Part Seven
Quotations
"In the basement, when she wrote about her life, Liesel vowed that she would never drink champagne again, for it would never taste as good as it did on that warm afternoon in July." --Death, Part Seven (357)
The time that Liesel spent with Hans was so meaningful and special that nothing could ever replicate the amount of joy and happiness she felt that summer. The champagne that she drank that day couldn't be any better even if she tried to make it better.
"As she rode, she tried to tell herself something. You don't deserve to be this happy, Liesel. You really don't. Can a person steal happiness? Or is it just another internal, infernal human trick?" --Liesel, Part Seven (370)
Times were tough financially in Liesel's world, so the only way she could obtain happiness was the stealing of books. Liesel finds happiness in books and if it takes thievery to do so, she will do it. Liesel is a determined young lady and because of this, she gets herself into bad situations.
"That basement was not a washroom. They were not sent there for a shower. For those people, life was still achievable."--Death, Part Seven (376
The people in that basement during the air raid were just innocent people trying to stay alive. But what about the innocent poeple in concentration camps and death camps? do they have a chance at life? No. They don't. The people in that basement should be greatful for that shelter and greatful for that chance of life.
Images
This image reminds me of the day Liesel got a sip of refreshing champagne with her papa. That day was so special to her that the taste of champagne will never taste as good as the day should took that sip.
This is what I envisioned when I read about Hans giving the old Jewish man some bread. Hans did this act of kindness without thinking of the consequences that will come with it. He may of done the right thing in his eyes, but to a Nazi this is a horrible act.
Connections and Historical Context
Blacking out windows was actually performed in WWII to minimize the amount of light showing from a building.
In Part 7, We hear about a parade of Jews walking down Himmel Street and their destination is the labor camp Dachua.
Questions
What was Rudy's reason to forfeit the last race?
Why did Ilsa Hermann basically give Liesel the Duden's Dictionary?
Why did Max leave?
Why did Frau Holtzapfel want Leisel to read to her?
My Thoughts and Response
Part 7 of the book filled me with both happiness and sorrow all in a short about of time as I read. When Rudy finally faces his challenges and overcomes them by winning three gold medals It make me feel happy for him since he doesn't have to worry about facing those challenges in his life again. I was somewhat confused for awhile at to why Rudy forfeited the last race, but I finally understood why and he forfeited the race because he's not Jesse Owens. If Rudy went for his Fourth gold medal streak, he wouldn't have Jesse Owens to look up to as a role model since he would be at the same level of achievement as Jesse.
The whole incident with the Jew parade made me feel disgusted by what the Germans were doing to these poor and helpless people. When Hans came out of the blue and gave that piece of bread to the old helpless Jewish man it made me feel great and happy for the decisions that Hans made. I didn't think of the consequences that he would face so that threw me for a spin. Overall, Part 7 was a great part of the book and I can't wait to read Part 8.
The whole incident with the Jew parade made me feel disgusted by what the Germans were doing to these poor and helpless people. When Hans came out of the blue and gave that piece of bread to the old helpless Jewish man it made me feel great and happy for the decisions that Hans made. I didn't think of the consequences that he would face so that threw me for a spin. Overall, Part 7 was a great part of the book and I can't wait to read Part 8.