“There was also a rumor that later in the day, she walked fully clothed into the Amper River and said something very strange.Something about a kiss.Something about a Saumensch.How many times did she have to say goodbye?”

“Of course I told him about you," Liesel said. She was saying goodbye and she didn't even know it”

“Liesel crossed the bridge over the Amper River. The water was glorious and emerald and rich. She could see the stones at the bottom and hear the familiar song of water. The world did not deserve such a river.”

“She was saying goodbye and she didn't even know it.”

“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.”

“As it turned out, Ilsa Hermann not only gave Liesel Meminger a book that day. She also gave her a reason to spend time in the basement, her favorite place, first with Papa, then Max. She gave her a reason to write her own words, to see that words had also brought her to life."Don't punish yourself", she heard her say again, but there would be punishment and pain, and there would be happiness, too. That was writing.”

“No matter how many times she was told that she was loved, there was no recognition that the proof was in the abandonment.”