Page 429 - The Book Thief

ready, Liesel. From the moment you arrived here, clinging to that gate, you were

meant to have this.

Rosa gave her the book.

The cover looked like this:

THE WORD SHAKER
A Small Collection
of Thoughts
for Liesel Meminger

Liesel held it with soft hands. She stared. Thanks, Mama.

She embraced her.

There was also a great longing to tell Rosa Hubermann that she loved her. Its a
shame she didnt say it.

She wanted to read the book in the basement, for old times sake, but Mama
convinced her otherwise. Theres a reason Max got sick down there, she said, and

I can tell you one thing, girl, Im not letting you get sick.

She read in the kitchen.

Red and yellow gaps in the stove.

The Word Shaker.

She made her way through the countless sketches and stories, and the pictures
with captions. Things like Rudy on a dais with three gold medals slung around
his neck. Hair the color of lemons was written beneath it. The snowman made an
appearance, as did a list of the thirteen presents, not to mention the records of
countless nights in the basement or by the fire.