The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

I am in all truthfulness attempting to be cheerful about this whole topic, though most people find themselves hindered in believing me, no matter my protestations. Please, trust me. I most definitely can be cheerful. I can be amiable. Agreeable. Affable. And that’s only the A’s. Just don’t ask me to be nice. Nice has nothing to do with me.

love this quote by Death

Not leaving: an act of trust and love, often deciphered by children

Such a great quote and a wonderful example of provision of love to children, especially those impacted by trauma.

They walked around a few corners onto Himmel Street, and Alex said, “Son, you can’t go around painting yourself black, you hear?” Rudy was interested, and confused. The moon was undone now, free to move and rise and fall and drip on the boy’s face, making him nice and murky, like his thoughts. “Why not, Papa?” “Because they’ll take you away.” “Why?” “Because you shouldn’t want to be like black people or Jewish people or anyone who is … not us.”

Racism being taught. Love that Rudy's spirit remained undaunted and he acted on his compassion throughout in a time where fear drove others to conformity.