“How about a kiss, Saumensch?”

“How 'bout a kiss, Saumensch?" -- Rudy Steiner”

“A book floated down the Amper River.A boy jumped in, caught up to it, and heldit in his right hand. He grinned. He stoodwaist-deep in the icy, Decemberish water.“How about a kiss, Saumensch?” he said.”

“How about a kiss, Saumensch?"He stood waist-deep in the water for a few moments longer before climbing out and handing her the book. His pants clung to him, and he did not stop walking. In truth, I think he was afraid. Rudy Steiner was scared of the book thief's kiss. He must have longed for it so much. He must have loved her so incredibly hard. So hard that he would never ask for her lips again and would go to his grave without them.”

“When a person's last response was Saumensch or Saukerl or Arschloch, you knew you had them beaten.”

“How about I kiss you so we can get past this awkwardness?”