BOOK THIEF PART ONE

Zusak describes nervousness as a slow strangulation, "a string of nerves tightened in Liesel's ribs. It started in her stomach but had worked its way up. Soon it would be around her neck, thick as rope.'

I would say this is a very accurate description of stress and nervousness. It's common to feel as if you cannot breathe when you're extremely nervous.

Please ask your questions separately.