The Hidden Sketchbook

In the section, The Hidden Sketchbook, there was another raid a few days befor Christmas. When everyone arrived to the Fiedlers' shelter they all waited and looked at Liesel expectantly. "Papa's voice arrived, loud in Liesels' ears. 'And if there are anymore raids, keep reading in the shelter.' She opened the book, and again, the words found their way upon all those present in the shelter" (Zusak 442).

 When they returned home Rosa told Lisel to come with her. "She walked to the living room and took the sheet from the edge of her mattress. In the side, there was a sewn-up slit. Rosa cut it carefully open and inserted her hand, reaching in the length of her entire arm. When it came back out, she was holding Max Vandenburg's sketchbook" (Zusak 442-443). Rosa gave her the book, "I think you've always been ready, Liesel. From the moment you arrived here, clinging to that gate, you were meant to have this" (Zusak 443). Liesel wanted to read the book in the basement, but Mama convinced her to stay upstairs. "There's a reason Max got sick down there," she said, "and I can tell you one thing, girl, I'm not letting you get sick'" (Zusak 443).

Liesel read The Word Shaker in the kitchen.

The Sound Of Sirens

In this section of The Book Thief, Liesel's papa bought a radio so that they could hear the air raid before the sirens even started. One morning Papa woke Liesel up to inform her that the sirens had started. "Liesel, wake up. We have to go" Papa said (Zusak 371). Before the family left they went to the basement to tell Max goodbye. It was agreed that Max would stay in the basement while the family went to the Fiedlers' air raid shelter. It was too dangerous for all of them to stay home in the basement, and it was too risky to take Max along with them. "It was Max who convinced them. 'They said it's not deep enough here. I've already put you in enough danger'" (Zusak 372). I think the family felt really bad about not being able to help Max in such a rough situation. "Hans nodded. 'Its a shame we can't take you with us. It's a disgrace.' 'It's how it is,'" Max said (Zusak 372).

The situation is definitely not fair, but like Max said 'it is how it is'. The family would have been in a lot of danger if they had stayed in the basement with Max. If the family would have taken Max along they all would have been at risk for hiding a Jew. I personally think that is a very tough decision to make considering the family really cares about Max. Unfortunately, the family had to do the right thing at the right time, which happened to be an unfair solution.

I think everyone has experienced something in life that they felt was unfair. Life isn't always fair, and unfortunately it wasn't fair for my step-dad either. My step-dad's name is Pepe, he's from Mexico. Pepe has been in my life for twelve years now. He's a very quiet man who stays to himself, but my mom tells my siblings and I stories about his childhood. When he was younger his living conditions were a lot different than ours today. Pepe grew up in a home with dirt floors in a village with little food, and no money. In Mexico where Pepe grew up, education ended after fifth grade. He came to America to find a job considering there weren't any jobs where his home was. Pepe doesn't think it's fair that people like my brother, Marqui, have opportunities all around them yet they refuse to take advantage of them. Pepe's family still reside in Mexico, and they only wish for the opportunities that we have presented to us daily. Like Max's situation it's not fair, but it's life.

Work Cited:

Zusak, Marcus. The Book Thief. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print.

~This is a picture of people in an air raid shelter~

An Ordinary Special Day

In the summer, Liesel began to write her own life story. "That summer was a new beginning, a new end," Liesel wrote. She wrote that that summer belonged to only one man, and that was Papa. Liesel also explained how she would walk through Munich Street with Papa to accompany him on his paint jobs.  At this time, Liesel's Papa's painting business was starting to improve. Papa accepted many forms of payment for his work;  Liesel wondered, "Who else would do some painting for the price of a half a cigarette? That was Papa, that was typical, and I loved him" (Zusak 354-355).  Together, Liesel and Papa would stroll through town with carts of paint, ready to paint people's blinds black in accordance with war-time laws.

On one ordinary day when Liesel was with her papa on a paint job, she was taken into the kitchen where other people sat around the table with full glasses of champagne. The unknown man at the table took up his glass and motioned for everyone else to do the same. "Liesel looked up at Papa for approval. He grinned and said, 'Prost, Madel- cheers, girl.' Their glasses chimed together and the moment Liesel raised it to her mouth, she was bitten by the frizzy, sickly, sweet taste of champagne" (Zusak 357). Liesel's reflex made her spit out the liquid all over Papa's lap as everyone laughed.  Papa encouraged her to try it again, and she did this time swallowing the champagne. "Liesel enjoyed the taste of a glorious broken rule" (Zusak 357).  The bubbles Liesel felt on her tongue, and the prickling in her stomach was described as a great feeling. I think this day was so special for Liesel simply because of her papa. Liesel really enjoyed spending time with Papa, and drinking champagne with him was one of their secret, special times together.

I've had one of those ordinary, special days with my daddy before. Last winter my daddy and I had the house all to ourselves one day. Usually there are at least five other kids running around, and other adults lounging around as well. That day was a peaceful day for my daddy and me. Daddy decided we'd rent movies that day and he also made me my favorite food, fried shrimp. Our television volume was still on blast as the movie ended. My daddy is a very funny, outgoing man so as soon as one of his favorite slow jam songs started to play he jumped up and started to slow dance. I sat there and laughed as he reached out his hand for mine, and I shyly objected. My daddy picked me up out of my seat, put my feet on the ground, took my hand and slow danced with me like we were part of a grand ball. It reminded me of when I was little, my daddy used to pick me up and slow dance with me all the time. He also slow dances with my baby sister, and it makes her feel so special. That day made me feel like daddy's little girl again, and it was a very special time for me.

Work Cited:

Zusak, Marcus. The Book Thief. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print.

Loyalty and Friendship

In the chapter "The Floating Book," Rudy shows his loyalty to Liesel. The floating book is called The Whistler which was the book the Mayor's wife offered to Liesel, but that she was too stubborn to receive. Instead, Liesel stole the book from the Mayor's library and began reading it.

It was a cold day as Rudy and Liesel were walking home. "Liesel, as was her habit these days, was carrying The Whistler" (Zusak 300). As they were walking, Liesel pointed out Deutscher and another Hitler Youth leader walking towards them. They were only some of Rudy's tormentors. Rudy and Liesel avoided them by cutting around the church, but they ran straight into more trouble. Viktor Chemmel and a group of boys were crossing the bridge smoking cigarettes as Rudy noticed them ahead. Rudy knew there was trouble coming right his way. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Rudy Steiner and his little whore," Viktor said as he snatched The Whistler from Liesel's grip (Zusak 301). Rudy tried asking for the book back but Viktor only spoke to Liesel. Viktor told Liesel that for fifty marks she could have the book back. Liesel tried acting as if she didn't care. "You can keep it, then. I've already read it," Liesel lied (Zusak 301). When Viktor asked Liesel how the story ended he knew from her hesitation that she was lying. "Rudy rushed at him now. 'Come on, Viktor, don't do this to her. It's me you're after. I'll do anything you want'" Rudy said (Zusak 301). Viktor headed towards the river with The Whistler and everyone followed him. Rudy begged him not to throw the book but, unfortunately he did, and The Whistler tumbled down into the river. Rudy ran down the river bank attempting to save the book. As soon as he located the book he threw off his jacket and jumped in the river (Zusak 302). Rudy stood in the middle of the river, book in hand and as usual asked Liesel for a kiss. He knew he would be denied as usual, but he handed Liesel her book anyway.

The Whistler was a very important possession to Liesel. All of her books were important to her, but especially The Whistler because she hadn't finished it yet. Rudy knew the book meant a lot to Liesel so as a good friend he did all he could to save it for her. I definitely think their friendship is getting stronger the older they get. I think Liesel and Rudy are beginning to realize how much they really care about eachother.

I've shown loyalty to people that I love numerous times, but when I think about loyalty and friendship I think about a time someone was loyal to me. His name is Naji, he's not only my significant other, but also my best friend. When we were a bit younger I would stay over at his house all the time even though I wasn't supposed to because of our parents' disapproval. One day I was trying to find a ride home on the other side of town. It was a cold and rainy day and I never did find a ride. Instead of Naji leaving me to walk home by myself, he walked all the way across town with me in the rain. I was trying to be stubborn and told him he didn't have to, but he insisted that he walk with me. It was a long, dreadful walk that day, but the entire time all I could think was, "wow, this is a real friend I have."

Work Cited:

Zusak, Marcus. The Book Thief. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print.

Max's Life Story

"Originally, Max had intended to write his own life story" (Zusak 277). His plan was to write about all that had happened to him, and all that had led him to Liesel's basement. When he began to write what was supposed to be his life story, he produced something else. "It was a collection of random thoughts and he chose to embrace them" (Zusak 277). When he began to write the book, he kept it close to him at all times. One afternoon when he fell asleep Liesel came down and saw the book sitting at his side (Zusak 278). When she opened the book the sketches frightened her. The first sketch was a picture of Hitler saying "Not the fuhrer- the conductor!" (Zusak 279). The second sketch she saw was a picture of a German man and a little girl standing on top of hundreds of dead bodies. The second sketch is what frightened Liesel.

This part of the book reminds me of when I was a little girl. I was about 8 years old year around Halloween time. My big brother Marqui loved to scare my sisters and I with his scary masks. My big sisters used to freak out when he put them on so I always tried to pretend like it didn't bother me. The more we screamed the more he would "RAWR" at us. One morning I went into my brother's room and he was sleeping with this big scary mask on his face. I was so scared that my heart collapsed, and I started to shake. I quickly snatched the mask off his face to make sure he wasn't really a monster. After that day I had nightmares for weeks. It's kind of funny to look back at the little things that frightened me so much when I was younger.

Work Cited:

Zusak, Marcus. The Book Thief. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print.

Survivors Guilt

In The Book Thief, both Liesel and Max suffer from nightmares every night. Liesel's nightmares are about the train her brother's death took place on. Max has nightmares about the day he said goodbye to his family (Zusak 220). Max and Liesel both suffer from survivors guilt. "I'm so selfish," explained Max, "leaving my people behind. coming here. Putting all of you in danger" (Zusak 218). Max clearly has the feeling of guilt. Other than the death of Warner, Liesel doesn't too much express her guilty feelings.

I've never personally experienced survivor's guilt but I'm very close to a person who has. My mother still suffers from guilt in her past. About ten years ago my aunt Kellee which is my mothers sister died. Kellee suffered from severe depression during her lifetime. My mother and aunt were very close sisters. My mom still loves to tell us stories about their childhood together. The way my mother tells it, my aunt was sort of like the boy who cried wolf. Kellee threatened to kill herself numerous of times until my mother eventually disbelieved her. The next thing she knew she had gotten a phone call that her sister was dead. It took a while for it to register and for her to believe what she was hearing. Come to find out, my aunt Kellee committed suicide and all my mother could think was "she should have known." For the last ten years my mother has blamed herself for the death of her sister. She knows that if she would have just listened she could have saved her sisters life.

Work Cited:

Zusak, Marcus. The Book Thief. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print.

Young Thieves

In The Book Thief Liesel and Rudy are involved with two young boys named Arthur berg, and Otto Strum. Arthur Berg is the leader of a thieving group of young boys (Zusak 150). Liesel and Rudy get involved with Arthur because they know the group of boys don't go hungry for long. Rudy's hunger and Liesel's love for her friend drove them to thievery with the group of young boys (Zusak 150).

Otto Sturm is a boy from Liesel and Rudy's school (Zusak 162). Rudy and Liesel noticed Otto doing the same exact things week after week. For a month they watched Otto ride his bike to church carrying goods to the priest (Zusak 162). They decided to set him up. "All those priests are too fat anyway," Rudy explained, "they could go without a feed for a week or so." Liesel could only agree, she was just as hungry as Rudy (Zusak 162). It was a frosty week in October when Rudy poured water on the road right where Otto turned the corner. Their plan to set up Otto for his goods was successful. As soon as Otto turned the corner he fell face down on the road (Zusak 163). Rudy went strait for the goods. The goods they retrieved were bread, eggs, and ham and they were very much grateful.

I do believe it's possible for people to be bad and good at the same time. For instance, the kids in The Book Thief are stealing food simply to survive their own hunger. At the same time, they're also taking from someone else. I can't necessarily relate to these young thieves. I've never had to steal for survival. I can definitely put myself in their shoes, and I can surely understand their ways.

Work Cited:

Zusak, Marcus. The Book Thief. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print.

The Mayor's Library

Liesel clearly has a strong love for books and reading throughout The Book Thief. In this chapter of the book (The Mayor's Library), Liesel hesitated to take the washing to the Mayor's house because she knew that the Mayor's wife witnessed her stealing a book (Zusak 131). Once she returned the washing a few times to the Mayor's home and nothing was said, Liesel was very relieved (Zusak 132).


The next time Liesel went to to deliver washing to the Mayor's wife, she motioned Liesel to come in, when Liesel refused the Mayor's wife told her to "wait." When the Mayor's wife returned she was holding a stack of books in front of her. As Liesel followed, all she could think was she would be tortured by the woman (Zusak 133).


"Jesus, Mary," Liesel said aloud when the Mayor's wife opened a door to a room filled of books (Zusak 134). "It was one of the most beautiful things Liesel had ever seen" (Zusak 133). "Liesel ran her hand along the first shelf, listening to the shuffle of her fingernails gliding across the spinal cord of each book. It felt like magic, like beauty, as bright lines of light shone down from the chandelier" (Zusak 135).
Liesel couldn't believe her eyes, or the excitement she felt as she let each book glide across her hand.


I didn't grow up having a strong love for something as Liesel did, but I certainly have been inspired to learn and try something new. As a young girl growing up I attended church and often heard the word fasting. I always thought it just meant to starve yourself, and never understood the real meaning of it. Recently my sister and I decided to do a little research on fasting because my question was, "why would God want us to starve ourselves?" Once we did some research, and asked different people what their understanding of it was, I had a big inspiration to try it myself. I learned that not only is fasting a self discipline act, but it's also the cleansing of your body and mind. Fasting is also an act to become closer to God. So far I've fasted once, for a period of 5 days. I do believe that it helps a great deal and will continue to fast in the future.

Work Cited:

Zusak, Marcus. The Book Thief. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print.

The Feeling Of Abandonment

Liesel feels a great deal of abandonment in "The Book Thief." I would definitely say Liesel was abandoned by circumstance and not by the heart.

Liesel's brother Werner died a sickly death. Liesel was in total disbelief of her brothers death (Zusak 23). The only thing Liesel could think while trying to dig up her brother is "he couldn't be dead," (Zusak 25). You can only imagine how the young girl felt losing her brother and having to deal with those painful burdens. She also fears moving to a new place and living with new foster parents. Their mother couldn't provide the children's needs, such as food and education(Zusak 25). I don't think Liesel's mother wanted to abandon her children but she knew what was best for them.

I've had the feeling of abandonment at a young age. I lived with my mother growing up and visited my father and step-mother occasionally. I used to dread having to visit my dad because of the way I was mistreated. Around this time my mother had to attend rehab for alcoholism. She had no choice but to send my siblings and me to our individual fathers house. I remember feeling so alone and angry at my mother for leaving me. The fact that I couldn't even talk to her made me feel worse, like she'd never come back for me. I know now that it was all for the best. I don't think I've had the feeling of being abandoned since.



Work Cited:
Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print.

Joseph Mueller's Survival Story

Joseph Muscha Mueller was born to Gypsy parents in Bitterfeld, Germany. He started his first year of his life in an orphanage. When Joseph was born there were about 26,000 Gypsies from different tribes living in Germany. Most the Gypsies were German citizens but still had to go through a great deal of harassment. When Joseph was a year and a half he was taken into foster care, which is the same time the Nazi party became powerful. When Joseph went to school he was physically and mentally harassed by students that were members of the Hitler youth movement. Joseph was taken from class by two strangers who said he had "appendicitis" which is inflammation of the appendix, they said he needed surgery right away. He disagreed and was beaten then forcibly sterilized and put in surgery. When he recovered he was planned to be sent to a concentration camp called Bergen Belsen. His foster father found a way to get him smuggled out of the hospital an hid him. Joseph ended up surviving the war by hiding in a garden shed for five months idcard.pdf(application/pdf Object) (United States Memorial Council).

Joseph's story really made me interested because I think it's amazing that a 12 year old boy can go through all these hardships and still find the strength to make it through. The fact that he had to hide out in a shed for five months is incredible to me. I knew that in World War II there were Gypsies that were also mistreated but I didn't realize there were that many. I definitely think I can come close to relating to Joseph's story.

Myself, And my two younger sisters that suffered the abuse

When I was about eight years old my younger siblings and I were mentally and sexually abused by a step-uncle. I remember being very afraid when my younger siblings and I had to visit my grandmothers house where he lived. I also had to be strong for my sisters because I knew they didn't know what was going on, and at the time I was threatened not to tell. My grandmother has been paralyzed since we could remember so she had no idea what was happening. This had been going on for maybe two months when I couldn't take it anymore, I told him that I was going to tell my parents and that this would stop. What scared me is that he laughed at me like it was a joke when I said it. The next time we visited, our grandmother had to go to the doctors and my stepmother was taking her. I knew that we had to hide or things would only be worse this time. I took both of my sisters to a crawl space in the attic and hid until I could hear my stepmothers voice again. We were hidden for about two and a half hours and everyone was confused as to why we were hiding and looked scared to death. After I told my parents everything that was going on my mother took it to court. My mother always told me I was a very strong, brave girl for protecting my sisters the way I did. I do not dwell on what has happened in my past or look for sympathy, I know that I simply survived!

Work Cited:
United States Memorial Council. "Identification cards" Division of Education Resources for the
       Classroom. USHMM.org. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum N.D. Web. 14 Sep. 2010.
       

Death Camp

As soon as I seen the list of topics to choose from my biggest interest was the Concentration and death camps. I saw the movie "Boy In the striped pajamas," and that's all I've ever known about what happened at the camps. After doing some research and reading I'm much more aware of that. I've always thought that the Jews and other people in the camps were pretty much like slaves, then when there were too many they would be put to death in the gas chamber. I've learned that these people in the camps went through a lot more than I had imagined. I read a lot on the Auschwitz, Nazi death camp where the largest number of Jews were killed. The site I read http://www.auschwitz.dk/auschwitz.htm says that at this particular camp over three million people were killed by gassing, starvation, disease, shooting and burning. That right there definitely opens my eyes more and makes me want to know exactly how it got to that point. I've never too much understood the Holocaust or what that meant. I also learned that Auschwitz children were killed upon arrival and new born babies were killed on spot. Near the end of the war, in order to save gas and cut expenses they began throwing living children into ovens and open burning pits. This information definitely changed my understanding of what was really going on during the Holocaust. Personally it breaks my heart to know that these people suffered so vigorously, and I've always thought it was pretty much like slavery. I really appreciate having to write this blog because it's increased my interest in the Holocaust and what it was all about. I'm excited to read The Book Thief and increase my understanding of the Holocaust.