Book Thief Vocab Part 5

swatika- Nazi emblem.
fringe- an ornamental border.
frugal- characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources.
hypothermia- subnormal temperature of the body.
evoke- to call forth or up.

Stealing

I feel really sorry for Liesel. I can't even think of being hungry and hopeless and knowing there is no food or any hope to continue. Even though her life is full of sadness, there are plenty of other options she should consider instead of stealing. She should try looking for a job in which she can get a salary, even though it won't be a lot, it's a start. Liesel can also kindly ask the owner of the orchard tree for some fruit, and offer something else in exchange. She could also start growing her own source of food. Liesel is old enough to know right from wrong, and she should keep in mind stealing is wrong. No matter how tough the circumstances are, there are plenty other options for her to opt to.

The Book Thief Vocab

Unflinching: not flinching or shrinking.
Implicit: capable of being understood from something else though unexpressed.
Spur: to incite to action or accelerated growth or development.
Auspicious: promising success; propitious; opportune; favorable.
Derision: the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt.

The Book Thief Prediction

Liesel will definitely embark in a somewhat big and dangerous adventure. The author is slowly building it all up. Even though she's still mourning her brother's death and missing her mother, I'm sure Liesel will overcome these feelings and triumph. As to the book stealing, I think she'll become obsessed with stealing books and submerging herself into the deep sea of knowledge they contain and keep doing it compulsively, and she'll be discovered, however that won't stop her. Also, I don't think when she arrived at her new home was the last time she saw her mother, she'll find a way to go back to her. As to Hans Hubermann, I predict he and Liesel will establish a strong connection and he'll somehow help her and cover for her through tough times.

Anita's Journal

June 14, 1961
On Wednesday, Anita feels sorry for Tia Mari having to worry about meals every day. Oscar and his sisters still don't know about Anita and Mami, so his parents keep using excuses to stay in their bedroom as much as they can.

June 15, 1961
Maria overhears the Mancini sisters playing outside and desperately longs to do that someday. Tia Maria tells Anita to be understanding with her mother, for she has been under tremendous pressure, and she tells Anita she should pray to La Virgencita.

July 17. 1961
Chucha sees Tia Mari, and tells her to remind Anita to get ready to use her wings. She also sends a card of San Miguel flying (symbolism to use her wings).

Second Before We Were Free Question

I think the Mancinis are great people by giving Anita and her mother some shelter, food, and even spending quality time with them! I think the Mancinis are doing something extra to be better people, they don't have to do this, and even though they are putting their families in grave danger, this case is much different than Papi and Tio Toni's for the following reasons. First of all, Mr. Mancini is part of the Italian embassy, so he's kind of trusted, so their home probably won't be inspected. Another reason is that Tio Pepe and Tia Mari are helping them through a hard situation, while Papi and Tio Toni gave them no choice but to stay in Dominican Republic and face the consequences until they are free.

Before We Were Free

I think Papi and Tio Toni shouldn't put their family in danger like this. I think it's great that they're fighting for justice and democracy, but I don't think it's fair for their family to suffer the consequences. Constant raids by the SIM, no school for weeks and having to stay home everyday must be pretty boring and dreadful. If Papi wants to fight, go ahead, but he should at least send his family to the United States, where they can be free and not suffer because of others' personal decisions.

Favorite Book Read in Middle School

My favorite book read in Middle School so far has been The Giver by Lois Lowry. It was awesome, especially because I've always wondered why we can't just live in a perfect world with no violence, poverty, or harm. Even though these things are not nice at all, living in a world without them would just not be complete! We have to live freely without any limitations, because there is no such thing as perfection, and by trying to reach it, we leave the important details out, creating a blank and emotionally deprived society without any feelings or emotions. So this is exactly why I love this book, it taught me a great life lesson, and it was really entertaining to read, I just couldn't put it down once I started.