"Fire! Fire!" My mother screams, eyes frantic. I rush downstairs to see a bright orange fire quickly growing from the carpet, the smoke already getting into my eyes and choking me. My mother grabs my cat and my father's hand and runs out of the house, calling me after her.
I already have my phone in my hand, and I have to make a split second decision.
What is one other thing I want to bring?
My mind immediately comes to the decision. I go upstairs and grab my cat stuffy. I've had this cat for as long as I can remember; my aunt got it for me when I was three. I can't sleep without her, and although one of her eyes has fallen out since I've cuddled her so much, I still love her just as much.
What item would you guys bring? Let me know in the comments!
What about characters in my book?
That is what I would bring if there were an house fire. Now, what about Liesel in The Book Thief? What are four items she would bring with her in an emergency evacuation?
If Liesel had to only bring four items, I believe they would be
The book that she is writing, The Book Thief
The first book that she ever stole, The Gravedigger's Handbook
The book that Max wrote for her, The Word Shaker
Her Papa's accordion
Most of the things Liesel would bring are books. Books are the most important things to her, and not only do they symbolize her love of reading, but they also connect her to people and events in her life.
The Book Thief
Liesel would bring the book she is writing, as throughout the book we see her mature and her confidence develop when she learns her love of reading and books. One of her comfort places is Isla Hermann's library, as she is amazed by all the books there. At the end of the book, Isla gives Liesel a journal where she can write her own story. Liesel begins to write, and I think her book means a lot to her, so that is what she would bring.
The Gravedigger's Handbook
She would also bring the first book she ever stole over all the other ones that she stole because it was the book that helped her learn the alphabet, and learn to read. It was the book that began her journey of book thieving, and it helped her find her happy place and gave her something to remember her brother by.
The Word Shaker
The last book Liesel would bring would be The Word Shaker, written by Max. This book is very important to our protagonist as it represents her friendship with Max, and it reminds her of how important words are and how much of an impact she has made on Max. It gives her hope.
The accordion
Lastly, she would bring her Papa's accordion. If her Papa hadn't already gotten it himself, I think she would bring it out for him. She would like to have it to remind her of her Papa, as well as it would remind her of safety. Hans uses the accordion to distract Liesel from the hard times, and just the presence of it would bring her comfort.
Do you guys agree with me? Let me know! Also let me know what you think any of the other characters would bring!
I find it fascinating that Liesel could put such strong ties into a book. Wow!