The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

In the heart of the passage is a series born from my love for books. Even though I feel I do not read enough, books bring me great joy. Reading draws you immensely into a story and its characters. The world and all its noise seem to shut off instantly. There are pages that tug at you more than others and they linger on long after you have finished reading the book. Here I will tell you a little about the passages I loved in a book and what made me grow to love them. Perhaps some of them are yours too.

I will start with my most recent read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

[Highlighted Excerpts taken for reference from The Book Thief-Markus Zusak]

This passage was the most powerful one for me in the book. It highlighted the deep connection Liesel had with Max Vandenburg the Jew hiding in their house and how it would be the last time she ever saw him. Her love for him made her fearless and she was not afraid of the German soldiers. While it brought out her grief and her last goodbye to him what made it special was her friendship with Rudy Steiner. They were always there for each other through everything and their friendship culminated here so beautifully in feelings of love when Rudy brought her down to protect her. He collected her punches as if they were presents conveyed the closeness they always shared and that he cared deeply for her. On Munich Street, a boy and girl were entwined I think is the most romantic line I have read only because their relationship was so sweet and endearing.

The next passage that really touched my heart also revolves around Rudy as he was by far my most favorite character in the book. Rudy also exemplified the neighborhood and how it feels to be part of a community. He brought back memories of my own neighborhood. We all must have had a Rudy growing up who we did everything with. Shared laughter, been chased away, fallen in love, shared secrets played and been mischievous with. This passage when Liesel meets with the darkest point in her life, a life changing moment is heart breaking. She has lost her best friend her Jesse Owens and after trying to wake him up she finally leans down and kisses him. That elusive kiss which Rudy always asked for. He tasted dusty and sweet brings out every quality of Rudy in that one sentence. She never did say goodbye to him she was incapable of it. Rudy most certainly must have tasted like regret in the shadows of the tree is a line that brings us closer to the emotions expressed between the two characters throughout the book.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak was not only the best book I have read this year but also one of the most beautiful stories I have read. It is unique right from the start with Death narrating the story, the outlines at the beginning of the chapter to the equations Liesel Meminger had with different people in her life. I enjoyed every bit of it.

In the heart of the passage, I indeed found a beautiful little book full of engaging stories deep with wit, friendship, love, and loss. So, if some of you have not read it yet get to it, Saumensch!