Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Many people in the book club had difficulty with the beginning of the book. However, they appreciated more as they read further along. One woman, though, did not have a problem with the beginning. She thought it set the tone. People thought it was interesting that the author personified Death to tell the story of the characters. One person brought out that this is a common element in literature. Someone brought up if anyone felt sorry for Death, because it gets no end. It is in a continual circle. Everyone agreed that the subject matter, World War II in Germany, was very difficult. One woman said the book humanized the German people. People felt very sorry when the town was bombed. Liesel (nine years old at the beginning of the book) is the main character, and she learns to read from her foster father Hans from a book she stole from her brother's grave. She says "Papa, you saved me. You taught me how to read." Hans, and his wife Rosa, and Liesel hide a Jewish man, Max, in their cellar. Liesel develops a strong bond with Max, and he writes books for her on the pages of Mein Kampf. The mayor's wife lets her read and even steal books to read. She reads to everyone during the air raids. Everyone thought the characterization was excellent. People discussed the message of the book. One said it showed how goodness survives. Another disagreed and said it showed how evil overtakes goodness. People discussed how Hitler was a man of words and ideas, and how it all started with one individual. It was discussed why good people do nothing, and one person said it is because each person wants himself or herself to survive. People brought up how children do not understand about evil. Liesel goes to and participates in Hitler Youth meetings, even when she is hiding Max and is friends with Max. Another person brought up that this is a young adult novel, and after the author appeared on a talk show, it became popular with adults. People concluded by discussing how young adults do not read anymore, and that this is not good for society.