Entry Four: The Book Thief

Out of all of the choices on the list I chose The Book Thief because it sounded the most interesting and the most familiar. Also my aunt who is a teacher has read it too and she said that I would like the book. Mainly what drew my attention to this book is that the setting is set in Nazi Germany and I have always been interested in books or movies that were during this time period.  Also the title of the book caught my attention because it sounded like there would be conflict with the characters taking books. One connection I have with this novel after reading it is that Liesel and I both have strong morals and we will defend our morals if we have to. Someone that I would specifically recommend this book to is my sister who is in college because she likes to read books no matter what genre or what it's about. Like me, she likes books that are set in other countries.  Also she likes books that are long and are difficult, as well as books that challenge her thinking. I would also recommend this book to students who are in high school because it would be too mature for people who are younger. It would draw in readers who like to think while they read because this isn't a book people can read and not think about, there is too much hurt and loss to ignore. I really enjoyed reading this book and I hope I can find books that are similar.   

Entry Three: The Book Thief

 “You could argue that Liesel Meminger had it easy. She did have it easy compared to Max Vandenburg. Certainly, her brother had practically died in her arms. Her mother abandoned her. But anything was better than being a Jew,” (Part 3, page 161, Zusak).

Throughout the book readers are pulled in by the terrible situations the characters are put into.This quote shows that no matter how bad it got for Liesel it was a lot harder for many other people during this time. Personally, I believe that when people hear stories of loss or of unhappy times they are likely to be pulled in and more interested than hearing a story about someone who has a perfect life. So by making it clear through the words chosen that this character had gone through a lot it makes the readers feel more emotional towards the character which will then hook them even farther.Max had it a lot harder since he was a Jew compared to Liesel even though her brother died and her mother abandoned her.  Liesel did lose her family but many others lost everything including their friends, family, faith, belongings, food and normal life.  This quote is also shows that Max is having a harder time because he just escaped Stuttgart which is his home town and made it to Molching where he stayed with the Hubermanns and Liesel. Also Max has to decide whether he will stay alive and live with the Hubermanns or stay at the Hubermanns and keep them in danger of being caught with him.