flutterby
Fly away!
difficult child has revised the letter to make it fit the requirements of the assignment (catching the attention of the reader quickly).
I feel physically ill. But, here goes: (note: she typed this up on my computer and deleted it, but I guess she didn't think to empty the recycle bin).
There has been door slamming, there has been yelling and there has been fighting. I should also point out that the vast majority of that has been done by difficult child. The rest of it....just...wow. (by the way, Liesel is the main character in the book. A *really* good book, too, if you want to check it out.)
I feel physically ill. But, here goes: (note: she typed this up on my computer and deleted it, but I guess she didn't think to empty the recycle bin).
Dear Markus Zusak: (he's the author of the book)
Ive read a lot of books from the time I learned how to read; too many to count. But for the most part, theyve all just been there for the entertainment factor. But then I read your book, The Book Thief, and for the first time I felt like the book was actually speaking to me. I always knew I wasnt the only one who had to deal with a messed up situation of a life, but I didnt know how much relief I would actually feel hearing about someone who did. I was already aware of how to make myself happy anyway on my own. But just knowing that there really are other people in similar situations made it so much easier; even if the person is a fictional character.
I cant remember a time when anyone in my family acted their age. I cant remember a time when they treated me with any respect, either. Ive been the person in my family with the most maturity from the time that I was two years old. My family thinks they can treat me however they want and Ill just sit there like a brainwashed zombie and take it. They think theyre so perfect and everything they say and do is right. But theyre egos arent the only part to the wonderful adventure of a life I lead. Theyre also mean, selfish, judgmental, hypocritical, and liars. I have more memories of being yelled at then of laughing with my family. I have more memories of being given lists of how Im the worlds worst person than of someone telling me they appreciate me. I have more memories of fighting, arguing, slamming doors, breaking glass, and name-calling (on my familys part, not mine) than anything else. But even though I havent had the ideal childhood, and no doubt I wont have the ideal relationship with my family as an adult, Im still happy and I still try to find the fun in everything
My friends always try to tell me how they understand what I have to deal with, but, in all honesty Mr. Zusak, none of the things they tell me are as bad as the things I have to live with (and by things I mean my family members). Dont get me wrong; I do appreciate my friends for trying to make me feel like Im not alone, they just dont really get it. But about a month ago, I came across The Book Thief in a local bookstore. I read the summary on the back and thought it sounded pretty interesting, so I bought it, not knowing what the book would end up meaning to me.
I started reading it, and from that point on, I had a hard time putting it down. Even in school, I couldnt make myself stop reading to pay attention. Because for the first time, I finally found someone I could relate to, even if it was a fiction character. Liesel and I may not gave gone through the same exact things, but the emotional and mental parts are still there. Liesels life and mine were both turned upside-down because of a bad thing after a bad thing after a bad thing, and yet we were still about to push the problems away and just try to be happy. For once, I felt like someone actually know the difference between typical kid-versus-world problems, and real-deal battles that emotionally scar you for life.
Im not even fifteen yet, but I know The Book Thief both the character and the book itself will stay with me for a very long time. I havent read many books that meant nearly this much to me, and Im glad I found yours when I did. All I can really say is thank you. That you for the laughs, the tears, and the unforgettable message thats bound to linger as if it were brand new for a lifetime.
Sincerely,
There has been door slamming, there has been yelling and there has been fighting. I should also point out that the vast majority of that has been done by difficult child. The rest of it....just...wow. (by the way, Liesel is the main character in the book. A *really* good book, too, if you want to check it out.)