The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It is 1939 in Nazi Germany. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

By her brother's grave side, Liesel's life is forever changed as she picks up the grave digger's hand book in the snow, a last connection to her dear brother. Her mother is a communist, it will be dangerous for Liesel to live with her. Therefore, she is shipped to her foster parents, Hans and Rosa, on Himmel Street.

After stealing the grave digger's handbook, she begins to love books and words. Then, she started stealing them from the Nazi book burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever books may be found. She made a number of friends. Rudy, one of her friends, accompanies her when she goes to school, play soccer, and of course-- stealing.

But these are dangerous times. Liesel's foster father takes in a Jewish man, whose father saved Han's life. Things change.

Quotes:

“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.”

― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

“She leaned down and looked at his lifeless face and Leisel kissed her best friend, Rudy Steiner, soft and true on his lips. He tasted dusty and sweet. He tasted like regret in the shadows of trees and in the glow of the anarchist's suit collection. She kissed him long and soft, and when she pulled herself away, she touched his mouth with her fingers...She did not say goodbye. She was incapable, and after a few more minutes at his side, she was able to tear herself from the ground. It amazes me what humans can do, even when streams are flowing down their faces and they stagger on...”

― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

“How about a kiss, Saumensch?"

He stood waist-deep in the water for a few moments longer before climbing out and handing her the book. His pants clung to him, and he did not stop walking. In truth, I think he was afraid. Rudy Steiner was scared of the book thief's kiss. He must have longed for it so much. He must have loved her so incredibly hard. So hard that he would never ask for her lips again and would go to

his grave without them.”

― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief