Finished The Book Thief – and it left me in tears

I just finished The Book Thief, and I didn’t expect it to leave me this emotional. I went in knowing it was a sad book, but no book has made me this emotional since Flowers for Algernon, but as I read, I found myself crying throughout the book. It wasn’t even one big moment—I’d be reading, and tears would well up, falling here and there as different parts of the story unfolded.

I didn’t connect with every character, but I related to a few specific traits. Liesel’s love for books and her regrets of not taking action (not kissing Rudy) really hit home for me. It made me remember all the regrets I have for not taking action in some situations.

Hans Huberman’s quiet, steady nature, the way he handled everything with such calmness and care—made me appreciate him and I aspire to become the kind of person he was.

The book started out feeling so wholesome (after the initial sadness), but as it progressed, it got darker while still keeping some of those heartfelt moments. It made me think about how words can both save and destroy, and how some relationships can provide light even in the darkest times. I guess it’s one of those stories where you don’t realize how much it’s affecting you until you’ve finished, and then it all comes crashing down.

Also, recommend some books like it that are a roller-coaster of emotions if you can.