Log #8

Book: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

        Because of the coming of Max, everything changed in Liesel’s family. They needed to live a life under the fear of being found the truth, they needed to arrange less food and leave one for Max. Although the coming of Max brought many inconvenience to this family, they also had experienced many happy and unforgettable memories. For example, on the Christmas day, Liesel brought much snow into the house, playing with Max in the basement. Then, father and mother all came to join them, throwing the snow balls to each other and making the snow man together. For Max, it is the happiest moment he has had since he started to escape from the arrest of Nazi. Unfortunately, he was sick because of the cold of the basement, and the joy of playing snow that day. He hasn’t woken up for almost one week. Liesel and her parents were quite worried about his health for reasons. One was their concern about Max’ disease. The other is the trouble of dealing with his body if he died.

There are some parts of plots I am touched for. During those days Max’s illness and no waking up, Liesel encouraged him by sharing her day and brining something special for her from the street, recording her everyday life. Furthermore, she spent much time staying beside Max, reading books for him, chapters after chapters. I see the care of Liesel for Max. Some thoughts come into my mind that, sometimes we do many things for others just for the caring, no searching for the repay. This kind of giving is selfless and valuable, especially seeing from a little girl, especially under such this tough situation—the pressure of hiding a Jews.

        The other part which I think there is important plots is that Nazi troop searched for some appropriate basement as shelters. Nazi troop found the suitable ones form house to house. This news was heard by Liesel when she was playing football with Rudy. Her intelligent and quick reaction saved her family and Max. When I read this part, I was very nervous that what if Max was found by Nazi. For Liesel’s brilliant resolution, I admire what she had done calmly in an urgent time, especially in her age. Another thing that I am impressed is Hans’ strategy. In his opinion, doing nothing and acting like nothing happened were the best ways to not make Nazi troop suspect of them. Thankfully, they were safe in the end; the Nazi troop didn’t find Max. Sometimes, we all have chance to face the tough moment and dilemma, and they are not be avoided. All we can do is to wait out the development and it is no use getting nervous. I seldom can handle such this emergency, so I have much feeling about what her reaction, not to mention it is about their lives.