Page 141 - The Book Thief

THE ATTRIBUTES OF SUMMER

So there you have it.

Youre well aware of exactly what was coming to Himmel Street by the end of
1940.

I know.

You know.

Liesel Meminger, however, cannot be put into that category.

For the book thief, the summer of that year was simple. It consisted of four main
elements, or attributes. At times, she would wonder which was the most
powerful.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE . . .

Advancing through The Shoulder Shrug every night.

Reading on the floor of the mayors library.

Playing soccer on Himmel Street.

The seizure of a different stealing opportunity.

The Shoulder Shrug, she decided, was excellent. Each night, when she calmed

herself from her nightmare, she was soon pleased that she was awake and able to
read. A few pages? Papa asked her, and Liesel would nod. Sometimes they
would complete a chapter the next afternoon, down in the basement.

The authorities problem with the book was obvious. The protagonist was a Jew,