Walking on thin ice

A lot has changed in the novel. A few of my predictions were right from the previous reading. The narrator is revealed, Death is telling the story. And we find out that Rudy Steiner will die, Death does not explain anything more then that. The Book Thief or more formally known as Liesel begins to steal more and more. It begins with just books at a "need-to-need" basis she explains. Every time she steals she seems to give an excuse as to why it was necessary to almost clear her conscience. She also starts stealing food from her growing hunger. From a nearby farm Rudy and Liesel start getting what ever they can put their hands on. All of this takes place during the summer time. After the summer the book detours to Max Vandenburg and starts to explain who he is. He is a Jew in his early 20's who is being hidden from the Nazis. When we first are introduced to him, he was hiding with his childhood friend at his house. Liesel's father Hans was good friends with Max's dad when he was in the army. Max's dad taught Hans how to play the accordion which became a big hobby for Hans. They had a strong bond while in the army, becoming best friends Hans explained. One day they were told to get ready for a mission with no details provided. Their commander asked one person to step forward who is the best writer to help out with some letters. Max Vadenburg's father (whom we never learn the name of) tells the commander that Hans has the best writing he has every laid his eyes upon. So Hans stayed on the base and wrote letters to family's who had lost loved ones. Everyone who went on the mission that day died. Hans returned home and made a visit to Max's mom and said if there is anything you ever need do not hesitate to come to me. He gave her his address and left. This whole section of the story was very interesting and explains a lot about Hans' character. Later on Max ends up needing to relocate, there is a growing suspicion where he is staying, he goes to Hans. Max ends up coming to live with the Hubermanns (Hans' family) in the basement. I was expecting something like this to happen, you can hear from how the Hubermanns talk that they are against everything that the Nazi party stands for and does. I like the fact that they will always have this danger in there life, just 1 floor down. It keeps you on the edge of your seat which Markus Zusak has done a great job of doing. I also enjoyed reading the part when Max explained his story. I am very interested in this time period and he described it in historical context. I think there is a lot more in store for Max and Liesel who seem to be growing a friendship, through books.