Spoiler*
To add onto what I said, they leave some questions unanswered, such as this guy (I forgot his name sorry) said that he would get back at Rudy, but nothing happened, Also they leave out why Death is so interested in Colours! I was looking forward to answers but they never came... this dissapointed me, however it was not that bad of a book.
Robby, he did get back at Rudy, he came up to Rudy and Leisel while they were at the river, and he threw Leisel's book into the river. Rudy then jumped in to get it for her.
A bit of an ending wrecker…
Overall I think that the book The Book Thief could have been more powerful in the area of making a difference in the world. In the book, Liesel doesn’t make much of a difference worldwide but she makes a bit of a larger difference in Max’s life. Since Max met Liesel, he began to take better care of himself knowing that someone cared for him. Other than that, she just lives her life like any average person except she steals books and food. I guess stealing things might make a bit of a difference in other peoples’ lives but not a completely positive one. In my opinion, I don’t think that Liesel is a very strong character. She isn’t weak, but she could have more to her; what do you guys think about her character? I think that it might have been more powerful if death hadn’t kept spoiling the ending for you. The part where he is all like, “I’m sorry that I wrecked the ending for you,” drove me crazy. I though that the part where Max said, “It’s a beautiful day. It’s a beautiful day to die like this,” was really powerful. It wasn’t so much of making a difference but more of Liesel’s life story and her friends, family and problems. If the story hadn’t taken place in world war two, I don’t think that it would have been about change at all. On the other hand, I really liked the way that it was written. Deaths perspective was very interesting in my opinion and it changed the way I thought about it.
Sorry about the length...
Chelsea, I totally agree with you, it drove me crazy when death gave away the ending! It makes me mad when the narrator gives away the ending, I don’t mind foreshadowing, but not the type where they give away something straight forward, for example "Rudy, Didn’t deserve to die the way he did," This is giving away way to much, but the normal foreshadowing is ok for example I am reading, "We all fall down" Has foreshadowing but a good type of foreshadowing for example: "...Who knows, it might be an experience that changes your entire life!" That doesn’t give away too much information, and it is the type of foreshadowing I enjoy. Sorry for it being so long.
To add onto what i said before, the quote "imagine smiling after a slap in the face. then imaging doing that 24 hours a day
that was the buisness of hiding a jew" i think that it really sums up all the good liesel Did in the whole book, and it shows that she was brave, even if it didn't make a difference in the world
To response to Louise, that wasn't much of a comeback! I mean throwing a book in water wasn't huge, I thought that he would end up killing him until the part is says that Liesel is going to kiss his bombed lips... Thanks Louise for telling me the answer, I forgot about that
I have to dissagree with robby and chelsea, because if It hadn't said that, then you would have been really mad at him when Rudy died, and you would tink that the Narrorator was stupid and nobody had to die. this way you still think he's stupid, but you don't feel as sad
To the comment robby wrote under mine:
I completely agree with you Robby. I always enjoy a little bit of foreshadowing; it always keeps me guessing on what’s going to happen next. What I don’t quite agree with is the straight up, “so-in-so is going to die. Oops! Did I just say that?” type of thing. What do you guys think about Liesel’s character? I kind of think it is a little weak and that it could have been stronger. Do you agree? If so, do you think that it would have made the book more powerful in the area of making a difference?
I think that the fact that death is the narrator is a good idea, but the author doesn't use much of this idea. At the beginning of the book, I found it really hard to keep reading, because it was all death talking, but then when i got past that part, death barely said anything. I enjoyed reading the small things that he sometimes said, because they were funny, and I think that there should have been more of them throughout the book.
Ending Wrecker.
To Michel the one above mine:
I never really thought of it that way but am still going to have to disagree. I think that if he had not told us who was going to die, that it would have been more powerful and it would made you think more once they did get killed by the bomb. That was a pretty powerful part but it could have been stronger if death hadn’t told us of the death beforehand.
Liesel was weak but strong at the same time, for example she beat up kids at school when they made fun of her, she also talked to Max at the parade even though she knew they would hit her. But at times she was weak, I agree with Chelsea that she was weak, if she was a little bit stronger it would have made the book a lot better. Also to comment on Michaels comment, I would have prefered if Death didn't tell us that Rudy was to die, I would have predered that it would be a shocker to the readers.
I agree with Chelsea, Above me, and Louise above Chelsea, Death in the beggining was interesting but as the story went on he kind of got boring, and those small parts were really funny. I also agree with Chelsea it would have been stronger if the deaths would have came to a surprise.
Like death I to see a connection with the colors and deaths all around the world. Death says “that color is everything; if the sky is dark there will be many deaths. If the day is bright blue or red it will be a good day with minimal deaths.” I to see this connection but not in the sky but in the people; in Africa the majority of the population is of a darker skin color and Africa has the most deaths per day in the world…. These deaths are caused by starvation, disease, rebel incidents happening in South Africa and lastly child labour and slavery. Here in North America we still do have many deaths but not as much. The Majority of the population here is white people. Considering this if you go onto the news and listen for any murders most are caused by gangs and most gangs are made up of black people. I think that death has seen the connection in the skin color as well. He said “when I recollect her, I see a long list of colors, but it’s the three in which I saw in her flesh that resonate the most. Sometimes I manage to float far above those three moments. I hang suspended, until a septic truth bleeds toward clarity. These colors were red, white and lastly black.” This all makes sense because she is a good hearted person but also has a bad side to her. There must be some black in her in order for her to steal books. I just wanted to talk about that connection and I hope you people understand it.
I didn’t want this to be racist at all for any of those people who will take it offensively.
Warning, Spoiler!!
The Book Thief should have made more of a difference because all that had happened was that Liesel gave some bread to several Jews and helped to make Max happy. I admit that this made a little difference in happiness but not a big difference because Max ended up in a concentration camp in the end. The foreshadowing in this book also made me adequately choleric, for example, “Rudy Steiner did not deserve to die the way he did” (pg. 241, I edited out the “didn’t” for proper grammar). This quote was relevant because it showed that Rudy Steiner would most likely die a horrible death. My own experience with reading and writing books shows that it is a spoiler and fascinatingly annoying to have such a big fore shadow. I believed that the “death narrator” point of view was interesting and I am thinking to write a story with an odd perspective or point of view to it because it interests the reader. What are your thoughts on the book? What alternate ending would you have put on for the Book Thief?
If Liesel would have made a bigger difference, I would have enjoyed the book more, also if Death didn't tell us who died, it would have been better, but i enjoyed how he foreshadowed Secondary Characters' deaths! But Liesel should have made a bigger difference.
And Death should make words slip out of his mouth!
Robby, that is an interesting thought you had on the foreshadowing of the characters deaths but personally, I thought that death shouldn't have fore told it but I am interested in you view. I must, however, agree with you about how Liesel made a difference becuase i feel she didn't make a difference at all. Thank you! :)
To Austin, the one above Anaahat:
Wow! I never would of thought of it like that! Your colour theory makes complete sense in my opinion and I think that that is really powerful. If that is so, I believe that the book might have more little twists like that that went unnoticed. It there is more, the book might be more powerful than I thought! What do you guys think? Do you think that there is more little things like that? Nice quote to go with your theory, too!
I think that the book thief is a very bad book. It is bad and it does not show any personal touch to it. It just goes on and on and on and I would not have kept on reading it except we had to. Liesel in my opinion was a very bland and weak character. All Liesel cares about is his papa's accordion and Max. I think that this book is very weird because the names of the chapters are not good. They go like for example Chapter Nine: featuring a cat, horse, and a mouse. This is absolutely not a way to introduce each chapter. Shame on you Markus Zusak for writing such a long and boring book. This certainly would not have appealed to me and I strongly dislike this book.
Some people were wondering why Death was so obsessed with colors. (I’m responding to anyone who wants to know.) This is the reason: the colors are a distraction; he also distracts himself with other people’s lives, such as Liesel’s. The explanation to why he is so obsessed is on pages 4 and 5.
Part of Austin’s quote:
“These colors were red, white and lastly black.” (I’m not sure which page it’s on)
This may not be what the quote is about, but those colors (red, white, and black) are also the colors of the Nazi flag.
What I thought of the book:
It wasn’t the best books that I’ve read; although I have read worse. This book was fairly boring and the narrator, Death, kept getting sidetracked from the story at certain parts in the book. The foreshadowing is slightly annoying, such as when Death was talking about Rudy:
“A small announcement about Rudy Steiner
“He didn’t deserve to die the way he did” (Death; page 241)
Even though Rudy Steiner died in the end it didn’t seem like the appropriate place for maximum effect to put that information near the middle of the book when Rudy actually dies in the end of the book. It was very disappointing that he dies, or that many of the characters die; but I guess that’s what you get when your narrator is the “all knowing,” Death. I felt that the ending was weak. It was weak because it was a cliff-hanger.
Definitely Contains Spoilers:
Many people would think that Liesel didn’t make a difference in the world or to anyone else. I agree and disagree at the same time.
Liesel changed many lives, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, Rudy Steiner, Max Vandenburg, Ilsa Hermann, Frau Holtzapfel, and even Death. She changed Hans and Rosa Hubermann’s lives because she was their foster daughter and they loved her.
“Some facts about Rosa Hubermann…But she did love Liesel Meminger.” (Page 35)
Rudy Steiner, she changed his life because they were best friends, partners in crime, and in the end they both loved each other. She changed Max Vandenburg’s life because they were both friends; she would read to him; when he was sick Liesel read to him and gave him presents. This quote (below) shows how much she cares about him and he’s thanking her, in his own way.
“‘Look at all this. These gifts.’ He (Max) looked at everything she’d brought him. ‘And Rosa said you read to me twice everyday, sometimes three times.” (Max; page 334)
Ilsa Hermann’s life was changed by Liesel when Liesel stole the books from Ilsa’s library. Liesel changed Frau Holtzapfel and all of the people who were in the basement when the bombings were taking place by reading to them. She even touched the life of Death. Death was obsessed with Liesel; he followed her story and her life.
I also think that she didn’t make that much of a difference in the world because she didn’t affect a bigger picture. Liesel affected the people around her. She didn’t stop the World War, or the bombings, but she did affect the lives of others, even if majority of them died in the end.
I agree with Mkyensie that she made a bit of a differece, but the question is how can an individual made a difference to the WORLD? not to a character but to the world... and Liesel simply doesnt do this. Anyone elses feedback?
This is in responce to Robby, and Mykensie's posts.
Every indivdual makes a difference in the world. From the moment they are born, people influence other people's lives, and make a difference. However some individuals make a greater differece than others. I think that Leisel did make a difference in the world, just not a difference that influenced everyone in the world, if you get what i'm saying.
That makes sense, Louise youve just changed my point of view, I never thought of that, Liesel also influenced Rudy, and many other characters including the mayor's wife! Louise you have opened up my mind...lol that sounded really cheesy =D
This is for Robby's feedback and a reply to Mykensie's
I agree with Mykensie and Robby about the Book Thief not affecting the bigger picture. It is true she touched the life of death and many others like the Hubermanns and Max but most of them ended up dying in the end. It also was sad, inmy opinion, how it ended because i felt no one deserved to die but that's my opinion. How would you rate the ending? Also, how did you feel about it?
Some great postings here, folks! Robby has over 10 responses, Louise and Chelsea have 4 responses, and the discussion is great. Mykensie has some good insight, as well as Austin.
Keep it up!
thanks Chelsea. I now understand that if you look at the story with my connection there could be more twists and surprises.
thanks Chelsea. I now understand that if you look at the story with my connection there could be more twists and surprises.
Justin, I agree, Liesels life takes some bumps, and the book changes very quickly. I also liked the thought about Death being the nararator. But the book would be way more affective if they used Death being the nararator more for example making him take more souls etc.
Did anyone find any quotes about difference in this book? if so please post thanks
Thoughts on symbolism
"Here is a small fact: you are going to die"the book begins with this, adn it sets the tone for the rest of the story.And for the rest of the booki was wondering about thos colors, Red, white, and Black I think that the Red, Black, and White could be the Nazi flag, but it could also be the emotions that death talks about, and how the flag evokes emotions. Also, on the cover, and in the book they play with Dominoes, and they all fall down when knocked over by the others. I think that it could have been a way of seeing war, you knock over one dominoe, and it knocks one down, and it knocks one down etc. And in the end all the dominies are knocked down, and it takes hours to set it all straight again, only to be knocked down again. Some of you say that the book is Boring, but i think that you're only reading the surface.
To Michael,
Michael I find that a great insight about the nazi colours and I really must agree with you about the dominoes. However I am in half a mind if the book was dull or boring because there were several interesting parts but the book adds many unnecisary parts to it. What do you think about the nazi colours and the dominoes? I also couldn't have made that connection so i really commend you Michael
I agree with what Louise is saying. From the moment they are born, they can make a difference in the owrld. It's just that mow much do they contribute is te real question.
I agree with Louise and Kevin, everyone makes a difference but some more than others.
To Micheal, the part about the dominoes you said really made sense, I was wondering about the dominoes... now I have a possibility thanks Micheal!
Response to Michael
Wow Michael! You really got in deep! I completely and utterly agree with everything you said in you comment. I never noticed that the colors matched the Nazi flag and I never would have thought about the amount of emotion and meaning there is in that. The domino effect was a great way to describe war and I never would have thought of putting it like that! I knew that there was other little things that were deeper beneath the surface but I never saw that. Great observations! Oh, by the way, once again, do you guys think that Liesel’s character was a bit weak?
Response to Justin
Hey Justin! I agree with you and the fact that the book is full of little surprises, I love it too! There is always the tiniest bit of suspense that pulls you into the book to read more. I find that there are a lot of things that people can relate to in that book, not always positive. Even things like all of Liesel’s relationships make it easier for people to understand and relate to the book. What do all of you guys think about that? Can you relate to some things? I know I can. Hope you enjoy the rest of the book, Justin!
I have to agree with Michael about the domino effect of war. Although, it could also mean how one person affects another person and so on. Such as how Liesel affected the people around her.
In my opinion this book was boring at some parts, although it picks up in certain places. Overall this wasn’t one of my favourite books. I would have preferred a book that kept my interest; while this one just wanted me to finish reading it so that I could get on to the next book in our literature circles.
thank you to Anaahat, Robby, Chelsea, and Mykensie for your thoughts. to Anaahat, I think that the little things are what make the book, and it made it stronger. Your welcome Robby. I think Liesel's character started out weak, but improved thanks to the Hubermans, and Max. But I also think that because of Hitler and his programs, everyone in germany was feeling pressured to join, and that the pressure of hiding a jew and thinking about Max got to her and she became a bit wavery. And even if the book had a few boring bits, i kept wondering if max would return, or a bomb would fall, and that kept me reading. again thank you.
Throughout the novel, The Book Thief, I was continually impressed on many engaging aspects that Markus Zusak has illustrated. I was very interested with the fact of death as a narrator, and was impressed of the details that the author described. One thing I haven’t been exposed to however was how a person can make a difference, unless that includes Hans Hubermann’s rebellion against Hitler. I believe there are some huge twists that change the plot drastically. An example of this change would be when Liesel’s brother dies on the train. In result, Liesel’s life is tragically changed, spiraling downwards into near destruction; there have been many occasions in which Leisel was sent to tears at the thought of her brother’s death.
“Every night, Liesel would nightmare. Her brother’s face. Staring at the floor. She would wake up swimming in her bed, screaming, and drowning in the flood of sheets.” An example of this change that reflects my life would be when a close family member passes away—fortunately this tragedy hasn’t occurred yet to me. Overall, these are few of the many illustrative details that Markus Zusak has authored, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next.
The Characters in this book I think were not original and actually very boring. Each time I would read the name Rudy Steiner I would shake my head. I absolutely hated the character Rudy. He would always bug Leisel about kissing him and that annoyed me quite a bit. I like to look at books realistically and how often do you see Ten year olds running around kissing and bugging each other about it. In real life I don’t like people talking to me about the same thing for the whole entire day so why should I like characters that do it in books. Another thing that bothered me was that Leisel was such weak character and usually people like reading books were the main character is a hero or a bold and brave person; well I do at least. Leisel does eventually become braver and starts taking risks later on in the book and I finally started to take a little bit of interest in the book. The only time I would get some form of excitement through out the book was when Mama would start swearing at people. A quote for the book was “Do you want me to carry your bag for you?” asked Rudy
“No, because you’ll just ask me to kiss you because you are carrying my bag.” Leisel said. This just shows that Leisel is already picking up on Rudy’s behaviour. In general I suggest that the author rewrites the book with better characters.
Austin, I agree that Rudy was a bit annoying, but he seemed like a nice kid overall, when he asked her to kiss him it was more like he wanted to see what it was like. also, at the end I kinda felt sorry for him. another thing, you said that you like action, but if this book was written like an action book, then hitler would die, liesel and rudy would have a forbidden love, and max would be a wimpy sidekick.
In response to Austin's comment:
Great blog Austin! I totally agree with your insight on the beginning of the book. I myself am perplexed at the thought of death at the narrator and I believe that this is what's keeping me reading this novel, I also like how death is very calm and calculative. This aspect combined with the setting of the World War creates a solemn, but engaging topic. Overall, well done Austin!
I agree with Austin, Liesel was a very weak character, and in real life no guy would be asking a girl to kiss him every minute, I agree it got a but annoying!
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