Quotes from "The Book Thief"

Some of my favorite quotes from the first few chapters of "The Book Thief":

This is the entire first page (plus a little bit more):

First the colors.
Then the humans.
That's usually how I see things.
Or at least, how I try.

***HERE IS A SMALL FACT***

You are going to die.

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.

***REACTION TO THE AFOREMENTIONED FACT***

Does this worry you?

I urge you--don't be afraid.

I'm nothing if not fair.

--Of course, an introduction.
A beginning.
Where are my manners?
I could introduce myself properly, but it's not really necessary. You will know me well enough and soon enough, depending on a diverse range of variables. It suffices to say that at some point in time, I will be standing over you, as genially as possible. Your soul will be in my arms. A color will be perched on your shoulder. I will carry you gently away.

Two pages later:

White is without a question a color, and personally, I don't think you want to argue with me.

***A REASSURING ANNOUNCEMENT***

Please, be calm, despite that previous threat.

I am all bluster--I am not violent.

I am not malicious.

I am a result.

And one of my favorites:

***A TRANSLATION***

Himmel = Heaven

Whoever named Himmel Street certainly had a healthy sense of irony. Not that it was a living hell. It wasn't. But it sure as hell wasn't heaven, either.