In the Book Thief, the book Mein Kampf is held as so important that it is almost seen as holy. This is similar to the Book of Shhh in Delirium, which stands for the "Book of Safety, Health, and Happiness Handbook." Mein Kampf is important as the leader of Nazi Germany was Adolf Hitler, the author of this book. It is seen as disrespectful and unlawful to burn or harm a copy of this book. Everyone must have a copy of this book. In Delirium, everyone also has to have a copy of the Book of Shhh, as it prescribes laws and rules to be followed in society and taught to younger generations as a way of life in that society.
In Delirium, when Alex reveals his true identity to Lena, he tells a shocked Lena that he burned a copy of the Book of Shhh when he was younger. Lena is horrified that anyone would even consider committing such a crime.
In Delirium, when Alex reveals his true identity to Lena, he tells a shocked Lena that he burned a copy of the Book of Shhh when he was younger. Lena is horrified that anyone would even consider committing such a crime.
" 'At first, I was angry. I used to light things on fire. Paper, handbooks, school primers. It made me feel better somehow.' He laughs softly. 'I even burned my copy of The Book of Shhh.'
Another shock pulses through me: Defacing or destroying The Book of Shhh is sacrilege" (229).