The Book Thief By Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak tells the story of a young girl named Liesel Meminger who turns to reading as a form of coping with her difficult transition into the household of a couple in Molching, Germany. As World War Two quickly oversteps into the lives of those Molching, Liesel’s world is turned upside down when her family harbors a jew in their basement, risking their already dangerous lives. As the war goes on, Liesel turns to stealing books from the private library of the town's mayor and eventually builds a deep relationship with all of those around her, including the mayor and his wife. Throughout his tragic and thrilling tale, Zusak uses the motifs of cigarettes and books to reflect the theme of friends and family bonding together by sacrifice through hard times. Liesel’s

She reads every day and when she finishes a book, she often steals another one. Zusak, however, uses books to create moments of sacrifice and bonding in his novel. For example, when a book falls into the river, Liesel’s best friend, Rudy Steiner, “...[goes] waist deep in [icey] water... before climbing out and handing her the book” (Zusak 303). The heroic actions of Rudy represent a sacrifice made in the interest of growing a friendship. Rudy knows that books are where Liesel's passion lies. He is also aware of how treacherous and painful the waters will be, yet he makes the decision that Liesel’s book is worth the risk and pain. He shows his commitment and love as Liesel’s friend and goes to extreme lengths of sacrifice to support her and their friendship. Similarly, Liesel uses her books as a way to connect and bond with her neighbors. When people become anxious and troubled in the bomb shelter during an air raid, “...[Liesel] handed out the story. The youngest kids were soothed by her [reading].” (Zusak 381). In this intense situation, Liesel takes control of the fears of others and soothes them with her passion for