The Book Thief

It is back to me for February and I have selected The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Sorry it is so long for a short month. It is a quick read.

Synopsis: It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Laura's Thoughts on Prince Caspian

My thoughts are not as well organized as Thom's, but here goes.

I do believe that there is religions symbolism in the book. How can you not? I especially like the notion that Aslan guides the characters rather than telling them what to do.

I am not sure why people were caught off guard by the fight regarding the White Witch. It is an interesting observation, however. Why is it the people are always surprised that trouble ensues when evil is mentioned? Somehow people think you can be involved in bad things without negative consequences.

Finally, I think my favorite character in this book was Edmund. I like the way he struggles to make amends for his role in Lion, Witch and Wardrobe. Of course, I too love Peter.

Thom's thoughts on Prince Caspian

I love all of these books. It was good and fun and filled with battles. Yeah! As for Amy's discussion questions:

Question 1: Did you feel that this book had any religious or symbolic references?
I totally do. It is as if the people stopped believing in Aslan/Christ and that they had perverted the right ways. I see this time as the dark ages, the time without light and knowledge. It took a young boy who was willing to learn, ask, and act to bring Aslan back.


Question 2: In the book there is the part where Peter, Edmund and Trumpkin are listening to the arguments behind the door of whether or not they should call on the powers of the White Witch. Within a few minutes a small battle ensues. It seemed even Dr. Cornelius did not see it coming? Why do you think this happened? Could they have prevented it?
I don't know about this. I don't think that anyone really thought that the White Witch would have been brought up, even Dr. Cornelius. It is true that the dwarfs were treated well by her, but I do believe that the group was caught off guard. What frustrated me about this was that Peter et al. didn't rush in earlier. As soon as they heard the White Witch's name they should have stepped in and said that they were there.

Question 3: Who was your favorite character, and why? :)
Mine will always be Aslan. He is such a strong and compassionate leader. I love how Peter accepts his role in these first two books, but it is amazing how Aslan can see the good in everyone. What a great character!