Weeks Four and Five

Question: Do you think maybe Zusak has had lots of encounters with death that may have caused him to write from the point of view of death, or do you think he may have just wanted to have an interesting narrator?

Thoughts about the book: I really was not a big fan of the book. There were so many similes that they started to get on my nerves! And I think death was an interesting choice of narrator to begin with, but by the end death seemed a little... flighty? Like he couldn't quite stay on track or keep one train of thought going for too long. It drove me crazy. I don't know. Maybe it was just me, but I just don't like these kinds of books I guess...

Final Post

I really enjoyed reading 'The Book Thief'. I thought it was a fantastic book, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading at all. The book is so varied that people who enjoy any genre will like it. My favorite part of the novel is the perspective it gives you. Not only do you have a unique narrator in death, the book also offers a non-mainstream view of World War II. Most books in this setting tend to favor the setting in concentration camps. My favorite part in the story is when Liesel is motioned into the mayors house by his wife and shown their library. It's humorous how Liesel returns to thank her after she forgot.

Bookthief final post

 I thought that the Book Thief was an interesting dark book that I really enjoyed. While it is fiction I felt like I had a window into the daily life of regular Germans living in Nazi Germany. When I think of Nazi Germany I picture a bunch of radical Nazis praising Hitler and discriminating against Jews. Yet the reality is that not all people supported Hitler or his ideas. Another think that really stuck to me about this book was the use of Death as a narrator. This is the first time I had read or even heard of this point of view. The book is not told through third person as it appears but first person with Death telling the story.  Overall the book did not have a lasting impression on me except for the things I mentioned above, It was a nice story but it just isn't a story I will remember. Unlike Of Mice and Men where George kills Lenie, the book thief does not have a shocking ending or a powerful message at the end that I will always recall. This book did have a sad ending with the destruction of Himmel street and Max but this book is not Kite Runner, where I felt depressed at the end, I didn't really feel any remorse. This is a good book and I would defiantly recommend this book but it is not one of my favorites.

Final post

Overall I thought that The Book Thief was fantastic. One major thing I liked about it was reading it from a different point of view. I mean many books about WWII are usually based in the concentration camps; this one was just a different perspective. I also liked how the book was told from death. It gave the book a different feeling when reading it, it also made it sadder when we find out how it ends. One of the parts I liked the most was when Liesel visits the mayor’s house in the earlier part of the book. I think it’s really cool how the wife lets Liesel read their books. It just seems like it really changed Liesel. This book really made me think more about WWII in general and how unfair it was. I never really thought deeply about this topic but after reading this book I really did. Overall I thought this was a fantastic book, sad at times, but would recommend it to anyone.

Final Post

When I first started reading The Book Thief, Death first foreshadows Liesel encounters with him. I could tell the book was going to be sad, and tried to enjoy the happy parts of the book, assuming the end would be completely devastating. As soon as I read when Death foreshadows Rudy's fate, including Liesel finally kissing him, it definitely had an effect on how I viewed the book. I could simply think that the book was depressing, but that's not the case. It was such a nice surprise to learn that Max lived through World War II. The characters were very memorable. Rudy was like a breath of fresh air, bringing joy to Liesel's life when it would otherwise be gloomy. Rosa was another nice surprise. She started off seeming abusive and one-dimensional, but then I realized that Rosa loved Hans and Liesel, especially when she played Hans' accordion. Even Death was not simply a depressed figure that tried to distract himself. He was human like, not able to cope with deaths easily and instead noticed the beauty in the colors of people's souls. Overall, I loved the book. The descriptions that, though unnecessary, reflected how precious each moment with Rudy and her foster parents was, and how amidst the atrocities of the war, there was hope. I recommend this book to anyone who can appreciate stories even if they are sad.

Final Post

Overall, I think that this was an excellent book. I really enjoyed the interesting viewpoint Death gave as the narrator. I think that his demeanor and the mood he gave were very original, and were extremely compelling. I also think that this book gives a new type of look at WWII, and what it's like in Nazi Germany. Many other books are very intensive on looking at the combat side of the story, but this novel's concentration on a single person, and how they live through this horrible time is awesome. I would most certainly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a unique and quality novel about WWII. I hope that this book is chosen for summer reading next year, because it was a very good book.

Final Post

Well, I finished the book about a week ago, but I haven't gotten around to writing this post. I thought the book was good, but I didn't think it was very difficult. The ending was poignant and emotional, which was a nice change after having read so many books with crappy endings. While this book was good, it was a little easy. I liked the description and the flow of the sentences a lot, but the plot was a little used. I think that this book was an original idea, but it was not written in a complex manner. I did like the use of Death of a narrator, I thought that was inventive and creative. I also liked the characterization of the supporting characters. By supporting, I mean the characters who weren't Liesel but were still important. I didn't like Liesel as much as the others because her naivete and insolence made the plot less interesting. I would recommend this book to others with the caution that it isn't very complex but it is still a very good book.

Post # 5 - Overall Feelings on the Book.

After nearly finishing the book [About 30 pages to go], I do think Zusak has written a book that is high quality. If we could manage to convince the administration to put The Book Thief on the summer reading list with our "proposal assignment", something tells me people would dread Enriched English 10 much less, in comparison to reading something such as The Iliad. The blunt attitude which Death used when introducing the main aspects of the novel is what pulled me into it in the first place, but as you progress with the book, Death's ideas and input becomes less frequent. Frankly, I'm fortunate they became less frequent though. As you carry on with the book, the characterization of various people such as Liesel and Max becomes much stronger, and you can depend much less on Death to help understand their actions and intentions. Another thing that was very refreshing about Zusack's writing, is that he did not have a case of "same character syndrome." Essentially, he did not have two characters that acted the same and could barely be distinguished from one another, but that's something very common to see in books these days. The review on the cover of the book which states, " "Brilliant and hugely ambitious... It's the kind of book that can be life changing" - New York Times " might be a little bit too patronizing of the book, but it was still interesting to read.

Final Post

I loved the book! At times I though it got a little slow, but in the end I really enjoyed the good messages it sends. I learned a lot from The Book Thief. Not only historical things about the war, the holocaust, and what people in Germany during this time had to go through, but also a lot about trauma in peoples lives and how they cope with it. I also really liked reading a book where the narrator is death. While sometimes I forgot it was even him talking, other times it completely changed the way I thought about the book. It was so interesting for me to imagine what death looked like and why he said certain things, and it definitely made the book unique. The death of many of the characters I had grown to love was hard at the end, but it was what I expected. Even though I knew it was coming, it was still very sad and really made me think about how horrible stories like this happened to so many real people. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would recommend it to anyone.

Discussion #5 - Overall Reaction

Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Book Thief  and thought it was a great book. I've always enjoyed books about the Holocaust and Nazi Germany which is a reason why I chose this. The first chapters caught my attention right away because of the way Death (the narrator) described things. Death was such a unique and interesting narrator and it was nice to have a different point of view during this time period unlike other books. This book was hard to put down because something was always happening. I liked the small notes/side comments from Death and although they were a bit random at times, they helped point out important information to remember.  Another thing I enjoyed about The Book Thief was Markus Zusak's use of figurative language. Zusak helped put a picture in my mind of what was going on and makes readers feel like they are Liesel or anyone of the characters. I would recommend The Book Thief  to anyone because it has a deep meaning. Although the book is classified under the Young Adult section, I think adult readers will enjoy this book too. 

Final Post - Overall

Overall, I thought The Book Thief was a very good book. I think Markus Zusak did a great job with developing the story and keeping the reader engaged. My favorite aspect of the story was that Death was the narrator. It gave a very unique twist to the book that I have never seen before in a book. Another thing that I really liked about this book was that it was not like other books you read that take place in Nazi Germany. Most of the time, those types of books will be from the point of view of a Jew or someone sheltering a Jew. Having the main character be a typical German girl that is still effected by the holocaust is also a very unique aspect. I loved how the relationships between Liesel and all the other characters were developed and how it made the reader feel like they were a part of it. The Book Thief was a very fast read, but it was still done very well and it has a great overall meaning. I would recommend this book to just about anyone.

Week 5 - Overall Opinion

Overall, I thought The Book Thief was good, but not as goods as it claims to be. I've heard numorous people say how excellent this book is, which made me expect it to be absolutely amazing. Part of the reason I didn't think it was amazing was that it is Teen Fiction, a genre I can't stand. I thought this book might have strayed from those elements of Teen Fiction since many adults find it amazing as well. It had not. Some things I didn't like about the book were how I always felt like the author was trying too hard by overemphasizing things. The most obvious example of this was the random bolded phrases throughout the book. They serve no purpose except to emphasize things the author felt would bring a sort of staged depth to the story. A book should be able to have depth without this added effort. Another way depth is forced is how the last scentence of each section or chapter is overly dramatic. I feel like a book's substance should be dramatic (if that's the purpose of the book, as it is for this book), and not focus on the last scentence. However, there were some things I liked about The Book Thief, such as its use of figurative language and the idea that Death is really afraid of humans. I liked how throughout the book Death is acting tough and sarcastic, and at the end we discover it's only his way of covering up the true fear he has of us humans. Scenes such as the bomb raids where the entire street was crowded into and waiting in silence in that one basement, as well as Death's character made me think more about war and what a horrible destructive power humans really are. I also reccomend to anyone who hasn't already to read or at least skim the interview with the author at the back of the book. Finding out what Marcus Zusak's own thoughts while writing The Book Thief really made me appreciate it more as a whole.

Discussion 5- Overall

Overall, i really enjoyed this book. I think that Markus Zusak did a great job with portraying the horror that people faced in the Holocaust, even the Germans. One aspect that i really enjoyed about this book was the fact that it is written from the perspective of death. I heard that in the beginning, so i was a little hesitant about reading such a gruesome, depressing story, but it was only dark in depressing in a couple of areas. My favorite scene was the scene where Rosa comes to Liesel's school to yell at her about a hairbrush when she really wanted to tell her that Max was safe. Another scene that was the most touching to me was when the Jews were walking through Liesel's neighborhood and Hans couldn't stand their suffering so he gave one of them a piece of bread. This was so touching because the Jew was so shocked and dropped on his knees and hugged Hans. This scene really shows how harsh the Jews had it and how grateful they were when someone was willing to give them a simple piece of bread. But although there were some significant scenes that stood out for me, the entire book was so intriguing and interesting with Zusak's unique writing. I love how he would have certain parts bolded to show their importance to the novel. I also love his vivid descriptions of different things and actions in the novel. Even though it was a pretty easy read and i went through it really fast, it has a deep meaning that I will never forget.

Week 5- Overall

Overall I really enjoyed the book, it was a very fast read and I had to pace myself over the past five weeks. The beginning really pulled me in with the first chapter being in the point of view of death. I have never read a book that had its narrator as death and that added a new twist. I also enjoyed it because even though it took place in the time of the holocaust, it was about something different than other Nazi Germany books, it was about a little girl who wasn’t Jewish yet she was affected by the surrounding issues. The book started to become more interesting when Max came into the picture; he added that sense of adventure and fear. Rudy was also a fun character, in the beginning he was so willing to become Liesel's friend, plus I thought that the Jesse Owens incident was hilarious. Throughout the book I began to love Rosa and Hans Hubberman, even when Rosa yells. My favorite scene is when Rosa comes to Liesel’s school and starts yelling at her about a hairbrush. Even with the yelling it was such a cute moment to have Rosa then say back to Liesel, you said to yell to make it believable (or something along those lines). The way this book was written also intrigued me, how there would be the random bolded center notes. I never really understood why it was like that, but I enjoyed it. Overall I thought this was a good read, but not a difficult text, but a good story.

Discussion #5- Overall Reaction

My overall reaction to The Book Thief was that it was a very good book. I enjoyed reading this book for many different reasons, one of them being the twist on Death being the narrator. I always love books that take place during Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. For some reason the always intrigue me, and this one did the same. I liked the little side comments throughout the book, and I especially liked the book once Max had come because it added an element of suspense. I really enjoyed the overall story and at times it was a hard book to put down. However, especially at the beginning, I felt like the story was a little slow and some parts would drag on. I loved all of the characters in the story, even Rosa, because they all added something different to the story. Something else I love about this book is that event though it is a pretty simple read; it is still very meaningful and complex in its own way. I really liked the different stories that were within the overall picture as well, such as Hans’ life with Max’s father in the past. I had heard so many great things about this book that at first I was a little disappointed when I wasn’t immediately captivated. However, as I continued reading I enjoyed it more and more. I would definitely recommend this book to others because it is an enjoyable book to read and is a wonderful story.

Discussion #5

Overall, The Book Thief proved to be a very interesting read. Beginning with the clever introduction of the narrator, Death, the story depicts the life of a neighborhood in the heart of Nazi Germany. However, this story of Liesel Meminger has proven to be a morbid tale, with many depressing and few joyful events. Throughout the reading, I felt myself being drawn to the book through this continuous sorrow, unable to put it down. It was the perfect blend of death as a narrator and as a symbol that compelled me to want to read more. Also, Zusak’s elegant use of countless literary elements enhanced the overall depth and importance of the book. The liveliness of the figurative language in this story practically cancelled out the gruesomeness in it. In general, this book showed me the power of words and the importance of reading through the continuous struggles of the time. It illustrated the fact that we should all cherish every book, since each one can be very important, regardless of topic. For these reasons, I would proudly recommend this book to any reader out there.

Discussion 5- Final Thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed The Book Thief. It was really interesting, especially having the setting take place in Nazi Germany. I feel like that was a really important part of the book that made it that much better and more intriguing. I also really liked the plot about a girl who steals books, even though there are some sad parts. Zusak did a great job of writing the book and putting in the figurative language, which really made the book easier to understand. The thing that I enjoyed the most about the book was that Death was the narrator. It was different to read a book from that view and not even have death as a sad character. The characters in the book were very interesting, especially Rosa. A part of relief in the book is Hans and Liesel's relationship because they are so loving towards each other and they both definitely need one another. The book was definitely an easier read than some of the other books that we have read this year, but still enjoyable!

discussion #5

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. There were many unique aspects to the novel which made it extremely interesting to read. Throughout the story there were moments of hope, happiness, and despair. The range of emotions which I experienced was remarkable for a relatively "easy-read," and I enjoyed the book much more than I expected to. I loved that the story was written from the perspective of Death, and I really enjoyed the overall setting and time period of the novel. I am very interested in WWII and it was cool to learn about it within the context of the story. The unique writing style and use of figurative language gave the book unbelievable imagery and depth. At times I felt that the story was somewhat "dragging on," and I got bored at some parts, but the storyline kept me interested for the most part. This was definitely a fun read and it contained much more meaning than I would have anticipated. Overall, I would recommend this book to people.

D5-FINAL!!!

Okay, I thought The Book Thief was a good book and a fun read.  I liked it a lot and I will for sure recommend it to people.  Some of the things I liked the most was that it was told from Death's point of view and I have never seen that or anything like it before.  It made me think a lot more about how that influenced the way the story was told.  Also, the plot was interesting in that it was not told as a typical Holocaust story.  Most are told from a Jewish point of view whereas this one was from the point of view of a normal growing girl who lives in a normal German town.  This was good because we got to understand the hold Hitler actually had on the people of Germany, especially in the scene of his birthday. I also really enjoyed the simplicity, yet complexity of the story.  The facts of the story are fairly simple, and yet the story as a whole can be perceived in many different attitudes and ways.  Overall, the was a great book for discussions and Zusak's writing enthralled me up until the very last paragraph.

FINAL POSt-MOLLY g

Overall, i found the book to be very good. I loved the narration from death's point of view, as it enriched our understanding of the plot. I also enjoyed the diversity of the characters. Probably the main reason why I liked this novel so much is because the plot may not be very complicated and the story may seem simple, but there is vast room for interpretation by the reader. Also, I liked this book because of Zusak's unique style. He often used similes and personifications that not only brought objects to life, but the book iteself to life. This book was a fresh, unique novel that I know I will remember for the rest of my life. Rudy, my favorite character, provided an escape from the horrors of life on Himmel street. Zusak gives every character, chapter, and word a purpose, and I greatly respect him for that. I very thouroughly enjoyed this novel and would suggest it to nearly any avid reader.

last week's post (#4)

I noticed this wek that were supposed to make up our late work, so heres my discussion question from last week's topic:

what is the significance of colors in the book?

Discussion Topic #5 - Overall

"The Book Thief" proved to be very different then when I had been expecting. The point of view of the characters was so different from other books of this nature. Also, the narrator made this book unique. I found that although this is one of the more morbid books that I've read, some moments throughout the book made Himmel street seem like the best possible place to grow up. Obviously, this was not the case considering kids like Rudy never got to grow up. Several times, I found myself lingering on the contents of the bolded portions of the book. The parts in bold were always something either made me think about something in depth, or came back later in a painful way. I think that this book was very well put together in the way that Death revealed most of the ending by the middle of the book. It tricked the reader into thinking that the end wouldn't be as horribly sad because they already knew what was going to happen. I found that because I knew what was coming, the ending was more brutal because I wasn't expecting to feel as sad. Overall, I thought this book was a really good read and is one of those books that I'll remember to recommend when someone asks if I've read any good books lately.

FINAL WEEK#5

At times this book has been depressing, at times this book has been happy. I have found myself coming to conclusion that this book is somewhat of a "emotional rollercoster". Typically, one may find a single message in a story or novel, however, I have encountered multiple messages that I have learned. I have thought deeper in this book than others I have read because of a couple reasons: the interesting narrator, bold characters, and dark time period. Also the characters that I have continually anazlyed developed me as well. With the time period that this book is held in, leads me to think of dark and depressing times, which is the lower part of the rollercoster. As I begin to think deeper and analyze the joy and happiness that books bring Liesel, it brings the rollercoster up and I start to think that there is joy in difficult times. It's taught me to find the good in the bad, just like Liesel does unconciously. Rosa has taught me to not be so stubborn, but to understand that everyone is different and acceptance is the key in life. Hans, a caring thoughtful man has taught me to sometimes take risks in what you believe in, just has he encourages Liesel's stealing and reading of books. In conclusion, The Book Thief, has made me become a deeper thinker and helped me focus on the characters development.

Week Five

Welcome to Week Five, and our last week week of blogging. This week's post should be on your overall thoughts about the book. It must be a ten sentence summary. You do not need to comment on anyone else's blog, but your post should be up here by Sunday, March 29 You should have made up any missing work by then as well.

Discusion 4-A Question

My question for this week is: Why did Liesel get such a good relationship with Ilsa Hermann? They don't seem to spend much time together over the course of Liesel's stay on Himmel Street. I kind of see that they both share a love of books and words, but Ilsa seems distant. I also wish the author had gone more in depth on Ilsa's story because she had such an impact on Liesel, but we don't know a whole lot about her life. 

Discussion #4

Why does Hans Hubberman decide to hide Max in their house. While his life was saved by a jew, he could have ignored the debt. Did he consider that his whole family would be threatened. Is Hans committing an act of bravery or is he just thinking about himself and ignoring the risks presented by hiding a Jew in the house to his family?

Post #4

Note: This may be a spoiler as it has to do with Death foreshadowing something.

My question is:
How has your perception of Rudy changed since Death foreshadowed how he will die?

Post #4

My question is: What does the narration of Death add to the book, and how does it affect your impression of the story?

Week 4- Question

My question for this week is....
what is the importance of the drawings that max makes on pages 279 and 280? and why would he make them for liesel(when she gets older)?

Post #4

My questions for the week is something I have been wondering since I picked up the book: Why is Liesel so interested in books? Especially since she could not even read when she stole her first book, I am wondering what motivated her so much to learn to read and start her collection of books.  

#4

My question is...
Why do you think Markus Zusak made Death the narrator of the book? I am always thinking about that when I read, and there doesn't appear to be one specific reason why Death narrates.

Discussion Post 4

My thought provoking question is about the narrator and his interest in such an unimportant character. The question I have been pondering is: Why is Death so interested in Leisel? Although this is a very basic question, it has opulent significance in the story. I was thinking it had to do with Death’s need for warmness in life. However, I am still pondering if that really is the reason why such an important thing in life narrates about something so unimportant.

D4- Question

Okay, well for a while I have been asking myself this question and hopefully this will give me some answers.  My question is: What is the most prominent motivator for Liesel to steal books?  I have a lot of ideas, but I think the most likely is that she wants to read so badly, that she is willing to sacrifice everything to get her hands on more books.  Help!!

week 4

The question I have been thinking about involves Liesel's foster mother, Risa Hubermann, is such a cruel woman. Did she have a moment in the past that was just horrible, which made her the way she is now? Or is she just a crabby person on the outside?

I don't really know yet, but i think she's just a crabby person.

Discussion #4- Ask a question

This book is so interesting that many questions can arise. My question is concerning the narrator.

Why did Mark Zusak choose Death as the narrator, when a lot of the time you forget that he in-fact is the one narrating? This confuses me because a lot of the time. For me it doesn't feel like Death is the one narrating, just that some other person is telling the story. However, i think that maybe the biggest reason for having Death as the narrator could be for setting the tone of the book. We know from the time period that it is a sad topic and Death fits perfectly with everything that is going on.

Discussion #4 - Question

While reading the book, many questions have came to mind because so many interesting things happen. The one question that I keep wondering about is: Why did the author choose to have Death as the narrator? Why did Death keep talking about colors? I can think of a few answers and I know Death adds to the gloominess of the books setting, but some other thoughts would be great.

Discussion 4- Question

The one question that i have been waiting to ask while reading this book is-

Why did markus Zusak choose to have death as the narrator? I can find several answers, but i don't know if the author wants the reader to figure it out on their own, or if there is one specific answer.

Post # 4 - Discussion Question.

My thought provoking question for the week is...
What do you feel keeps Hans and Rosa's relationship together, when the two of them tend to act sort of abusive towards each other? Was their relationship always this way? As you might have noticed thus far in the novel... Hans and Rosa don't exactly view each other in a positive light and aren't very kind to each other. Maybe I live in an idealistic world, but I'd never treat a lover that way.
Discuss!

Week #4 Discussion

As I was thinking of what question to choose, Death always continued to pop up in my head. In the novel, Death is a very different narrator and gives an edge to the story. My question is, what does Death bring to the story? I think it foreshadows many events and gives a dark done to the story as well.

Discussion 4- Thought Provoking Question

My thought provoking question is concerning the narrator, Death. I have always wondered out of all views to read the book from, why Zusak chose death. So, my question is: Why does Zusak choose death to be the narrator over another view, and if he wanted it to be a view from above, why death and maybe not an angle or something? It makes me think of the significance of death in the book, and not only the character, but also the actual fact of life.

discussion #4

My question is what role does Rosa/her personality play in the story? I think that it is necessary for Rosa Hubermann to have such a harsh personality. It makes her good moments stand out more (ex. when Liesel is crying by the dying Max's bedside) and also allows Hans Hubermann's gentle personality to shine. Liesel needs someone like Rosa in her life to give her a taste of reality.

Discussion 4

My question is Why do you think the author wanted Death as the narrator, but not as a scary figure? I think Markus Zusak may have done this because he wanted to give a unique aspect to the book. Maybe it was because he thought it was the only way to accurately portray the story.

Week Four - Discussion Question

My question is: Why are random sections and phrases in the book written in bold? I realize that the author is probably trying to emphasize these points for dramatic effect, but is there any particular connection between them? Is there any reason these specific phrases were chosen as opposed to other phrases?

Throughout the book I've been trying to find a pattern between these random bolded sections, and I can't seem to find one.

Discussion Topic #4 - Question

My intentionally thought provoking question concerning "The Book Thief" is about Leisel. I was thinking about the book and how Leisel was a really remarkable character even though she initially appears average. So my question is: Who's life do you think Leisel influenced the most?

Initially, I would answer my own question with Hans, or Max. But there's also Rosa, Rudy, and Death to consider.

Week Four

Welcome to Week Four!

For this week's blog you will post a thought-provoking question that does not have only one answer. Remember that you must make 10 comments this week, not 5. Please do not leave this until the last minute, you have the whole week to get it done.

Literary Techniques

The main literary technique Zusak uses is the personification of death. Death becomes a person as he is narrating the story. I like the idea of what Zusak is trying to do, but I think he could have done it in a way that would have been more effective. The way Zusak uses death as the narrator I dont think we gain much from it, since he really is only sitting back and telling a story. I do like the use of death at the begining though, when the brother is dying. I think that is the only time in which death is an interesting narrator.

Discussion 3

Markus Zusak makes this book much more fun and easy to read through his personification of Death by using it as the narrator. As the narrator, Death shows us things by describing them instead of simply telling us. He says that there are colors in the sky when he picks up someone's soul. He also describes scenes involving Liesel in great detail. I think that this unique point of view really helps to keep the reader engaged and reading the book. I like how, through Death, he gives a new side of things and a new aspect of the story that everyone has heard about. Everyone hears about the Holocaust, but it is not usually about a regular German girl or being told by Death. As I read The Book Thief, I can't wait to see what happens next because of the way the story was written and how it gives a great view which makes it that much better. The point of view makes Death seem that much more real and it makes it seem imminent.

the personification of death

I think that Markus Zusak's most prominent literary elements are his personification of death and the many similes used throughout the book. The obvious personification in the novel is the unique use of death as a narrator. This allows the readr to be able to percieve the hard life in Germany at the time better because of Death's pesimistic and honest tone. It also allows some room for interpretation of characters emotions. Not only does Zusak use obvious personifications, but he also includes many minor similes that carry significance. For emaple, he writes, "Trust me, though, the words were on their way, and when they arrived, Liesel would hold them in her hands like the clouds, and she would wring them out like rain.” (497). This is a significant simile because he desribes Leisel's hardworking personality. Her, he also forshadows what will happen in the novel. Another one of the countless number of similes is one used on page 497, when Zusak writes that “… it was raining on Himmel Street when the world ended for Liesel Meminger. The sky was dripping. Like a tap that a child has tried its hardest to turn off but hasn’t quite managed.”(497). I would love to explain this, but it might spoil the ending for evryonee, so i'll just ay it is very significant. Both of theses similes are just a few of the eexcessive number in The Book Theif.

Post #3

Markus Zusak, the author of The Book Thief, constantly uses personification to enhance his writing and because the narrator, Death, is a personification itself. I personally really like that so much of the book is told from the eyes of someone that doesn’t even exist. It forces me to use my imagination and come up with my own ideas about what Death looks like, for example, or how he acts.

Zuzak also uses figurative language quite often to describe things more vividly. It was not hard at all for me to find a good example of this in the reading, because Zusak uses these literary elements so frequently. One example that I found is when Liesel is described as “…watching the stray ash and the corpse of collected books”(pg. 114). I liked this not only because it is a very unique way to describe a pile of books, but also because it connects to the underlying theme of death in the novel. Later in this paragraph, Death says, “Orange and red embers looked like rejected candy,” (pg. 114). This is also a good example of the descriptive and figurative way that Zuzak describes images to us, so they can be seen more vividly in our minds as we read. Overall, I really enjoy Zuzak’s writing style and her endless use of figurative language and personification.

Discussion #3-Literary Elements

My favorite literary technique about this book is the imagery. The descriptions are clever and insightful. I like how Zusak doesn't come right out and say what's going on, but he sort of drops in on stuff and describes situations so that you get it but it isn't blatantly obvious. The images are very well drawn out. Especially the scenes involving Liesel and Rudy. It seems like the author is detailing those scenes more to strengthen the view of their relationship. I also like the revolving perspective. It allows you to see how others feel about the events and not just Liesel. The foreshadowing in this book is also very nice. I feel that it allows the reader to expect somethings without being able to read the whole movie. But, some of the things can get a little confusing. Like when Max left. I thought that could have been explained a little better. But, the most obvious literary technique (in my opinion) is the personification of Death. It makes Death a creature with thoughts, feelings, and hopes, especially when Death wants Liesel to kiss Rudy.

Post #3

I think that the most important element of figurative language or literary element is having Death personified to be a living person and character. Death is usually considered a figurative element that goes around taking peoples' souls when they die. In this novel, he is made to be a real character that has various encounters with Liesel. He sees her various times when she is around during the war and stealing different books. Death as a person does not actually interact with her. He only observes her, and is fascinated by how many times she can escape death, and the job he can to her to do. I don't think that Death directly affects Liesel at all. He doesn't affect any of the characters for that matter. I think that Liesel affects Death, by the actions that he observes and is able to internalize. Death also does not affect the elements of the story, since he is only a bystander. I am still enjoying this book a lot, and I can't wait to finish it, I am almost done.

Discussion Post #3

Markus Zusak uses numerous similes. "Sometimes there was humor in Max Vandenburg's voice, though its physicality was like friction-like a stone being gently rubbed across a large rock." (217) Zusak uses personifications unexpectedly. "She watched her gathered friendship with Ilsa Hermann and made sure to see it kicked in the shins and left by the wayside." (288) Things like air, relationships, and ground are personified. The author uses ideas and intangible objects to personify. Death itself is intangible, and yet it has opinions and seems to have a conscience. Foreshadowing is a big part of the story, as well. Rudy's death is foreshadowed: "I'm certain he would have loved to see the frightening rubble and the swelling of the sky on the night he passed away." (242) This particular foreshadowing makes me appreciate Rudy's personality while I can. When I read that "he would never ask for her lips again and would go to the grave without them,"(303) I recalled one of the instances Death encountered Liesel. Things that aren't real are given life. For example, Liesel's conscience takes the form of her brother: "Immediately. Her brother was next to her. He whispered for her to stop, but he, too, was dead." (262) Zusak's writing style breathes life into the characters and uses descriptions that are unique to his style.

#3 - literary elements

Markus Zusak uses many literary elements throughout The Book Thief. However, the most significant of those is the personifcation of Death. Having Death personified as an actual character, more specifically the narrator, helps the story in many ways. For one, Death is able to see things as a spectator of everything happening. This gives us readers and easier understanding of the characters and setting. Also, having Death personified somewhat dictates the mood of the book. Because it is Death, they way things are described usually sound so gloomy. Death's pessimist descriptions can help show the troubled times in Nazi Germany. Because Death is personified and gives gloomy observations and descriptions, the personification of Death is one of the most important literary elements in The Book Thief.

Post 3 Figurative language/literary element

In the book The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, the author uses figurative language to set the mood in the book. I have noticed that the author does not use very many similes, or it seems that way to me. Although he uses a lot of personification in form as death as the narrator. Death is always narrating and therefore personification is used a lot. For example death was talking about Hans Hubermann and says "he escaped me twice, which few have been lucky to do." Because something inanimate cannot catch something you cannot escape for it, also Death talks like he is a person even though he is not a person. So that is how personification is used a lot in the book. This effects the mood greatly because death is always present and you can tell that he knows the ending like he is retelling a story, and he is frightenly indifferent to what happens in the end.  This makes the mood dark and dismal which also fits because they are in the middle of Nazi Germany in war. What also adds to the dismal and grey atmosphere is how there is not a whole lot of description in the book. There is description but there is not much in the book, but it is very inventive and new to have death as the narrator of the book, I have never read a book that has him as a narrator. 

week 3- literary elements

The part in the story where I felt that there was a lot of meaning was during Hitler’s Birthday, and that huge fire. This is when the Book Thief struck for her second time. After the fire had died down and the German soldiers were shoveling away the ashes is when she noticed the book. “A small section of living material slipped from inside that ash.” (p119) Now obviously the book was not a truly living breathing being, but compared to the “dead” burned books it was much alive. Especially to Leisel, words were so important to her that they were living. This sentence is almost a little personification. The Book was not literally breathing or alive, but the words are almost alive on the pages, because of their importance to Leisel.

Literary Elements

The most significant literary element Markus Zusak uses in "The Book Thief" is the personification of the narrator death. This is personification because death is something that doesn't really have any human traits but can talk and describe things in this novel. The narration of death also leads to very descriptive language that uses many similes and metaphors. For example: "Somewhere in all the snow, she could see her broken heart in two pieces." Obviously Liesel cannot actually see her broken heart in the snow, but use of figurative language like this adds to the novel.

Discussion 3- Literary Elements

"He was just as animal, hurt among the melee of its own kind, soon to be trampled by it" (Zusak 112). This quote is said by the narrator, Death, when Liesel and Rudy are at the book burning. Ludwig Schmeikl, a boy in Liesel's class, got his foot stomped on by the crowds of people around him and this is what is happening during this quote. This metaphor of Ludwig as an animal shows that all humans in Nazi Germany can almost be seen as animals that are only striving to help themselves survive and stay away from danger. This quote affects Liesel because she, and her family, are some of the few people in Nazi Germany that do not act like animals. Although they have to keep Max Vandenburg in their basement like an animal, they are keeping him from being killed because of his religion. Liesel is greatly affected by the "Nazi animals" around her, but she does not let that change her view of Jews. The only thing that it does do is scare her and make her very curious. I think that Markus Zusak uses a lot of literary elements in his writing, but i think the most common styles he uses are similes and metaphors. His use of similies and metaphors draws the reader in and really allows us to fully grasp what the character is going through. I believe this quote really shows how crazy this era was and that there was nothing people could do about it.

Discussion #3

In The Book Thief, Markus Zusak uses many different literary elements throughout his writing. Similes, metaphors, descriptive adjectives, are just some of the many elements used. On page 151, Zusak describes a young boy using outstanding adjectives, "Another boy-one of the short, lean ones-with shaggy blond hair and ice-colored skin...” It immediately painted a picture in my mind of what this described boy looked like. Also on page 151, an example of Zusak’s personification is present. “From there, they all examined the apple trees, who stood in long, twisted rows”, this gives tree’s the ability to stand and do human like things while the apple tree is still yet a tree. Lastly, yet another example of personification but this time, we’re talking about bullets. On page 175, Zusak writes, “The conversation of bullets.” Which really can be compared to lots of different things. For one thing, bullets cannot physically talk however, on a deeper level, bullets can be a conversation of death or maybe even a foreshadow is occurring.

Discussion #3- literary element/ figurative language

The most obvious elements of writing style in The Book Thief would be figurative language and personification. The narrator, Death, is a personification because it is being given human characteristics and traits that in reality it doesn't have. Death uses similes, such as, "To their left, flames and burning books were cheered like heroes."(pg.113). The language us also very descriptive, and makes you feel like you are watching everything happen. An example of this is on page 111 when Death says, "Just before Liesel Meminger pivoted with nausea to exit the crowd, the shiny, brown-shirted creature walked from the podium." The language is beautiful and intriguing and adds to the story a lot. The use of personification adds to the affect of the action by making it kind of creepy and uncomfortable at times since the person talking about the events is Death. This is shown on page 106 when Death explains, "1.In 1942 and early '43, in that city, the sky was bleached bedsheet-white each morning. 2. All day long, as I carried the souls across it, that sheet was splashed with blood, until it was full and bulging to the earth." This is kind of eerie, and I picture a kind of underworld setting. Figurative language affects the story in the same way, by making it more interesting and entertaining to read.

week 3

In the Book Thief, we see figurative language used in many places. Zusak does a great job using the language to add to the story. The language makes you think about the book much more, you become more interested I think. A good example of figurative language is on the back of the book it says “Death has never been busier, and will become busier still”. This is interesting because it’s giving death capabilities. It’s never been busier, and it’s not stopping soon, it just gives you the creeps. Zusak also uses figurative language when he is comparing two completely different things; it makes you think more about it. The figurative language also enlightens the darker parts in the stories. It makes it a little easier to read with all the terrible parts. Overall the figurative language really adds to the story in many ways.

D3- Literary Elements and Figurative Language

Markus Zusak is a master of figurative writing.  His use of personification and similes is astounding and it continues to catch me off guard while I read The Book Thief.  The part of the story of Hitler's birthdat and the big fire, Zusak personifies the fire: "He recieved a torch from an accomplice and lit the mound, which dwarfed him in all its capability."  This, to me, symbolizes the fire of the Nazi Party engulfing the population of Germany, and that is deep.  Also, this might simulate the fire of hatred engulfing Liesel when she realizes her mother has probably been taken away by the Fuhrer.  Either of these explanations could be considered as a simile and the fire is being personified.  Zusak uses these techniques throughout the story, and particularly when the mood is tense or waiting.  The use of the figurative tools enhances the book a hundred-fold.  Zusak keeps me interested, while I am waiting for the next interesting and inventive figurative phrase.

post 3

The use of figurative language is very evident throughout the Book Thief. The author does a wonderful job incorporating figurative language that creates an image in the reader's mind and makes the novel more interesting. Markus Zusak uses figurative language in comparing unique things that would not often be associated together. He writes descriptively and the words he uses are filled with feeling. I think that his use of figurative language actually contributes to the feel of the novel as a whole. The comparisons sometimes make the scenes feel eerie and strange. This coincides with the overall atmosphere of the book, especially having Death as a narrator. Even in conversation the characters use figurative language. For example, when Liesel is talking to Max about the weather and she states that "there is a big long cloud, and it's stretched out, like a rope. At the end of it, the sun is like a yellow hole...."Interesting comparisons like this contribute to the many unique aspects of The Book Thief.

Discussion #3 - Literary Element/Figurative Language

Markus Zusak's figurative language plays an important role in the book making it unique. There are many things about Zusak's writing style that make this book so appealing. He wrote the book's point of view from Death which is using personification already. Death narrates using personification, imagery, and many similes. "The sky was like soup, boiling and stirring. In some places, it was burned. There were black crumbs, and pepper, streaked across the redness" (12). Death describes the color of the sky so well using a simile and imagery which helps me picture exactly what the sky looked like. Another example of a simile is when Rudy shows Liesel the Road of Yellow Stars. "Shaped like a long, broken arm, the road contained several houses with lacerated windows and bruised walls...Those houses were almost like lepers" (51). Here, Death describes the Jewish people's houses as "infected sores" in the German town and I think that wording in this excerpt really describe what the road looked like. Death is a very important character that uses figurative language often, creating the style of this book which is unique, descriptive, and unlike other books I've read.   

Discussion Post 3

Zusak’s constant use of figurative language gives a unique perspective to his sad story, The Book Thief. He is able to appropriately use figurative language to enhance the meaning of various descriptions as well as add more light to his gloomy story. One example of Zusak’s language is found in the introduction of Max: “The hand splashed at the cold waves of his clothes and the grimy currents beneath.” (139). This unique way of describing the cold and dirty condition of the character, Max, adds more importance to his deprived state. Another example of figurative language is found describing Liesel; “Trust me, though, the words were on their way, and when they arrived, Liesel would hold them in her hands like the clouds, and she would wring them out like rain” (80). This sentence combines personification with similes to signify the power Liesel will have with the power to read. Personification is used through the arrival of Liesel’s “words” while the similes illustrate her holding the clouds, wringing out words (like rain). Zusak’s most important use of figurative language is found in Death, the narrator. The use of personification in Death gives importance to the role of the narrator and the theme of death to the book. Death is able to tell the story of the book thief unlike anyone else, through his deliberate respect for the girl and his rationality. The fact that Zusak uses so much figurative language in his book shows us that this book will be the most descriptive and unlike anything we have read.

Discussion 3- Figurative Language and Literary Elements

Figurative language plays a key part in The Book Thief because it adds to the style of the story, especially when it is narrated by death. An example of this in The Book Thief is on page 99, "Before she could answer, the wooden spoon came down on Liesel Meminger's body like the gait of God. Red marks like footprints, and they burned." This is when Liesel gets hit by her foster mother with a wooden spoon. The figurative language, like similes, really help to understand what the character is going through. Like the example on page 99, if you have never been hit by a wooden spoon, then you probably wouldn't know that the red marks that it makes, are like footprints. These descriptions make the book so much easier to understand and you can really get a clear picture of what's going on. Death is the character that most frequently uses the figurative language, but sometimes, the other characters that are actually in the story do too. The most commonly used literary element in the book so far, seems to be similes, but they are really helpful and usually very descriptive. Zusak does a really good job when know to use this language and which character to have say it. The figurative language is an important part of the style, that is used in the book.

Discussion Topic #3

One of the most unique things about Zusak's writing style is the language used. When I read "The Book Thief", the thing that stuck out to me the most was the way that he used words and phrases to describe things in unusual ways. When I first started the book, I was a little hesitant to agree with all the descriptions he made, but as the reader thinks about what Zusak is saying, they realize that even though the phrases are unconventional, they paint a picture which has layers in the reader's mind. In one part of the book, a picture that Max paints of a "dripping" sun is described. Even though most people wouldn't describe the sun as dripping, the image that it elicits transcends other and more common descriptions, such as a "blazing sun" or a "bright sun".

Another interesting play on words that caught my interest was the way that the narrator notices how a character says something. Instead of words being "blurted" or "spoken", they will be described as hovering between Leisel and Max, or clumsily falling at Hans' feet. This personifies words to an extent that is uncommon in the books I've previously read, but it creates a mood to the reading that other books lack. And in real life, words aren't just spoken, often times they do hover uncertainly or clutter shamefully. The narrator is great at catching these little shifts in the atmosphere that words can cause.

Post # 3 - Literary Elements and Figurative Language

Hooray for quote analysis, eh?
Like Eliza, I feel a need to focus on figurative language in The Book Thief with you guys as well. An important thing that you might have noticed, is that Mr. Zusak even uses figurative language in serious situations of the book, as if to simply put further emphasis on the occurrences which are happening, by using vivid language.

"He was in the pint-sized bath, Liesel listened at the washroom door, imagining the tepid water turning to steam as it warmed his iceberg body. Mama and Papa were at the climax of debate in the combined bedroom and living room, their quiet voices trapped inside the corridor wall" (Pg 214-215)
The act of using the word iceberg to describe Max's body when he is staying in the basement helps the reader realize just how cold it was on Himmel Street that winter. The language then help reinforces Papa's argument on the next page about how Max could possibly die in the basement, should he continue to live down there. But maybe there are some counter-examples to the idea of figurative language stressing important parts of the book?

Discussion 3- Literary Elements and Figurative Language

Figurative language plays an important role in this book. Since the book's written from the point of view of Death (which is already an example of personification), things should be described in a creative and abstract way. In the interview in the back of the book, Marcus Zusak says, "...It's probably what I love most about writing--that words can be used in a way that's like a child playing in a sandpit, rearranging things, swapping them around." Not only does this quote make me respect the author much more, but it describes the use of figurative language in this book perfectly. One example of figurative language in this book is when Death is describing the life of a soldier in WWI. "Cold sweat--that malignant little friend--outstaying its welcome in the armpits and trousers." (175.) In this quote, sweat is being personified. Another example is when Rudy and Liesel are pouring ice onto the street so Otto Sturm would slip when he biked over it. "The road was icy as it was, but Rudy put on the extra coat, barely able to contain a grin. It ran across his face like a skid." (162.) Here, a simile is used to describe Rudy's smile and also, interestingly enough, connect it back to the theme of slipping on ice. The use of figurative language in this book is both interesting and original, in that the most unlikely things to be described figuratively are the ones chosen.

Week Three

Welcome to Week Three of the Discussion! This weeks discussion will run from Monday, March 9 to Sunday, March 15.

This week's discussion will be on figurative language and literary elements in your book. Please find an example of these in your book and POST a 10-sentence comment on it. Don't forget to comment on 5 other posts on this blog. You have all week to complete this assignment, please don't wait until the last minute.

Post #2 Setting

The setting in the Book Thief is completely unique and is like nothing I have read before. To me it is realistic and dark. The book conveys realistically Germany during World War 2 with the mixture of peoples thoughts about the regime and what it was doing. It didn't feel like a black and white history book where it says that almost everyone loved Hitler or they hated him. In the book it shows many where stereotypical Nazi zealots but some had mixed feelings or were unsure what to think about the changes that were happening. What also adds to the realistic setting is how bland the town is where the story takes place, there is no special place or attribute that makes it important or interesting. To me its the characters that push the story along contrary to some books where is almost feels like the setting does. Yet that may not be true, while the setting is bland and grey and the characters vibrant and active. The setting ultimately pushes the story along, with a country pulling out of a recession and conquering most of europe that gives the book its plot. I am going to guess that as the book progresses the settings tone will get darker and darker as Germany starts to lose the war.

Post #2: Setting

The setting of The Book Thief is in Nazi Germany at the time of World War II. The main character, Liesel Hubermann, and her foster family live in a small, poor German neighborhood. Their house is on Himmel Street, which sometimes is portrayed as a dark and eerie feeling sort of place, and sometimes is a bright and hopeful place like when all the children are outside playing.  This street is where most of the story takes place and is the only place that Liesel really knows. The Hubermann’s house is small with very few rooms, the most important of these rooms being the basement. This is where she learns to read which is very important to her and to the plot, because it is probably why she continues to steal books. The basement is also where max stays.

The book does not take place at all in concentration camps, which gives us a different view of the Holocaust than we normally see. I like this a lot because it is important to remember that not everyone that was affected during the holocaust were the people in concentration camps, and that there was also a lot of suffering outside of the camps. I am enjoying the descriptions of setting a lot and I think that they add an extra connection and understanding of the story. 

Setting

The book is set in Nazi Germany. There is a section in the book that describes the common part of the town. It is ravaged by the presence of Hitler's men. The militia marching past is a common sight. An entire street is marked with yellow stars and closed down. There are also people who seem to be part of the setting. There is one woman who stands by the door of her shop and glares as you go past. She also is a big Hitler supporter, and has placed a big photo of Hitler in her shop window. There is also a crazy man who is always whistling. I know that they aren't really part of the setting, but since they are so constant in their presence in the same place, they seem to become part of the setting. Maybe the setting is the people, since there are some people who don't change no matter how much everything around them changes.

Post # 2 - Setting.

Here's a good quote I found at the beginning of my reading for Week #2 I think I should share with you guys. It pertains to setting very nicely.
"In fact, on April 20- the Fuhter's birthday- when she had snatched that book from beneath a steaming heap of ashes, Liesel was a girl made of darkness. The question of course, should be why? What was there to be angry about? What had happened in the past four or five months to culminate in such a feeling? In short, the answer traveled from Himmel Street, to the Fuhrer, to the unfindable location of her real mother, and back again" (Pg 84.)
The way I interpreted that quote is the main idea that... Liesel's misery is deeply rooted in the fact that she's never in the right place at the right time- But also my idea that if she knew where her mother was, "the setting" of her mother so to speak, she would probably be happier as a person.
Feel free to comment?

Setting

The setting of The Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany in 1939. This is partly before World War II, and partly during the war. I think that this setting is able to add more of a sense of seriousness and mystery. Already having Death being the narrator, the setting of this book creates an even more immersive and interesting story to read. World War II is in my opinion, the most interesting war to have occurred so far, so this is able to make the book much more gripping, and engaging than it already was. I think that the novel would be much less interesting, and really would not be able to be as good as it is without the setting being Nazi Germany during this World War. Many of the events in the book, mainly the different books that Liesel steals, are impacted greatly by the mysteriousness of the war, and the secrecy that Liesel must remain under. Also, things like Hans taking in Max would be of no significance without the setting of this war. I am very glad that Zusak chose Nazi Germany as the setting, because it adds so much to the story. I am still enjoying this book a lot, and I think that it is because of Death being the narrator, and the setting of WWII.

setting

Himmel Street, a small place in Germany, is th new home for Leisel after her mother decides its to dangerous to kep her at her old home. The author names this street himmel street, or heaven street, ironically because it is anything but heaven for leisel. The setting itself is portrayed as a sad place-People starving, jews bieng dragged off, leisel bieng very sad herself. The setting is also Leisel's small, dark house that she now lives in. This house reflects the mood of the book. Leisel associates sorrow mixed with bad memories with her new home. The town itself seems very dreary and anything but upbeat. the setting also reflects the characters living in it, all except for rudy. Most characters, such as hans and his wife both appear to b vry bored and plain, as is their house and surroundings.
the overall setting, though, is during WWII when Hitler's regime instituted the holocaust. Ther are no jewish people in Leisel's neighborhood, and the few remaining are slowly dragged away, their shops smashed and houses vandalized. The setting portrays a very racist and severe mood that was occuring at the time.

The Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany. Liesel, the main character, lives with her foster parents in a small German town. They have a small house, with a basement, a kitchen and two bedrooms. Their house is small and dark. The setting in this novel reflects the mood of the story. The mood is very dark and slightly depressing due to the oppression of Jews by Nazi's and the death of her brother that Liesel carries with her. The setting is dark and oppressive just like the mood of the novel.

Post #2 Setting

The part of Germany Leisel lives in is poor and feels empty now that almost all the Jews are gone. It is eerie seeing the empty shops that once belonged to Jewish people. The poor area has less enthusiasm for Hitler than wealthier Germans would. Businesses are failing, as even though the Jewish competition is gone, the Jewish costumers are gone, too. There is rationing, so the Liesel and Rudy steal apples with other kids. Max lives in different environments, though they similarly are compact and his meals are meager. Max and the Hubermanns live in constant fear. Max appreciates what little he has, though. When Max was young, he and Walter were almost equals. Walter is now a Nazi, but he helped Max escape, although Max's family was left behind. Max is able to disguise himself simply by shaving and holding Mein Kampf. This showed how Jews were thought to be completely different from other Germans, and if someone didn't look Jewish, it was assumed that they weren't. Hans is lucky to not have been punished for his lack of enthusiasm for Hitler. He too gets a copy of Hitler's book, and the Nazis don't seem to care much about him as long as he pretends to be a Nazi. As soon as Max arrives, though, Hans has to talk to Liesel about keeping quiet. Fear is really a constant companion for those who aren't Nazis. Even when people like Hans haven't been punished yet, they have to watch each move so they aren't suddenly shipped off to a concentration camp.

Week 2- Setting

The setting of The Book Thief is in Nazi Germany, but it is not centered around a Jew's life in a concentration camp. The setting of The Book Thief is a normal German neighborhood in the period of the Holocaust. In order for someone to understand this book, they need to know some history of the Holocaust and how some non-Jews sacrificed their life in order to help the suffering Jews. Liesel's family is holding a Jew hostage to keep him safe from the Nazis, but the setting impacts her family if they were not surrounded by people saying, "Heil Hitler", all the time, it would be easier for the family to keep their secret. It is quite easy to visualize the setting just because i have learned so much about the Holocaust and seen many pictures. But in my opinion, i like that the setting is more focused on the German's who help the jews rather than just the Jews. I like this because it seems more suspenseful than an ordinary Holocaust book about Jews where you most likely know what is going to happen to them. The setting is so suspenseful because i don't know what is going to happen to these German's and even if they aren't Jews, they could get the same punishment as Jews did if they were caught keeping one in their basement. Overall, i really enjoy the setting of the book and i think it keeps the plot a lot more interesting and unpredictable.

#2 - Setting

The Book Thief takes place in Nazi Germany. More specifically, Liesel lives with her foster parents in a small town in Germany. The setting is described really well so it is easy to picture it. Whenever I am reading it, I imagine this small town looking very run-down and poor, with lots of gray and brown and other dark, depressing colors. I also picture the Hubermann's home and the street being extremely small and dark. The setting definetly reflects the mood of the book and the time period this is set in. The mood has a darker tone to it, which is caused by the events taking place at that time, such as Hitler's rule. During that time there was a lot of fear, which reflects the dark, fearful, depressing setting.

Week 2- Setting

The setting of the Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany. This is a fearful time period for people living there. Liesel, moves to a small town in Germany, and you can really start to see the affects of the war and Hitler’s laws. Many Stores are having a hard time getting business, because many people do not have money to spare. The "Jewish" street has completely emptied out, Liesel may not understand why, but as readers we know that it is because all of the Jews have been captured. Much of the Story takes place in the basement.

In the Beginning of the story the basement was the place where Liesel and her Papa would practice her reading. Liesel would paint the words that she did not know on the walls. Later this basement would house their new friend Max, who was hiding because he is Jewish. The basements turns into a secret place, with Liesel’s words and Max’s pictures painted on the walls. The basement is the easiest place for me to visualize in the book, I can just see the walls all painted over, and the tarp hanging over the hidden space under the stairs where Max sleeps.

D2 - setting

"The Book Thief" takes place in Nazi Germany. This plays a big part of the story because of what was going on in Germany at the time of World War II. Although this was the larger setting, Leisel's world revolves around Himmel street. Throughout the book, a map of Himmel street is drawn out in the reader's mind. From Frau Diller's to the trees by the river, to Grand Strausse, back to the basement at 33 Himmel st., Leisel guides the reader around the town. I think that the most important place in this book is the basement of the Huberman's house. The main reason is because of Max, but also because of how many words the walls hold. Words mean everything to Leisel, and although most of the words on the wall are covered by paint and more words, the layers show how the shy, quiet girl became an avid reader and eventually, a book thief.

Although Max may have hated the basement, the reader learns so much about him and Leisel through it. His paintings on the walls and his fighting with Hitler reveal how he kept himself sane, although these things my seem insane at first. It might have been better for Max to be in the basement because he might have lost his mind if he knew what was going on in the outside world. Especially since he couldn't leave the house anyway. The basement was the most significant setting in this book.

~Eliza

setting

The Book Thief takes place on Himmel Street in a small, dead neighborhood in Nazi Germany. The book starts in 1939 just before World War II, and continues on from there. Liesel and the other characters live in a broken-down, deserted neighborhood as all of the Jewish people have been forced to leave, and thier shops and houses have been torn or burned down. The atmosphere is bleak and dreary, and mud, dirt, and rain are often associated with the neighborhood. When I picture Himmel Street, it looks like an unappealing mixture of gray and brown. I think that this effectively coincides with the events of the book and the time period in which the book takes place. Most people living in Nazi Germany were oppressed and suffered through extremely hard-times just like the Hubermanns. The Hubermanns struggle financially, and the angry personality of Rosa and often somber personality of Hans match the bleak setting. The setting shows no signs of improvement just as the events in the novel and the war show no signs of improvement yet. Overall, I believe that the setting greatly reflects the mood and atmosphere of the book along with the character's personalities.

D2-Setting

I think that the setting is a very inventive way to look at Nazi Germany.  There have been hundreds of books from the Jewish perspective, but I have yet to see on from the perspective of a normal German neighborhood.  The narration of Death gives the setting a look of dreariness and foggy streets and such.  I can't help but picture Himmel street as a filthy, sad place to live.  Also, I think it would be difficult to come up with a more dangerous place to steal things, books in this case.  I feel like the punishment for stealing, even if you weren't Jewish, would be ridiculously harsh and unavoidable.  That is one of the many reasons that this story is set in Nazi Germany.  Also, the "Road of Yellow Stars" leads to Liesel seeing the hate and cruelty in the world as well as when she begins to learn more about Hitler.  She sees the boarded up houses where Jews used to live and their old businesses, now completely destroyed.  She also sees the support Hitler is getting form the people in her town, and all the anti-Semitic propaganda in the shops in town.  This shows Leisel the horror of the Nazi regime and I expect she will end up rebelling, in secret, by the end of the book.

Discussion 2- Setting

The Book Thief is based in Nazi Germany in 1939. Most of the book takes place on Himmel Street so far, where Liesel enjoys playing soccer with the neighborhood kids. Himmel Street is in a neighborhood that is poor and seems kind of like a dark place in the book. It is very different to read a book that takes place in Nazi Germany but not in a concentration camp, but a normal German neighborhood. One of Liesel's best friends gives her a little bit of a tour of the town on their way to school. He points out some shops that were abandoned but still had yellow stars and anti- Jewish slurs and the road of yellow stars. Also on their way to school, troops in training passed them marching. The whole setting of the town and Liesel's neighborhood is very cold and dark feeling but I guess that it to be assumed during the Holocaust. The setting will continue to change and more shops will be abandoned. I can't wait to keep reading and see how the setting affects the plot of the story.

Setting

The Book Thief is based in Himmel Street in Nazi Germany in the year 1939. This point of view is interesting, so far in many World War II books, the center is the concentration camps. This books setting so far is different. Liesel and her foster parents live in the poorer part of Germany; they are really affected by Nazi Germany. The author, Zusak, is really excellent in describing how the city looks and feels. I have a sense of what it looks like most of the time, cloudy, gloomy, and rainy, not the best place to live in. The setting really fits the book, it’s in a horrible time period and it just fits in with how they story should be told, it makes it more realistic. It also helps us realize how terrible place it is to live in this time period. All the struggles the Jews have to go through, it just seems such a terrible place to be. Overall the setting in The Book Thief gloomy and dreary, but it fits the time period for when this was written.

Week 2-Setting

The setting of The Book Thief is appropriately portrayed. During the time of Nazi, Germany, it was very depressing for many. The author's description of the setting is very dark and gloomy. Having Death as it's narrator, adds to the drearyness of this time era. The author captures the negative tone and general mood of Germany that can make almost any reader have permanent pessimist thoughts. As the plot of the story is powerful and dictative, the settting must complement the plot. Nazi, Germany was a very powerful city in that time and helps the plot become stronger because of the great amount of strife. It is important to understand this time period and know a little about the Holocaust in order to connect with the setting as well. With all of the information and books involving Jewish refugees, its interesting to view a different perspective of Nazi supporters and how they are involved. Liesel and her family give a general idea of how life is on the other side of the story.

Discussion 2- Setting

The Book Thief takes place on Himmel Street in Nazi Germany. Himmel Street is the poorer part of town, where families are really feeling the burden of Nazi Germany. The weather is usually damp, cloudy, and chilly, adding to the bleak tone of the book. This tone helps the reader relate to what Nazi Germany was like by showing it is not a nice place to live. Even when Liesel visits the mayor's house in the nicer part of town, the mood remains bleak showing there's really no refuge from the dull weather and feel of the town. I feel like this setting is appropriate for this book. Since the book is narrated by a very sarcastic Death, a cold dull neighborhood as the setting would be expected. Also, since the purpose of the book is to show how hard Nazi Germany was a sad setting would be appropriate because it's meant to be a place we don't want to go. After reading about the cold winters and the slightly warm but not much better summers, this is not a place I'd ever want to visit. This book makes the reader forget every happy thought they had of Germany and replaces it with thoughts of dreary loneliness. Since this is the tone of the book, the choice of Himmel Street as the setting is perfect.

Discussion #2 - Setting

The Book Thief's setting is unlike other books during this time period. Most of them are set in a Jewish neighborhood or concentration camp, where as this book is set in a German neighborhood. I think the author (Markus Zusak) did a great job of taking on a new perspective of the setting. Having Death as the narrator creates an easier way for me to visualize the neighborhood Liesel lives in and what's going on from a "spectator" view rather than seeing the setting from the main characters point of view. I picture the setting as having a cloudy sky, boring/dull houses, with a depressing feel to the neighborhood. The setting impacts Liesel because she begins to realize how the Jews are treated and learns about the "road of yellow stars" where the Jewish people live and have the yellow Star of David on their doors. Being in this setting, Liesel also learns more about people's support of Hitler and Nazi cruelty that is becoming worse and worse. For the reader to understand the time period during the book, they should have some knowledge of the Holocaust or know at least a little information about what was going on during that time period (the Jewish struggles, concentration camps). I think the setting of the book couldn't be changed because if it's altered then the plot would be much different from what it is now.

Discussion #2- Setting

The Book Thief takes place in Nazi Germany. However, in contrast to most books of this time period, this is told from overlooking a normal german neighborhood rather than a concentration camp. This is an interesting perspective to read from because usually a book during the Holocaust time period focuses on the concentration camps and what life was like for the Jews. In order to understand certain parts of the book you need to know a little background information on the Holocaust and about what was happening to the Jewish population. Liesel experiences both the supporters of Hitler and those who are being cruelly punished by him. She is introduced to the "road of yellow stars" where all the Jewish people live with the yellow star of david openly painted on their doors. She also sees the many german shops with ant-Jewish signs posted on the windows. Most of the country follows and supports Hitler, and salute and applaud when the Nazi soldiers march through their streets. Hans Hubermann however doesn't seem to feel very strongly about Hitler and it will be interesting to find out why and see how this influences different events throughout the novel. I can easily visualize the setting from the descriptions of the book. I see it as a dull kind of foggy neighborhood where most people are on the less fortunate side of things. I think that in some ways the book could have been in a different setting, but it wouldn't be as interesting or suspenseful if Hitler's rule wasn't going on during it, and many events would need to be changed.

Discussion Post 2

Unlike most books about the war and holocaust, The Book Thief takes place in the heart of Nazi Germany. In this tense setting, the Nazi party has already proved to be considerably supported by almost all the people. The day of Hitler’s birthday shows this undying support for Hitler, where crowds marched and burned anything they could. The setting of the story also distinguishes the intolerance for Jews. As described in the book, the ‘road of yellow stars’ was a road containing several houses with lacerated windows and bruised walls. These buildings were once the residence for Jews, but now the Nazi regime has desolated them. The book also describes the streets of Germany as a very dull environment: containing concrete, empty trees, and gray air. Although very anti-Semitic and undesirable, the setting shows the reality of Nazi Germany, where you are either with or against the Nazi party. Hans Hubermann, caught in the midst of everything, may possibly be in danger for not completely supporting Hitler. In this case, he is a respectable character caught in the wrong setting.

Discussion Post #2

Most books that are set in Nazi Germany, like The Book Thief, are told from the point of view of a Jew or someone that is fighting the Nazis. However, The Book Thief is about people in a normal German neighborhood that consists of mainly people who follow Hitler. I like the fact that the book is told that way, because it gives you a different view and it is something different from the other books you read. When Liesel walks through her neighborhood, she walks by shops that are owned by people who follow Hitler and agree with him, but she also walks by shops that were owned by Jews but have been shut down. Hans has been open about how he does not agree with Hitler and his way of thinking, even though he can't let anyone know that. He hides a Jewish man, Max, and helps him out. I think the setting is crucial to the overall story, because it would be hard to have the same story set in another country.

Discussion 2-Setting

This book takes place in Nazi Germany. But, the twist in this Holocaust book is that it's not in a concentration camp or a Jewish neighborhood, but in a normal German neighborhood. I think it's an interesting idea and a new perspective. The setting shows Liesel how the rest of the world can hate, which is something she doesn't realize until she starts learning about Hitler. Also, the setting shows Liesel a new side to her father Hans. It shows her that he is a bit of a tortured soul, especially when he actually punishes her for the first time ever. I think the fact that death is narrating make it easier to visualize the setting because you don't have to picture yourself in the place of the main character, but more in the role of a ghost watching from above. It also makes transitions from place to place less shocking. As well as the setting is portrayed, I don't think that it could be set anywhere else, because then Liesel wouldn't have the critical part about her mother in the mix.

Week Two

Welcome to Week Two of our discussion. This discussion will last from Monday, March 2nd to Sunday, March 9th.

This week's discussion is on Setting. Please POST a 10-sentence comment on setting. Don't forget to comment on 5 other posts on this blog. You have all week to complete this assignment, but waiting is not recommended!

Character- Post 1

Liesel Meminger, the main character, is a quiet young girl. Her mother places her into foster care after her brother dies. By the time we meet Liesel she has already been through so much trauma and loss that I can’t help but think that she wasn’t always so shy. However, as soon as she arrives at her new foster parents house, she is too scared to even get out of the car. I can imagine that losing the only two family members she had left would cause such a change in behavior. I do wonder if when she warms up to her new family, we will notice that she becomes more outgoing. Liesel also seems very smart, but does not know how to read. I find this interesting because as soon as Liesel finds her first book, The Gravediggers Handbook, she becomes infatuated with books and reading. My second prediction is that Liesel will learn to read soon, possibly taught by her new foster father, Hans. I have been enjoying the book a lot so far and I am excited to read further into the book to see if my prediction come true.

#1 - Character

The main character of the book is Liesel Meminger. So far, there doesn't seem to be extraordinary or special about her. But because she is the main character, I would assume that will change later. Although it may seem slightly strange that she isn't very extraordinary, Liesel's personality and life seem to help readers connect to her. I definetly think she will grow as a character, although because she is so ordinary, it that changes, readers may lose their connection to her. Liesel is a very likeable character and also seems like one of those people who could get along with pretty much anyone. For example, she becomes friends with Rudy Steiner very quickly, and plays soccer with the other children on the street. Liesel also has a very childish side. For example, she became friends very quickly with the other children and didn't judge them. Another example is that she doesn't seem to fully understand all of the stuff with Hitler, and even more simple things, such as the strange adults living around her on the street.

Character

Liesel is the main character, and she seems like a normal, everyday person. Her not being very special or different is kind of nice. It makes you feel more connected to her. I also like how she so... easy going. She doesn't seem to have any extreme reactions to anything. Like in some books a character will freak out at something that normal people wouldn't, and then it just gets kind of annoying. I'm glad that the author didn't make Leisel like that. She's a very real character. It's really sad all of the bad things that happen to her, since she seems like a person I'd like to be friends with. I think that something in her character will change over the course of the book since she's not very memorable right now. 

Blog post #1 character

The main Character in the Book Thief, a young girl named Liesel seems to me a ordinary character with no extraordinary attributes or a fatal flaw. The memorable characters surround and overshadow the protagonist Liesel which makes if feel if you are inside Liesel's shoes. To make up for this she is surrounded by colorful characters like her father and mother. Liesel, seems childish and maybe the thing that makes her appear to have this attribute is how she is so understanding and tolerant. When Rudy has his "Jesse Owens incident" she does not think twice about it and still considers Rudy her friend. Or how she loves her stepmother even though she beats her and verbally abuses Liesel. Yet Liesel does not appear to have any extraordinary attribute so you see her understanding and tolerance break down. Like when she is supposed to read in class and fails miserably, and when one of the boys makes fun of her for failing she then proceeds to beat him to a pulp. She does have an open mind and is willing to experiment and try new things, like her goal to read well. Liesel most likely not very extraordinary for a protagonist on purpose, to make the reader see her story through her eyes and connect to what she is thinking.

Post #1

The main character and my favorite of the book, is obviously the narrator, Death. He acts very relaxed for the job he has, and that is shown through his demeanor and brazenness towards the situations he encounters. I think that he acts this way because his job has become so routine that he is rarely affected by anything that happens during his work. This is something that I think makes Liesel's story so compelling because someone like Death takes an almost insatiable interest in her life. I can't really relate to Death, just because of the line of work he is involved in, and the fact that he really doesn't live his own life, but experiences others' through his job. I mean to say that there isn't anything that he would do without humans, so their lives are really the only thing he has to observe and take interest in. Death is an extremely interesting choice for the main character because he gives a perspective on the story that can't really be achieved by anyone else. Death is someone who can look onto the happenings of the novel, not someone who is in them. This is able to give the reader a completely new look on the story, and I think that the novel would be much less captivating, had the author not chosen Death as a the narrator. I am looking forward to seeing new ways that Death can portray events through his unique viewpoint.

Post number 1

So far my favorite character in The Book Thief is Hans Hubermann for many reasons. Everybody knows that Hans is Liesel’s foster father and he really provides a sense of family for Liesel. Compared to her crazy foster mother, Rosa Hubermann, who has the ability to “aggravate anyone”. Hans is always there for Liesel in many ways. He is a very quiet character but he really shows his love for Liesel in a different, unique way. Hans is always there to comfort her at night when she is in her nightmares, which really helps Liesel because she is in a hard spot in her life. He shows his love to Liesel by just being with her, he lets her roll his cigarettes, which she thinks is just fantastic because the two spend time together. It is just interesting how Hans and Rosa married each other, they are completely opposites and what did Hans see in Rosa, if anything? I mean how two completely opposite people can ever end up together; it just doesn’t make any sense. Overall Hans is my favorite character because he is caring and is just there for Liesel, he makes her feel comfortable.

Post #1-Character

I chose to comment on the character Hans Hubermann. Hans is Liesel's foster father and is one of my favorite characters so far besides Rudy. Hans is such an interesting man and has the biggest heart. He treats Liesel as if she were his own child with everything that he does. He always is there when she is alone especially at night when she is having one of her frequent nightmares. On page 33 & 34 Zusak gives a little background knowledge of Hans. I enjoyed getting to know him through the authors descriptions, but after knowing that information, it helped me connect with the character on a deeper level while I continued to read. I have also noticed the relationship he has with his wife, Rosa Hubermann, and how frusterated I get. Hans deserves something better than his annoying "aggravating" wife. He puts up with a lot, but I still dont understand why he is married to her. Hans is sweet, witty, caring, thoughtful, and hardworking, ALMOST the complete opposite of his wife. But hey, opposites attract right? Lastly, I really enjoy the positive and loving relationship that Hans has with Liesel. It's refreshing for me to know that Liesel and Hans understand that Rosa is a little off on some aspects of life, like patience and respect. I'm excited to see these characters develop!

Discussion #1 - Character.

So far, throughout the novel of "The Book Thief", my favourite character out of all of them is Rudy Steiner. There's a couple of stand-out points about him that make him a special and interesting character, when compared to some of the others. His asphyxiation with Liesel is confusing in the respect that, not very many boys have the type of "Ladie's Man" type attitude he has until middle school. In a way, Rudy is the comic relief character. Even though he is sort of a comic relief character in situations such as the "Jesse Owens Incident", he still has a bit of wisdom without him as well. He does not act with the discrimination that other children are raised to believe through their parents around WWII. Rudy is not seen speaking Anti-Jewish propaganda [YET- I'm only on age 80, my apologies.] and admires Jesse Owens even when he is black- Whereas the leader of his country refused to shake Jesse's hand for being black, which in itself is such a silly thing. Rudy's determination to be best friends with Liesel also reminds us that while throwing a snow/mudball at her in the beginning was not nice, he is now trying to make it up. We see that through Rudy telling Liesel to "not listen" to her classmates, when they call her Dumbkopf for failing her reading progress exams.

Discussion #1 character

Hans Hubermann is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting characters so far. Right from the beginning Hans Hubermann is a unique character who surprises not only the reader, but also Liesel within the story. When the foster parents are introduced, the reader expects them to be mean and careless as the stereotype often goes, and Rosa Hubermann fits this sterotype. Rosa is short-tempered, angry, harsh, and Liesel hates her. Naturally the reader assumes Hans will be the same way. Hans Hubermann, however, is introduced as a quiet, gentle, and tolerant man. It is obvious from the start that there is more to him than meets the eye. He comforts Liesel and becomes a very important father-like figure in her life. Soon, as the story unfolds, Hans Hubermann starts leaving the house and no one knows where he goes. It is easy to assume what he is up to with a basic knowledge of the plot, but he is introduced as such an unlikely character to be involved in mischief. Overall, the character of Hans Hubermann is somewhat confusing to me as his actions and personality conflict, but it will be interesing to see where his character goes as the story continues.

Discussion #1- Character

Death, the narrator of The Book Thief, is my favorite character of the book so far. Right the beginning he introduces himself as very to the point, saying he is anything but nice but is always fair. He explains how he passes time observing the different tones of the sky and you get to know a little bit about his character. In my opinion, suprisingly he speaks with a very inviting tone that you want to listen to. Then he begins telling the story of Liesel Meminger, the Book Thief. Death starts by telling the story of the death of her little brother, and how the first book she stole was the Gravedigger's Handbook at her brothers funeral. Then he talks about her foster family explaining each of them. I really like how he translates different parts and I feel like I can hear him saying them by the way they are written. It is easy to understand and I really enjoy reading it so far. The way he talks about Hans Hubberman makes him seem like a wonderful, kind, and gentile man. Rosa, his wife, however is very annoying, but Death even makes the point of saying that Rosa does love Liesel. I don't really relate to death because I am not at all like him in the way of wanting people to die and how he even says he isn't nice because I would say that I am. I don't think that he needs to change his ways at all, he is an interesting and intriguing story teller and he adds to the book tremendously. Death isn't really influenced by family or friends as far as i can see, since he obviously is the one taking their souls. However, he does seem to be very curious about Liesel and I can't wait to get farther into the book and see how her career as the Book Thief continues to expand.