The Book Thief ,by Markus Zusak, is a great way to escape the troubles of daily work. We were able to enjoy an incredible story through Death’s eyes. Death is narrating the life of Liesel Meminger. Liesel is being fostered by Hans and Rosa Hubermann. Throughout Liesel’s story there is evidence of cruel acts of the Nazi’s. Although Liesel sees her world fall apart, she is shown love by the most unlikely people. Markus Zusak edifies that that love brings people together, and can cause them to comfort one another through unfortunate times as well as favorable times. Love is the staple that keeps The Book Thief alive and breathing.
The Book Thief  takes place in Nazi Germany, in a town called Munich. This is where we come to meet the lovely Hubermann’s. Hans and Rosa are two of the biggest influences on Liesel and how she perceives life where she is. Rosa is a strict disciplinary woman who teaches Liesel her place, whereas Hans is a gentle giant who nurtures Liesel. Together, they taught Liesel important lessons to help her succeed in life. Rudy, Liesel’s partner in crime, helps mold Liesel by showing her things she never thought of, along with the fact he’s madly in love with her. Liesel expresses her feelings about Rudy’s deep love for her in this excerpt.  “The only thing worst than a boy who hates you is a boy who loves you.”(pg.52) Liesel also finds her love for words through Max, a Jewish street fighter, who teaches Liesel that words are more powerful than she first thought.
But first we must introduce you to the Hubermanns, who live on Himmel Street. This ordinary German family fueled her on her journey to find her love of words. Himmel means Heaven in German, but Himmel Street is as far from Heaven as Liesel can comprehend. There are several people who live on Himmel Street. Frau Diller, the candy shop owner, Frau Holtzapfel, the crabby woman who finds a love of words through Liesel, and Ilsa Hermann, who technically doesn’t live on Himmel Street, but helps build a relationship with Liesel while reading. These neighbors help shape Liesel. 
Liesel is a thief, she first brushes on her kleptomania while stealing a book. Liesel cannot afford the books to support her love of words, so she starts stealing. She explains why she is a Thief and what draws her to it. “When life robs you, sometimes you have to rob it back.” She later than joins a thieving gang. She steals anything she can get her hands on. Throughout Liesel’s life, Rudy Steiner is her partner in crime. Due to his love for Liesel, he has her back through thick and thin. She later steals books from Ilsa, the mayor’s wife, who eventually gives Liesel her own ,blank, book, Liesel records her life story in this journal. This blank book is the key to the story, the way she shared her incredible story with us.

All in all, our favorite part of Liesel’s story is when Rudy tries to kiss Liesel. He is showing her how much he really cares about her. Rudy loves Liesel in a way that is hard to describe but Zusak does it perfectly. Zusak also goes into great detail about Rudy, our favorite character, he is funny, and original in everything he says and does. We believe if you are looking for a good book to read pick up The Book Thief. Reading this book really gives you insight into what it was like living in Germany in this time. Love is a major theme in this book. The author shows this in how he develops the characters, and how they interact with each other. The Book Thief is an amazing book that falls into the genre of Historical Fiction. Although historical fiction may not be the most interesting genre, we promise you this book is a must read. Zusak incorporates the love and enjoyment of the story but also the sacrifice and struggles the character’s face. For these reasons we recommend you read this book.