After reading the novel, what do you think the author wants his readers to understand and take with them beyond the actual story?

Zusak wants the reader to understand the stories beyond the stories. He wrote this novel using snippets of memories his parents had of the war..... the kinds of things we don't hear about. Thus, Zusak wanted The Book Thief to reflect these feelings and emotions.... to depict the real people. He wanted us to meet the people who didn't want to follow along..... the people who took care of their friends at great risk to themselves, and also to expose us to the humor that continued to invade everday life regardless of the big picture.