Phrases such as “the pen is mightier than the sword” or “knowledge is power” are often told to a younger generation to emphasize the true power that books (and the words within) can have. Markus Zusak takes this concept and integrates it extremely well in his award-winning novel The Book Thief. Through the actions of the characters in The Book Thief, Zusak illustrates that besides being simply literature, books can form important bonds, can save lives, and can represent power. Often times, similar choices in literature can be the link towards bonds that last forever. Within the novel, a passion for books and/or reading created many key friendships for Liesel. Liesel’s first bond over books is between herself and Hans Hubermann, her new father.
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LIsel comes to know Max Vandenburg in a similar fashion. Liesel is curious of the copy of Mein Kampf he holds. Ever the reader, she is itching to know what it is about, but is too shy to ever approach Max. Finally, after dying of curiosity from seeing the book, “[she finds] the courage to ask her question. ‘Is it - good?’” (Pg. 217). The curiosity Liesel had about the book and the strength it brought her to overcome her shy nature catalyzed the seeds of friendship between Max and Liesel. Without the book, Liesel never would have been able to create the bond which is arguably the most important in the entire book. Books continue to represent a friendship between Liesel and Max- Max even going as far as to create Liesel a book about their friendship. The book he writes for Liesel, The Word Shaker, alludes to the power of books and also talks about the dynamic of Liesel and Max’s relationship. Max writes: “Together, they stayed in the summit of the tree”, which shows that their bonds over books and words was something nobody else could match and would always keep them bonded
LIsel comes to know Max Vandenburg in a similar fashion. Liesel is curious of the copy of Mein Kampf he holds. Ever the reader, she is itching to know what it is about, but is too shy to ever approach Max. Finally, after dying of curiosity from seeing the book, “[she finds] the courage to ask her question. ‘Is it - good?’” (Pg. 217). The curiosity Liesel had about the book and the strength it brought her to overcome her shy nature catalyzed the seeds of friendship between Max and Liesel. Without the book, Liesel never would have been able to create the bond which is arguably the most important in the entire book. Books continue to represent a friendship between Liesel and Max- Max even going as far as to create Liesel a book about their friendship. The book he writes for Liesel, The Word Shaker, alludes to the power of books and also talks about the dynamic of Liesel and Max’s relationship. Max writes: “Together, they stayed in the summit of the tree”, which shows that their bonds over books and words was something nobody else could match and would always keep them bonded