The Book Thief Read-Along: Parts 4-6

The Book Thief reread along is hosted by Suey, Kathy, and Kami. If you want to join in the fun, you can sign up here.

We read Parts 4 through 6 from September 11 until September 20. Here are the discussion questions:

1. What emotions have you felt while reading? Are they strong emotions?
2. Several characters mention similarities between Max and Liesel. What similarities have you noticed, and why do you think the author made these characters relate to each other?
3. What do you think of The Standover Man (aka the book Max wrote for Liesel)?
4. How do you feel about knowing who is going to die in the end and what are some of your predictions?
5. What do you think of Rudy’s rebellious attitude?
6. Is Rosa growing on you?
7. What do you think of the relationship between Max and Liesel?
8. Why do you think Liesel is so determined to steal from the Mayor’s library?
9. What really stands out to you in the story and why?
10. If you were in Hans’ position, would you have helped/hid Max?

My Answers

1. I’ve felt sadness mostly because of Death’s foreshadowing and knowing what’s going to happen. Plus, sadness from the events happening around all the characters and all they have to go through. I’ve also felt some happiness because of the bravery of the characters and the little things that help their lives seem normal in an otherwise hideous world.
2. They were both displaced because of Hitler. They were both forced to adapt to environments they weren’t used to. I think Markus wrote them as kindred spirits because they needed each other to survive (if they survive) the horrific events of WWII.
3. I loved it. It made me cry. I absolutely adored the drawings.
4. I think it’ll help prepare me. But, I don’t like it one bit. And, I don’t have any predictions at this point because I just don’t want to even think about it.
5. I think it’s typical of a boy his age, but it’s dangerous in the place and time he lives in. And, if he knew what he was doing, I’d think it was brave. But, I just think he’s being a typical boy and it’s going to get him killed because he lives in Nazi Germany.
6. Yes. I think her harsh demeanor is her way of dealing with the horrific world around her.
7. I think it’s great. They help each other survive. She gives him eyes to the outside world and he gives her companionship in a way Hans, Rosa, and Rudy can’t give her.
8. I think because she felt betrayed by the mayor’s wife and it was her way of betraying her back.
9. Death. And, that while we can’t escape it, the way death happens sometimes isn’t necessary. War and hatred causes too much unnecessary bloodshed and death.
10. I don’t know. I would like to think I would have, but I don’t think anyone can really know what they’d do until they were in the exact same situation.