She said it out loud, the words distributed into a room that was full of cold air and books. Books everywhere! Each wall was armed with overcrowded yet immaculate shelving. It was barely possible to see paintwork. There were all different styles and sizes of lettering on the spines of the black, the red, the gray, the every-colored books. It was one of the most beautiful things Liesel Meminger had ever seen. With wonder, she smiled. That such a room existed!. Markus Zusak
About This Quote

Liesel, the young girl narrator in this story, is surprised to discover that there are so many books in her town of Molching. She has never seen so many books, all being read by different people. The narrator is amazed at how independent these people are, who are able to read the books they want without any interference from adults. This book shows how love of reading develops in children.

It also shows how life can be quite different from what is expected by adults. Liesel is saved by being able to read and use her intelligence to escape death. This quote reflects that the power of reading can change everything for a person.

Source: The Book Thief

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