In the beginning of the book we also see that the author is very into color. In every chapter, there is something about color. He writes, "First the colors. Then the humans. That's usually how I see things. Or at least, how I try" (3). This quote really describes how he views things in life, based on color. "Some of you are most likely thinking that white is not really a color and all of that tired sort of nonsense. Well, I'm here to tell you that it is. White is without question a color, and personally, I don't think you want to argue with me" (6). Zusak really shows his true feelings about color here. Everything to him seems to be a color and seems to have a different meaning. It will be interesting to continue to read and see what role color plays in this book.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Quarter 3 Outside Reading Post 1: The Book Thief
This quarter for outside reading, I am reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It is about a young girl, Lisel, who has recently moved to Germany to live with her foster parents. She is a ten year old girl who hasn't really had a chance to expirience life yet because she was poor. Zusak uses many vivid descriptions in his book. One description of Lisel he writes is, "Everything about her was undernourished. Wirelike shins. Coat hanger arms. She did not produce it easily, but when it came, she had a starving smile. Her hair was a close enough brand of German blond, but she had dangerous eyes. Dark brown" (31). From this description, we see that it was obvious Lisel was poor because she was very skinny and didn't have a healthy look about her. In the beginning of the book, we also find out that the narrator calls her "the book thief". She aquired this name because she steels books whenever she sees some lying around. Although she is illiterate, she still thrives to find new books. Zusak writes, "There was something black and rectangular lodged in the snow. Only the girl saw it. She bent down and picked it up and held it firmly in her fingers" (24). This is one of the most valuable books Lisel inquired because she stole it at her brother's feuneral. This was the last time she was with her brother so she cherishes this book.
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5 comments:
I've heard this is a really good book. Personally, I think it's odd that she would pick up books if she can't read. I mean I can understand the emotional tie to the book she found at her brother's funeral, but what about the others?
That is interesting, how the narrator is so obsessed with color. I agree with Shannon, why would she steal books if she can't read? That puzzles me. Hopefully she will somehow teach herself?
I am reading this book too. I love the first descriptive quote you picked. It not only describes Lisel, but it also tells about what time period she was living through. the "dangerous" brown eyes is referring to the fact that Jews were persecuted during this time in Germany, and they often have brown eyes. I agree with Shannon and Emily, and am curious to see if she learns how to read.
I like how you discuss the importance of color in this novel and begin to make predictions about later significance of color in the book. I have read this book before and I really enjoyed it, so I'm glad to see other people reading it.
I would love to read this book although it is a bit confusing! I don't understand why she would steal books if she can't read. Maybe the reason of this is to try and teach herself or get help in order to make a better life with intelligent choices.
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