Student Question
What is the title of Max's book in The Book Thief?
Quick answer:
The title of Max's book is "The Word Shaker." He creates it by painting over the pages of Hitler's Mein Kampf and writing his own story, which shares his experiences, feelings about being a Jew and a German, and his affection for Liesel. This book not only strengthens their bond but also inspires Liesel to write her own story, ultimately saving her life during a bombing by keeping her in the basement.
The book that Max writes is called The Word Shaker. Interestingly, he takes the pages from a copy of Hitler's Mein Kampf and paints the text white. Then, on the freshly whitened pages, he uses black paint to write a new book. It is a touching book that tells his brief history, summarizes the war and many feelings about being a Jew and a German, and expresses affection and kindness for Liesel. It is touching, and he does it as a way to pass time, and as a way to bond with Liesel and show her that he cares for her and is appreciative of her friendship. Liesel cherishes the book, especially after Max is forced to leave their household for safety reasons.
Max's book also inspires Liesel to write her own history, and as the novel progresses, it is this decision that, in the end, saves her life. She is in the basement writing her story when the bombs fall on her city. Her life is saved because she was safe in the basement.
I hope that helped; good luck!
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